Abstract: This invention comprises a process and apparatus for identifying pre-flood and pre-carryover conditions in a separation column operation. The process preferably includes monitoring at least two measurable process variables, calculating a rate of change for each variable, assigning a rate of change alarm to each variable, and identifying a synchronous rate of change in at least two of the variables. The process further includes avoiding a flood or carryover condition by reducing a reboiler temperature in a reboiler connected to the separation column when the alarm activates simultaneously for at least two of the measurable process variables, and then incrementally raising the reboiler temperature during a period of time. The process further includes a system whereby the capacity in a separation column is optimized, and wherein separation is improved even when the separation column is operated at least than capacity.