A model based on the hydrodynamic analogy approach was developed for the prediction of temperature and composition profiles in structured packing distillation columns. Compared to the traditional models based on the film theory, the proposed model is more rigorous. It comprises Navier-Stokes equations, convection-diffusion and heat-conduction equations to describe the transport phenomena under condition of two-phase gas-liquid flow in an entire separation column. As a result, modeling the column efficiency is accomplished without application of the mass-transfer coefficients. For the model verification, total reflux distillation data for binary and multicomponent mixtures are used. Calculations with both the hydrodynamic-analogy-based, and the film model are performed for a wide range of operating conditions. The proposed model is shown to have a more stable performance than the traditional one. Therefore, it can be recommended for design, revamp and optimization of distillation columns equipped with corrugated sheet structured packings. (c) 2006 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.