This opening session of our 6-session Distillation 2009 Topical Conference addresses some of the currently key distillation issues: Optimization and Energy Savings. Recent upward trend in energy costs created a necessity for innovation in energy utilization, and our session will discuss some of the most promising innovations in the field. Correctly monitoring and troubleshooting existing towers is probably the most important step for good optimization, as will be demonstrated by some exciting down-to-earth papers. Optimization of separation trains and an overview of Japan’s tray and packing technology are contributions that will provide us with valuable ideas for improving our towers.

Topical 8: Distillation Topical