Is Larger-Scale Distillation Research Still Relevant?

In the era of quantum computing, nanotechnology, and artificial intelligence, is the large-scale distillation research still relevant? The liquid/vapor distribution, downcomer hydraulics, flow-pass length and bed-length effect, concentration gradient etc. are very crucial to the performance of column internals. However, all these phenomena cannot be studied in small laboratory columns due to the significant difference in the ‘shape of one theoretical stage’ between laboratory and industrial scale distillation research. The role of the large-scale distillation research and challenges of conducting the research will be summarized. Opportunities of conducting large-scale heat transfer studies will also be presented. The future of the large-scale distillation research will be briefly discussed.