Ambient simulation columns are the most common type of test facilities used for the evaluation of distillation internals. This is due to their economical installation and operating costs. The fundamental problem with simulators is that the system properties of the test fluids do not directly match the properties of the actual industrial fluids. Sometimes, the differences are rather small, as with atmospheric columns. Other times, the differences are quite significant, as with high pressure applications. This paper will evaluate how and when ambient simulation test data can be used effectively for evaluation of internals. It will also discuss the pitfalls of relying on such data for the design of internals for poorly suited industrial applications.

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