12.1 Consider the distillation column shown in Fig. 12.2. It
would be reasonable to control the liquid level in the reflux
drum, $h_D$, by manipulating either reflux flow rate, R, or distil-
late flow rate, D. How would the nominal value of the reflux
ratio ($R/D$) influence your choice? As a specific example, as-
sume that $R/D = 4$.
12.2 A stirred-tank blending system with a bypass stream is
shown in Fig. E12.2. The control objective is to control the
composition of a key component in the exit stream, $x_4$. The
chief disturbance variables are the mass fractions of the key
component in the inlet streams, $x_1$ and $x_2$. Using the following
information, discuss which flow rate should be selected as the
manipulated variable: (i) inlet flow rate $w_2$, (ii) the bypass
fraction $f$, or (iii) exit flow rate, $w_4$. Your choice should reflect
both steady-state and dynamic considerations.