Inflection Point Engineering Fractionation Design Guide

Pressure Control

Chapter from the Fractionation Design Guide.

Pressure Control Strategy

Control Method Description & Application Recommended Range
Overhead Condenser Duty Modulate cooling duty to control reflux & pressure ±5 psi band
Product Drawoff Vary bottom or overhead withdrawal rate ±3 psi band
Vent/Dump Emergency relief, not for routine control Safety margin only
Vapor/Liquid Split Adjust reflux ratio while maintaining feed Tight control ±2 psi

Control Valve Selection

Location Valve Type % Installed
Condenser outlet Globe, Equal % 60
Bottom drawoff Ball/Gate 100
Feed inlet Globe, Linear 80

Source: Fractionation_Design_Guide_v1.xlsx · sheet “Pressure_Control”