The present work deals with the cyclic operation of a middle vessel batch distillation (CMVBD). To provide an insight into this highly interesting distillation configuration, theoretical and experimental investigations have been carried out. After a theoretical system analysis, a process control strategy of industrial relevance is proposed. In the experimental part of this work, relevant tasks regarding the dynamic and steady-state behaviour have been considered. This includes the investigation of maximum product qualities and yields as well as the transient behaviour in response to setpoint changes and disturbances. Additionally, a mathematical model of a CMVBD is presented to describe the operating behaviour. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.