This paper presents details of a multivariate time series identification of the simulated Shell distillation column described in the introductory paper by Cott. The approach applied here involves the use of time series identification techniques and may be considered as representative of the system identification procedures adopted by Shell Canada for quadratic dynamic matrix control (QDMC) applications. Results indicate that techniques of time series analysis are very flexible and capable of producing satisfactory step response models under both low and high signal to noise conditions.