A novel dividing wall distillation column (DWC) control strategy was investigated using pilot plant experimentation and commercial scale column dynamic simulation. Results from both indicated that the differential temperature, PID based, control structure successfully rejected flow and composition disturbances. A four-component test system was utilized with three primary components and one trace component. Desired purities were achieved and steady state operation was maintained. The simulation results qualitatively matched the pilot plant data with discrepancies being attributed to equipment-scale dependent heat transfer effects.