A double-effect column in the feed-split configuration separating a binary mixture of methanol and water is designed by minimum reflux considerations. The LV-configuration with feed-split ratio as fourth manipulated variable is selected. The number of trays is shown to be the most important design parameter. A design, that approaches minimum heat consumption ensures fairly linear behaviour and fairly low control loop interaction. SISO-PI and two IBC-based MIMO controllers are compared. For small disturbances, all controllers perform satisfactorily. For large disturbances of feed composition and flowrate a rather simple robust multivariable controller gives the best responses. The manipulated variable feed-split shows oscillatory behaviour.