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1. Introduction.......................................................................................................... 1
2. Theory.................................................................................................................. 3
2.1. Determination of Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium Curve..........................................3
2.2. McCabe-Thiele (Graphical Method)................................................................5
2.3. Fenske Method............................................................................................... 8
2.4. Murphree Plate Efficiency.............................................................................. 9
2.5. Column (Overall) Efficiency..........................................................................13
3. Test Methods...................................................................................................... 14
3.1. Objectives.................................................................................................... 14
3.2. Assumptions and Expectations....................................................................14
3.2.1. Calibration............................................................................................. 14
3.2.2. Murphree Efficiency...............................................................................15
3.2.3. Fenske Equation.................................................................................... 15
3.2.4. McCabe-Thiele Method...........................................................................16
3.2.5. Overall Efficiency................................................................................... 17
3.2.6. Reflux Ratio........................................................................................... 17
3.2.7. Feed Location........................................................................................ 18
3.3. Apparatus.................................................................................................... 19
3.4. Procedure..................................................................................................... 23
4. Presentation and Discussion of Results..............................................................25
4.1. Batch Operation........................................................................................... 25
4.2. Continuous Operation.................................................................................. 31
5. Conclusions........................................................................................................ 34
6. Recommendations.............................................................................................. 35
7. References......................................................................................................... 36
8. Acknowledgements............................................................................................ 37
9. Nomenclature..................................................................................................... 38
10. Appendix......................................................................................................... 39
10.1. Sample Data............................................................................................. 39
10.2. Sample Calculations................................................................................. 46
10.3. Graphs and Tables...................................................................................... 5
FIGURE 1: BATCH DISTILLATION...................................................................................................... 1
FIGURE 2: CONTINUOUS DISTILLATION............................................................................................. 2
FIGURE 3: T-XY DIAGRAM.............................................................................................................. 5
FIGURE 4: MCCABE-THIELE GRAPH................................................................................................. 7
FIGURE 5: TEST APPARATUS......................................................................................................... 18
FIGURE 6: SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF ARMFIELD DISTILLATION COLUMNS.................................................19
FIGURE 7: DISTILLATE CONCENTRATION CHANGING AT UNSTEADY STATE BATCH OPERATING CONDITIONS....25
FIGURE 8: TEMPERATURE CHANGING WITH COMPOSITION GRAPH FOR BATCH 0.3 KW TRIAL....................28
FIGURE 9: TEMPERATURE CHANGING WITH COMPOSITION GRAPH FOR BATCH 0.4 KW TRIAL....................29
FIGURE 10: TRAY DIAGRAM......................................................................................................... 27
FIGURE 11: CALIBRATION CURVE FOR A REFRACTROMETER................................................................36
FIGURE 12: T-XY DIAGRAM FOR LITERATURE EQUILIBRIUM DATA.........................................................38
FIGURE 13: T-XY GRAPH INVERSED............................................................................................... 38
FIGURE 14: CONTINUOUS STEADY STATE P=0.4 KW FEED=MIDDLE R=2.3........................................55
FIGURE 15: 0.4 KW CONTINUOUS R=2.3 FEED=TOP TRIAL GRAPHICAL METHOD.................................59
FIGURE 16: 0.4 KW CONTINUOUS R=1.84 FEED=TOP TRIAL GRAPICAL METHOD................................57
FIGURE 17: 0.4 KW CONTINUOUS R=1.84 FEED=MIDDLE TRIAL GRAPICAL METHOD............................58
Y
process industries. It usually forms a key part of a chemical process, and is thus referred to as a unit
operation. In Canada, the oil sands use the columns extensively to produce different blends of products
for different clients. They are often the most or one of the most expensive components of any industrial
operation and can contribute to more than 50% of plant operating costs. The best way to reduce operation
cost is to improve their efficiency and operation via optimization and control. To achieve mentioned
improvements, thorough understanding of distillation principles and how distillation systems are designed
Batch distillation: The mixture is added to the unit at the start of the distillation, distillate
fractions are taken out sequentially in time during the distillation, and the remaining bottoms
fraction is removed at the end. It is used in producing high-value and low-volume chemicals.
Moreover, it is also used in processes where small quantities of materials are to be handled in
irregularly or seasonally scheduled periods. It is implemented when the feed composition varies
widely from period to period or where completely different feed stocks have to be handled.
which a mixture is continuously fed into the process and separated fractions are removed
continuously as output streams. In this way a stream of enriched methanol and a stream of
enriched isopropanol are obtained. Continuous distillation is used widely in the chemical process
industries where large quantities of liquids have to be distilled. Potential applications include
The Figures 1 and 2 shown above give a basic idea of Batch and Continuous Distillation. This experiment
deals with a methanol (MeOH) isopropanol (IPOH) mixture. Many topics, such as plate and column
efficiency, boil-up rate, reflux ratio, plate and column efficiencies, product purity, determination of
theoretical stages and reflux ratio will be explored, which makes it an excellent illustration of the
The theoretical equilibrium model for MeOH-IPOH system at atmospheric pressure is determined
using Wilson and Antoine equations. The component 1 is MeOH and has boiling point of 64.7 C,
while component 2 is IPOH and has boiling point of 82.4 C. The activity coefficient of each
Where:
i =the activity coefficient. The activity coefficients theoretically account for the non-ideal
R1 = x1 + x2G12
R2 = x2 + x1G21
G12 and G21 are constants for this system with values of 1.689 and 0.5445 respectively.
The vapor composition is determined using Daltons and Raoults law. Equation 3 and 4 combine
Equations 1 and 2 as well as the activity coefficient in order to account for the ideal nature of the binary
mixture.
Where,
Vapor fractions of pure components are given as a function of temperature and given by the Antoine
equation. The Antoine equations for MeOH and IPOH with respective constants are as follows:
Where:
T = Temperature (in C)
By using the Wilson and Antoine equations shown above, a T-xy graph shown in Figure-3 was generated
and shown below. This model accounts for changing temperatures, but assumes constant pressure in every
Graphical method is one of the most common calculation methods used for distillation columns. It
involves finding compositions and flows for the top (rectifying) and bottom (stripping) sections of the
column, and graphically determining the proper number of stages as well as the appropriate feed stage.
This graphical method is performed on a y-x (composition in vapor phase vs. composition in liquid phase)
equilibrium plot. The compositions of the distillate (x D) and bottoms (xB), are plotted on the graph, and
operating lines for the rectifying and stripping sections are derived from these conditions. The McCabe-
During batch distillation, the column in the laboratory operates at total reflux and the mass balance over
the column is:
L
y n= Equation 7: Batch Distillation
Vx n+1
Mass Balance
At steady state (constant temperatures), the molar liquid flow rate is equal to the molar vapor flow rate
everywhere in the column, so yn=xn+1. This should result in an operating line that is straight; co-incident
with the y=x line. Therefore, determining the theoretical number of plates is done by measuring the
steady-state compositions at the top and bottom of the column. For the purposes of this experiment,
MeOH is chosen as reference, Figure 3 summarizes the equilibrium data. (Geankoplis Christie John,
2003)
q x
y= x f Equation 8: q-
q1 q1
line
Where:
heat required
heat
q= convert one mole of feed saturated vapor vaporize one mole of liquid saturated vapor
Equation 9: q value
V b +1 x
Stripping Operating Line (SOL): y= x b Equation 10:
Vb Vb
SOL equation
Where:
V b= boil up ratio
R x
Rectifying Operating Line: y= x d Equation 11:
R+1 R+1
ROL equation
Where:
R= reflux ratio
The optimal feed tray is at the point where the q line, rectifying line, and stripping line meet. This pint is
called pinch point. This method is great for calculating the number of theoretical trays.
Equilibrium Curve
1.2
1
f(x) = - 0.67x^2 + 1.66x + 0.01
0.8 R = 1
y MeOH 0.6
0.4
0.2
0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2
x MeOH
engineers have invested major eorts in devising mechanical devices to promote the attainment of
equilibrium on the stage. However, this equilibrium is never obtained completely in practice and in many
The Fenske method (shortcut method) uses relative volatilities of MeOH and IPOH calculated from the
mole fraction of liquid and vapor at the first and last trays. It is used to calculate minimum number of
theoretical trays. The Fenske equation for theoretical number of stages is shown below in equation 5 and
6.
xD
N min =
(
ln
1x D
1x B
xB ) Equation 12:
ln avg
Fenske Equation
Average Volatility
Where:
Nmin = Minimum number of theoretical plates required at total reflux (including reboiler is plate)
The efficiency is introduced with the concept of Murphree plate efficiency. It is measure of the
efficiency of each individual tray. It can be calculated numerically by using the following equation:
y n y n1
M=
y n y n1 Equation 14:
Murphree Efficiency
Where:
The overall plate efficiency for the column is found using the following formula:
Nt
0 ( ) = .100 Equation 15: Overall Efficiency
Na
Where:
Nt= number of theoretical (ideal) plates which can be calculated by different methods, ie. -Thiele
Na = number of actual plates. Overall and Murphree efficiencies can be related by a simple
expression assuming linear selection involving phase equilibrium and uniform Murphree
Where:
3. Test Methods
3.1. Objectives
To critically analyze experimental data during the experiment to verify expected trends and
validate assumptions.
To study the effects of different levels of heating to a batch and continuous distillation
operation.
To determine the theoretical and actual numbers of plates required for the column using
conditions.
To analyze factors that influence Murphree plate and column efficiencies.
3.2.1. Calibration
The MeOH and IPOH used to form the calibration mixtures were 100% pure although the purest
during testing. Small changes in composition would occur from exposure to atmospheric moisture
since both alcohols used are quite hygroscopic. Another variable affecting the composition of
alcohol sample is a change in composition due to the more rapid evaporation of the more volatile
A key is assumption is that the Murphree Tray Efficiency (EM) is based on a semi-theoretical
models that assumes that the vapor between trays is well-mixed (uniform composition), that the
liquid in the down comers is well-mixed (uniform composition), and that the liquid on the tray is
well mixed and is of the same composition as the liquid in the down comer leaving the tray.
For an ideal tray, the vapor leaving is in equilibrium with the liquid leaving. This does not happen
in practice.
The binary Murphree efficiencies cannot be negative (although they can be greater than one).
Inclusion of the plate efficiencies lowers the equilibrium curve to the dashed line called Pseudo
Equilibrium Line. The steps in McCabe-Thiele method are ideally drawn between operating line
be the same.
This method is used to calculate minimum number of theoretical plates required at total reflux
the lights. In such case there is a possibility for all the lights to be stored into one pseudo
component with the properties of the lights averaged on the basis of mole-fraction and then being
used as the light key. Similarly, all the heavies can be stored into a pseudo-component and then it
not that appropriate where the bubble point at the top of the column is quiet lower than that of the
bubble point which is in the bottom. So, it is not a reasonable approach to average the two values
of the alpha. In the so-called stabilizer columns after a flash drum the residual lights are purged
using the columns. It is quite evident through the difference in volatilities that the separation is
Both components have equal and constant molar enthalpies of vaporization (latent heats).quite
easy to acquire.
Sensible heat, CpT, is negligible compared to latent heat. Heat effects such as heat of solution
are negligible.
Column is insulated (no heat loss on each stage).
Column pressure is equal (thermodynamics can be done at a single pressure).
The molar heats of vaporization of the feed components are equal. If heats of solution and
transfer are considered, then all heats of solution calculations would need to be incorporated into
chemical reaction is occurring due to activation energy being supplied (either thermally or some
other energy means). Possible chemical reaction would need to be calculated and added into the
In an ideal case, the overall efficiency of the column is same as theoretical efficiency of the
An increase in reflux ratio would increase the concentration of MeOH in the top product and
simultaneously decrease the flow rate of top product. Increase in reflux ratio results in more
higher reflux ratio increases the pressure drop across the column and increases the re-boiler
theoretical minimum reflux. The cost optimum reflux ratio is typically in the 1.2 to 1.5 range
depending on energy costs, condenser coolant, and materials of construction. The rule of thumb
reported most often suggests that a reflux ratio of about 1.5 times the minimum is a good design
the accumulator to the column) and the effective reflux flowing down the column. This is a
concern if the reflux is sub-cooled. In this case, the effective reflux will consist of the returned
reflux plus whatever additional liquid is condensed when the cold liquid contacts vapor on the
reflux tray. It is probably best to use effective reflux in minimum reflux calculations.
At total reflux, we have high operating costs. At minimum reflux we have high capital costs. As
the reflux ratio increases, the number of trays and thus the capital cost of the column decreases.
The closer the feed tray is to the top of the column; higher is the concentration of light component
of the top product will not have an enriching effect on the vapor rising in the upper trays.
3.3. Apparatus
The unit is a self-contained and fully instrumented distillation facility, suitable for practical laboratory
work relevant to the teaching of unit operations. The equipment employs galvanically isolated
intrinsically safe circuits and flameproof devices as appropriate, to enable safe distillation of standard test
Every plate includes a temperature sensor positioned to measure accurately the temperature
of the liquid on each plate. The sheaths of each plate temperature sensor are not more than 1.5
plate column by the user, for comparative studies of the two types of distillation column.
Electrically heated re-boiler of sufficient capacity for up to two hours of batch operation.
The re-boiler heater is protected against overheating and by a low level alarm.
An overhead condenser with cooling water flow measurement and adjustment.
A condensate collecting vessel, equipped with double overflow weirs and exit pipes to
electrical signal.
A differential manometer connected to the top and bottom of the column, to monitor
distillation in progress.
Maximum operating temperature inside the column operation is at least 130 C.
Two 5 liter feed vessels, with rapid changeover to permit step changes in feed
composition to be made.
Peristaltic feed pump, range 0-0.25 liters/minute
Adjustable by voltage input variation to the pump motor controller.
Electrically heated re-boiler of sufficient capacity for one to two hours of batch operation,
column.
Dosing feed vessel, connected to the column for the continuous addition of a third liquid
component, which, together with the condensate phase separator vessel, enables the study
of azeotropic distillation.
b. Bench-mounted control console:
Monitoring and selectable display of at least 13 system temperatures, including those of
the liquid on each tray, the reboiler and across the condenser.
Monitoring, display and manual adjustment of:
The electrical power to the re-boiler heater.
The reflux ratio setting.
Figure 5: Test Apparatus
Figure 6: Schematic diagram of Armfield distillation columns
3.4. Procedure
The separation of MeOH from IPOH is performed using a distillation column with eight trays,
operating in a batch or continuous mode. Vapor and liquid samples are taken from each tray with
a syringe through the sample tray valves. The samples are cooled in small vials and
refractrometer readings are taken. A refractrometer calibration curve is created before running
the trials. Eleven solutions of methanol and isopropanol are mixed to simulate the mixture
composition at varying MeOH volume percentages. A refractrometer reading was taken for each
solution and the refractive index is plotted verses the molar percentage of MeOH. The trend line
equation is used to convert all the measured refractive indexes to mole percent; refer to Appendix
In the Batch operation, to reach the steady state the total reflux is returned back to the column.
This changes the operation slope of both the enriching and stripping sections to match the ideal
y=x line. At steady state the theoretical number of stages, overall column efficiency and
individual tray efficiencies are calculated. To increase the boil-up rate, the column heat input is
increased. An additional trial is done to compare the steady to unsteady operation. Lastly, the
The pressure drop of the column is measured using a manometer 50-50 MeOH-IPOH solution.
Vapor flow rate controls the pressure drop in column. Trays are designed with sieve holes that
allow the vapor to flow up the column and contact the liquid sitting in the trays. The pressure
provided by vapor keeps the liquid from dropping through the sieve opening.
The procedure for continuous was similar to batch however the feed position and flow rates will
be altered with the intent of optimizing operation. The apparatus was setup in two configurations,
top or middle feed position. As necessary, in each feed mixture position, the reflux ratio was
varied from 1.2 to 1.5 times the minimum reflux ratio (R min) with re-boiler power supply of 4
Batch (Total Reflux); P=0.4 KW; Variation of distillate concentration with time
The effects of boil-up rates and pressure drops were analyzed in the experiment. Theoretically, the
pressure drop was predicted to increase with the boil-up rate. Similar results are seen in Table 1 below
because liquid flows are normally very small in comparison to the vapor flows and thus the
resistance confronted by the vapor (measured in pressure drop) is very significant when the
vapor flow rate is increased beyond its design value. (Ni, 2012)
(kW) (ml/s)
0.3 0.1098 0.1161
0.4 0.1761 0.1316
The number of theoretic plates was found using the McCabe-Thiele and Fenske methods. Refer to
Appendix A and B for the coordinate data and sample calculation for the fraction proportion of the
step. The Fenske method uses the equation covered in the theory section to calculate the number of
theoretical stages. Table 2 below summarizes the theoretical number of stages and overall efficiency
of the boil-up rate changes. It was predicted that the overall column efficiency would remain constant
and then decrease with increasing boil-up rate. The McCabe-Thiele efficiency increased, while the
Fenske efficiency decreased. Further trials might need to be done to confirm the experimental trend.
The Fenske method follows the prediction closest by decreasing. Moreover, the Fenske method
includes one re-boiler plate and therefore actual number of stages is one less than theoretical number
of stages. As predicted, effective number of Fenske is lower than number of stages found by
McCabe-Thiele Method. Refer to Appendix B for sample calculations of the McCabe-Thiele and
Fenske methods.
Power Input Boil-up Rate Number of Theoretical Stages Column Efficiency (%)
Thiele Thiele
0.3 0.1098 3.409 4.043 42.61 50.53
The efficiency of the individual plates was calculated using the Murphree equation introduced in the
theory section. Table 3 sows the calculated values changing with boil-up rate. Generally the individual
tray efficiencies correlate to the overall values found using McCabe-Thiele and Fenske methods.
The results indicate that there is a trend towards increasing tray efficiency from the bottom to the top of
the column because the top column is exposed to concentrated liquid reflux flowing down the column. As
we move down the column, the liquid reflux becomes richer in IPOH.
The top 1 and 2 plates for the 0.3 kW and 0.4 kW trials respectively seem to be redundant because the
temperature is not changing and the efficiency values dont follow the general trend. As per predictions,
the Murphree efficiency cannot be negative and in most cases not above 1. The increase of boil-up rate
causes a decrease in number of the plates actually used in the separation. This irregularity is caused
because the reflux was returning to the column at temperatures below saturation temperature. For
safety reasons the total condenser was run with excess cooling water, which resulted in the liquid
being refluxed much below saturation temperature. The top tray was the tray most affected by
the below saturation temperature reflux flow from the total condenser above. Moreover, there
was less efficient mixing at the top tray, because it was the first tray to except the reflux flow
which in this case was not a steady stream but a cycling on-off flow. Flow over the trays
becomes more regular as liquid passes the first tray. Ideal mixing is an assumption for accurate
This follows the prediction that number of theoretical plates decrease with the boil-up rate. All the batch
trials were done with total-reflux being returned to column, but normally there is a top product drawn off.
When the distillate is drawn off, the batch operating system becomes unsteady. To show the steady and
unsteady conditions data was gathered as column was transiting total reflux to unsteady state, shown in
Figure-7.
The experimental data was also compared to the literature equilibrium data using a T-xy graph, shown
The 0.3 kW trial closely follows the literature data, but 0.4 kW has some variation. Generally, the vapor
curve is still above the liquid as in the equilibrium data. This was expected since no column or
sampling procedure is ideal. Vapor and liquid samples were not pure. The very nature of the
environment inside the distillation column obstructs obtaining pure samples since there are fine
liquid droplets or mist entrained or mixed in with the vapor above each tray. This is the major
reason behind data points being obtained between the theoretical bubble and dew point curves.
As expected, the column operation stays away from the ideal because of imperfect energy and
mass transfer caused due imperfect vapor-liquid mixing, non-ideal tray design and heat loss. The
column was insulated however there was heat loss due to outer surface cooling of the column
resulting in cooling of the vapor and liquid in contact with the inner surface through heat
transfer.
Distillation trays are designed best possible contact between the falling liquid and the rising
vapor, however perfect mixing is impossible to obtain even with the best designs. Sampling
location affects the accuracy of the results. As seen in the diagram below, the liquid flows
through a down comer from the tray above, across the tray and then down the opposite side
through another down comer. Vapor passes through the sieve tray through small perforations
creating a frothy mixture of vapor and liquid on the tray. (Perry H, 1999)
above the tray. The sampling ports on the Armfield distillation unit, used in the lab, are midway
between the two down comers. By careful liquid sampling where liquid flows off of each tray
and into the associated down comer greatest accuracy will be obtained.
The effects of feed location and reflux ratio on distillate and bottoms products were studied in this
experiment. The results of trials with varying feed location and reflux ratio is shown below in Table 4.
the concentration of MeOH in the top product and simultaneously decreased the flow rate of top
product. Increase in reflux ratio resulted in more top product being refluxed back to the column. Since
a total condenser was used, top product composition was assumed to be the same as the composition
of the rising vapour above the top tray. The cost optimum reflux ratio is typically in the 1.2 to 1.5
range depending on energy costs, condenser coolant, and materials of construction. The results prove
that a reflux ratio of about 1.5 times the minimum reflux ratio is a good is appropriate for optimum
It can be seen from the above table that as reflux ratio decreases there is a decrease in the
concentration of light component in the top product, as well as an increase in the concentration of
light component in the bottom product. This trend predictably shows that as reflux ratio decreases
below the minimum, product purity and percentage recovery are reduced as well. This is because for
efficient separation in a distillation column there must be counter current flow of liquid and vapour in
appropriately matched proportions and concentrations. Rising vapour interacts with the falling liquid
reflux and there is energy and mass transfer. If the energy and mass, which are both proportional to
the flow rates at a particular temperature, are not matched in correct proportion less than optimal
mass and energy transfer occurs in the column. Lastly, the cost optimum reflux ratio is typically in
the 1.2 to 1.5 range depending on energy costs, condenser coolant, and materials of construction. The
results prove that a reflux ratio of about 1.5 times the minimum reflux ratio is a good is appropriate
The efficiency of the individual plates was calculated using the Murphree equation introduced in the
theory section. Table 5 shows the calculated values changing with temperatures.
The results indicate that there is a trend towards increasing tray efficiency from the bottom to the top of
the column because the top column is exposed to concentrated liquid reflux flowing down the column. As
we move down the column, the liquid reflux becomes richer in IPOH.
The top plate seems to be redundant because the temperature is not changing and the efficiency values
dont follow the general trend. As per predictions, the Murphree efficiency cannot be negative and in most
cases not above 1. This irregularity is caused because the reflux was returning to the column at
temperatures below saturation temperature. For safety reasons the total condenser was run with
excess cooling water, which resulted in the liquid being refluxed much below saturation
temperature. The top tray was the tray most affected by the below saturation temperature reflux
flow from the total condenser above. Moreover, there was less efficient mixing at the top tray,
because it was the first tray to except the reflux flow which in this case was not a steady stream
but a cycling on-off flow. Flow over the trays becomes more regular as liquid passes the first
tray. Ideal mixing is an assumption for accurate Murphree efficiency results. Murphree
efficiencies for trials were not calculated because only limited data points were collected due to
Table 6 summarizes the number of required stages for continuous trials calculated using
As expected, the efficiency increases with increasing reflux ratio. Moreover, middle feed
location has better separation than top location. The reading for trial 4 derived using McCabe-
Thiele method is redundant because the theoretic number of stages are higher than actual number
5. Conclusions
The pressure drop increased with boil up rate, likely because resistance confronted by the
vapor is very significant when the vapor flow rate is increased beyond its design value.
As expected, there is a decrease in theoretical number of stages with increasing boil-up
rate.
Steady state with total reflux has higher distillate MeOH concentration than unsteady
state. The concentration is predicted to decrease until no MeOH is left in the distillation
column.
Reflux ratio, boiler power input and feed location are key control variables for efficient
decrease in the concentration of MeOH in the top product, as well as an increase in the
efficient mass and energy transfer between the vapor and liquid phases at each plate and
6. Recommendations
No recommendations were requested.
7. References
Flick Ernest W. (1998). Industrial Solvent Handbook. New Jersey: Noyes Data
Corporation.
Ni, Y. (2012). ChE 3314 Staged Processes Lecture Notes. Fredericton, Canada.
Wiki. (2013, April 20). McCabe Theile method. Retrieved November 2, 2103, from
Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McCabe%E2%80%93Thiele_method
8. Acknowledgements
The distillation experiment leading to this report would not have been successfully completed
without proper guidance of Professor Collins as well as teaching assistants Ms. Leila Behroozi
and Mr. Rogan Swift. The experiment and report were completed with untiring help of group
members Jenna Wamsley, Mr. Alexander Harris and Mr. Naif Hazazi. They worked diligently in
the lab and also prepared the preliminary calculation reports used to prepare this formal report. It
M - Muphree efficiency
o - Overall efficiency
L - Liquid
MeOH - Methanol
R - Reflux Ratio
T -Temperature
VB - Boil up ratio
V -Vapor
xA -Mole fraction of MeOH in the liquid phase
- Relative volatility
10. Appendix
10.1. Sample Data
1
f(x) = 0x^2 - 0.12x
- 0x^2 + 6.89
+ 0.21x - 4.94
R = 1
0.8 Liquid
Polynomial (Liquid)
Mole Fraction of MeOH 0.6
Vapor
Polynomial (Vapor)
0.4
0.2
0
60 65 70 75 80 85
Temperature (in C)
)
(x1,yD) 0.91 0.959 0.917 0.962
(x1,y1) 0.91 0.91 0.917 0.917
(x2,y1) 0.813 0.91 0.825 0.917
(x2,y2) 0.813 0.813 0.825 0.825
(x3,y2) 0.667 0.813 0.681 0.824
(x3,y3) 0.667 0.667 0.681 0.681
***Estimated xB (Liquid Bottom Plate) = 0.753 *** Estimated xB (Liquid Bottom Plate) = 0.730
Continuous Trials