Cyclic total reflux (CTR) batch distillation is a promising mode of the process but lacking of appropriate modeling for the period of filling the reflux drum. A new dynamic modeling method for the simulation of CTR batch distillation is proposed in this work, in which the changes in column holdup and liquid flow rate during the filling of the drum, and the consequent change in valid number of theoretical plates are considered. The effect of drum holdup on operation time is investigated and the optimal drum holdup is obtained from the simulation. The dynamic modeling is compared to the conventional modeling without consideration of change in liquid flow rate. The experimental result shows that the present modeling is more reliable and more accurate, especially for the column with large liquid holdup.