My current research looks into developing simplified models for distillation and related aspects of a process flowsheet (e.g. heat integration), that can capture the qualitative behaviour of the aspect being modelled without needing to predict the exact quantitative values. For example, the vapor-liquid equilibrium of mixtures that are not too non-ideal can be adequately represented by 

y_i = (α_i x_i) / (\sum_j α_j x_j),

where α_i is the relative volatility of component i fitted to this equation. Such simplified models are useful for incorporating in optimization models of distillation, as their simpler nature lends to improving the convergence performance of optimization routines. Simplified models are also valuable in deriving or proving analytical relations or qualitative behaviours that would be too difficult to approach with a detailed model. I also look into analyzing the results of simulating distillation in established process simulators such as Aspen Plus and Aspen HYSYS, to infer or build useful relations.

Specific directions include

• Developing simplified models of distillation columns and configurations
• Mathematical analysis of simplified models of distillation
• Analyzing output of distillation columns and configurations in process simulators