Distillation Help Desk

When your column won’t cooperate, we will.

Off-spec cuts, capacity shortfalls, flooding, weeping, unstable control—our engineers diagnose and fix distillation issues fast. Access rapid expertise in Debottlenecking & Troubleshooting, Startup & Commissioning Support, and Control System Optimization.

Packed & trayed columns Solvent recovery Azeotropes & VLE Energy integration Analyzer & inferentials APC-ready

Debottlenecking & Troubleshooting

Find the constraint, prove the cause, fix with intent.

  • Hydraulic rating of trays/packing & bottleneck mapping
  • H&MB reconciliation, VLE/model checks, ΔP & temp profiling
  • Quick wins (setpoints, cut points) → mid-term fixes (internals, duties)

Startup & Commissioning Support

Get to spec safely—then lock in rates.

  • Readiness reviews, procedures, test plans & acceptance criteria
  • On-site or remote coverage during heat-up, cutover, spec-in
  • Operator coaching; performance test & optimization pass

Control System Optimization

Stabilize loops and push capacity without chasing oscillations.

  • Strategy review: reflux/feed/reboil schemes, pressure & composition control
  • PID tuning, valve characterization, constraint/override logic
  • Feed-forward & ratio control; alarm rationalization; APC-readiness

How the Help Desk engagement works

1) Triage call (30 min)

Describe the symptom and operating goals. We outline likely causes and the fastest validation steps.

2) Data drop

We review PFDs/P&IDs, internals, historian trends, and control narratives to narrow root causes.

3) Action plan

Same-day quick wins + scoped field work or project path for lasting fixes and ROI.

Service modes: Rapid Remote Assist (hours–days) • Field Intervention (1–5 days) • Optimization Project (scoped debottleneck, internals upgrade, control modernization)

What we need to move fast

  • Heat & Mass Balance
  • Latest PFDs/P&IDs, cause & effect, control narratives
  • Column internals drawings/specs (trays/packing, distributors, limits)
  • Datasheets (reboiler, condenser, pumps, control valves)
  • Historian trends (24–72 hrs) for pressure, ΔP, temps, flows, compositions, analyzers
  • Current targets & constraints (specs, utilities, relief, emissions)

Why RTL

Separation specialists
Packed & trayed design, rating & field work
Optimize-first mindset
Improve before you overhaul
Control + process
Process & controls tuned together
Transparent outcomes
Clear recs, ROI, and hand-off

FAQs

Do you support both packed and trayed columns?

Yes—random/structured packing and all common tray types. We also coordinate gamma scans and vendor inspections as needed.

Can you work remotely, or do you need to be on site?

Both. We typically start remote for rapid triage and deploy on site for startups, testing, and physical inspections.

How quickly can you start?

For remote triage, usually within one business day. Field mobilization depends on permits and site access.

Is my process data kept confidential?

Yes. We work under mutual NDAs and follow your site’s safety and data practices.