The idea to reduce cycle time (T), by controlling the side stream flow rate using a feedforward control model - the ideal side draw recovery arrangement (ISR) - was standard in most semicontinuous distillation studies. However, its effect particularly on T and more broadly on the system dynamics was not clearly understood. In the current study, we compare the performance of using a modified form of ISR model with the status quo based on the criteria T and separating cost (SC) on different case studies. Results show that the modified control model performed better with a 10-20% reduction in SC while maintaining product purities. Furthermore, the side stream flow rate trajectory that minimizes SC was found by using dynamic optimization and it did not differ a lot from the trajectory generated by the modified control model. The improvement in SC was at most 2%. (C) 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.