Engineering Excellence: The Science Inside Sulzer’s GT-DWC™

Introduction

Reliable, high-performance distillation is pivotal for chemical and refinery operations.

At the core of Sulzer’s GT-DWC (Dividing Wall Column) success is not just the dividing wall itself, but expert engineering especially in the column’s internal design. Sulzer leverages decades of experience to craft trays and packing that drive optimum separation and dependable operation.

Features of GT-DWC Internals

• Custom Column Internals

  • Each GT-DWC uses advanced trays and packing specifically engineered to provide balanced vapor and liquid flows, maintain correct pressure distribution, and enhance mass transfer efficiency.

  • This customization guarantees sharper separation, higher purity heart-cut streams (such as toluene or other valuable products), and stable operation even with varying feed compositions.

    
    

• Simulation-Driven Engineering

  • Sulzer applies dynamic simulation modeling during each project, optimizing every aspect of the column’s geometry and internal structure for the client’s specific process needs.

  • Rigorous digital modeling ensures the column will deliver targeted purity, yield, and energy performance before construction even begins.

    
    

• Comprehensive EPC and Integration Support

  • Beyond design, Sulzer provides complete engineering, procurement, and construction management services for the option of skid design and delivery. This integrated approach ensures a smooth, trouble-free project from initial consultation to startup.

  • Proven skid engineering and quality craftsmanship contribute to smaller installation cost, minimum downtime, low maintenance requirements, and long-term operational reliability.

    
    

Why Internals Matter

Optimal design of column internals is essential for long-term value:

• Prevents maldistribution and hydraulic problems that can harm yield and efficiency.

• Ensures stability and ease of operations through feed changes or process upsets.

• Minimizes downtime and operational costs through robust, maintenance-friendly construction.

  
  

Table: Key Engineering Features of Sulzer GT-DWC Internals

Feature	Benefit
Custom Trays & Packing	Maximized separation efficiency; precise quality for all product cuts with minimum energy consumption
Simulation Modeling	Design assurance for target purity, yield, and performance
Pressure Balance	Reliable hydraulic stability and distribution control
Integrated Skid Option	Low at-site costs, seamless project delivery, from design to commissioning
Proven Reliability	Low maintenance, robust service under real plant conditions