The paper discusses the system identification of a debutanizer column, a complex unit operation in chemical engineering, focusing on obtaining mathematical models through simulations. Using MATLAB's system identification toolbox, both linear and nonlinear models were analyzed, revealing instability in the linear model while some parameters in the nonlinear model demonstrated stability. The study highlights the challenges of managing such systems and the importance of accurate modeling for achieving stability.

1. Abstract of Applied Sciences and Engineering, 2014, Vol.1
DOI: 10.18488/journal.1001/2014.1/1001.1
1st
International Scientific Conference on Applied
Sciences and Engineering
20-21 December, 2014
Pearl International Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Conference Website: www.scihost.org
2
Paper ID: 510/14/1
st
ISCASE
Linear and Nonlinear System Identification of Debutanizer
Column
Nasser Mohamad Ramli1
--- Razlan Md Radzi2
1
Chemical Engineering Department, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, Bandar Seri Iskandar, Perak,
Malaysia
Abstract
Debutanizer column is one of the common unit operation in a chemical industry. The
column is complex and unpredictable in nature, making them difficult to be handled.
Hence, system identification is used in identifying and estimate mathematical models
of dynamic systems of the debutanizer column from open loop step test surrounding
the column. The identification was done to achieve stability of the debutanizer column
through simulation by obtaining linear and non-linear process models using System
Identification Toolbox in MATLAB. In this simulation, process model or polynomial
model tool will be used to identify linear system and as for nonlinear system, nonlinear
arx-model is the tool of choice. Based on results obtained from linear system
identification, the system is unstable under linear condition. As for nonlinear system
identification, the system is stable for certain parameter and unstable for the rest.