Solutions for Complex Separations

Dividing Wall Column Technology

Reduce energy consumption, increase capacity, optimize footprint, and streamline complex separations with Dividing Wall Column (DWC) technology. 

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The Global Leader in Dividing Wall Column Technology

Koch-Glitsch delivers the industry's most established Dividing Wall Column (DWC) capability, strengthened by the combined expertise of Koch-Glitsch and MONTZ, a recognized pioneer in DWC technology. MONTZ built the first commercial DWC in 1985, establishing a foundation of leadership that continues today.

With more than 200 DWC installations worldwide, our teams bring decades of engineering insight and a global track record spanning simple to highly specialized separation challenges. Whether you're targeting reduced energy consumption, increased capacity, footprint optimization, or upgrades to aging equipment, Koch-Glitsch offers the expertise and partnership needed to evaluate and implement DWC solutions with confidence. 

From early concept through design, fabrication, and field support, we work alongside you to evaluate opportunities and deliver DWC configurations that align with your process needs, footprint constraints, and long-term performance goals.

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Benefits of DWC Technology

A Dividing Wall Column combines two distillation steps, and in certain complex applications, multiple separations, into a single, highly efficient column, delivering measurable performance gains while lowering capital costs and resource demand.

  • Energy Efficiency: A DWC can achieve up to 30-50% energy savings compared to conventional sequential distillation. 
  • Capital & Footprint Savings: Combining two columns, or in complex applications several, into a single column can reduce installed cost and plot space by up to 15-30%. 
  • High-Purity Performance: DWC enhables highly efficient separation of distillate, side draws, and bottom products within a single column. 
  • Mechanical Reliability: Koch-Glitsch offers enhanced DWC mechanical solutions that help minimize leakage and reduce installation time.

DWC Capabilities & Solutions

Koch-Glitsch offers a broad range of DWC configurations and mechanical solutions to address diverse process requirements, column sizes, and separation complexities:

  • Small Column DWC: Proven designs for smaller column diameters, available in welded and non-welded configurations, where distribution quality and mechanical integrity are critical.
  • Bolted Dividing Wall Designs: Patented bolted solutions that enhance sealing performance, simplify installation, and support reliable operation. 
  • Packed & Trayed DWC: Flexible DWC designs utilizing structured packing or trays to match separation requirements and operating conditions. 
  • Liquid & Vapor Split Management: Engineered solutions to control both liquid and vapor splits above and below the dividing wall, supporting stable operation and consistent product quality. 
  • Revamps: Solutions to revamp existing conventional distillation columns into a DWC
  • Simulation & Design: Advanced simulation capabilities supporting conceptual, basic, and detailed design of a DWC, including benchmarking against conventional column configurations.
  • Turnkey Solutions: End-to-end project execution, from engineering and equipment supply through fabrication and installation support. 

Partner with us

Looking to take your operations to the next level? Contact us online to request more information about any of our products or capabilities and learn how Koch-Glitsch can help you.