A code matrix-based synthesis method for multicomponent distillation sequences is described as well as its algorism. Four steps

such as grouping the components of feed

generating the basic search space of sub-column configurations

transforming 0-1 matrices into code matrices and eliminating configurations with separation constraints

are included in this method. The code matrices

whose element code includes the information about the column sequence number and the location of product withdrawing

are transformed from 0-1 matrices determined by matrix method. Thus

this method not only provides a complete set of separation configurations with sharp or non-sharp split but also can pick out all the desirable configurations with the constraints by logical programming. Additionally

the use of this method is illustrated by applying it to the ethylene glycol purification from dimethyl oxalate hydrogenation. Eight configurations are selected out and one configuration with the lowest total reboiler heat duty is identified by Aspen Plus optimization.