UNIT OPERATION III

Chapter 11
Vapor-Liquid Separation Processes
Outlines
■ Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium Relations
■ Single-Stage Equilibrium Contact and Vapor-Liquid System
■ Simple Distillation Methods
■ Distillation with Reflux and McCabe-Thiele Method
■ Distillation and Absorption Efficiencies for Tray and Packed Towers
■ Fractional Distillation Using Enthalpy-Concentration Method
■ Distillation of Multicomponent Mixtures

2
 p.696
Phase Rule and Raoult’s Law

pA is the partial pressure of A in the vapor in Pa (atm)

PA is the vapor pressure of pure A in Pa(atm)
x is the mole fraction of A in the liquid
This law holds only for ideal solutions, which are usually
substances very similar to each other. (eg. benzene-
toluene)
Many ideal and non-ideal systems follow Henry’s law in dilute
solutions.

3
 p.696-697
Boiling-Point Diagrams and x-y
Plots toluene (B) at 101.325 kPa
Boiling point diagram for benzene (A) and

Saturated vapor
line
Vapor-liquid
mixture region

Saturated
liquid line

4
 p.696-697
Boiling-Point Diagrams and x-y
Plots

Saturated vapor
line
Vapor-liquid
mixture region

Saturated
liquid line

5
 p.697
Boiling-Point Diagrams and x-y
Plots
Benzene-toluene follows Raoult’s law:

p A  pB  P
PA x A  PB (1  xA )  P
p A PA x A
yA  
P P

6
 p.697-698
Boiling-Point Diagrams and x-y
Plots

7
 p.697-698
Ex. 11.1-1 Use of Raoult’s Law
for Boiling-Point Diagram
Calculate the vapor and liquid compositions in equilibrium
at 101.32 kPa and 95℃(368.2 K) for benzene-toluene using
the vapor pressure from Table 11.1-1.

From Table 11.1-1 at 95℃, PA = 155.7 kPa, PB = 63.3 kPa.

155.7( x A )  63.3(1  x A )  101.32 kPa (760 mm Hg)

8
 p.697-698
Ex. 11.1-1 Use of Raoult’s Law
for Boiling-Point Diagram
Hence, xA = 0.411 , xB = 1 - xA = 0.589

PA x A 155.7(0.411)
yA    0.632
P 101.32

9
 p.698-699
Equilibrium B.P. Diagrams for
Nonideal Systems
The composition cannot be changed by simple distillation.
The vapor has the same ratio of constituents as the original
mixture.
azeotrop
azeotrop e
e

10
 p.698-699
Equilibrium B.P. Diagrams for
Nonideal Systems

azeotrop
azeotrop e
e

11
 p.698-699
Equilibrium B.P. Diagrams for
Nonideal Systems
Interactions between A and Interactions between A and
B are too large, so vapor B are too small, so vapor
pressure is lower then that pressure is higher then that
in the ideal situation. in the ideal situation.

azeotrop
azeotrop e
e

12
 p.698-699
Equilibrium B.P. Diagrams for
Nonideal Systems

13
 p. 699
Single-Stage Equilibrium
Contact for Vapor-Liquid System

Fig. 10.3-1

14
 p. 699
Ex. 11.2-1 Equilibrium Contact
of Vapor-Liquid Mixture
　　 A vapor at the dew point and 101.32 kPa containing a
mole fraction of 0.4 benzene (A) and 0.6 toluene (B) and
100 kg mol total is brought into contact with 110 kg mol of a
liquid at the boiling point containing a mole fraction of 0.3
benzene and 0.7 toluene. The two streams leave in
equilibrium with each other. Assume constant molal
overflow. Calculate the amounts and compositions of the
exit streams.

15
 p. 699
Ex. 11.2-1 Equilibrium Contact
of Vapor-Liquid Mixture
From description, V2 = 100 kg mol , yA2 = 0.40 , L0 =110 kg mol
, xA0 = 0.30
Because of constant molal overflow, V2 = V1 , L0 = L1

L0 x A0  V2 y A 2  L1 x A1  V1 y A1
110(0.30)  100(0.40)  110 x A1  100 y A1

16
 p. 700
Ex. 11.2-1 Equilibrium Contact
of Vapor-Liquid Mixture
In the
L0 xfirst trial, try xA1A1= 0.20
A 0  V2 y A 2  L1 x V1 y A1
110(0.30)  100(0.40)  110 x A1  100 y A1

yA1 = 0.51

In the second trial, try xA1 = 0.40

yA1 = 0.29

In the third trial, try xA1 = 0.30

yA1 = 0.40
By the mass-balance line, xA1 = 0.25 , yA1 = 0.455 17
 p. 700
Introduction to Simple Distillation

■ Distillation depends on the distribution of these components

between vapor and liquid.
■ The basic requirement: the composition of the vapor is different
from the composition of the liquid in equilibrium at the boiling
point.
■ Distillation is concerned with solutions where all components
are appreciably volatile.
■ In absorption, one of the component is essentially insoluble in
the liquid phase, which is different from the distillation.

18
 p. 701
Relative Volatility of Vapor-
Liquid Systems
Distance between E.L.
and 45 line
○

Difference between yA
and xA

Separation efficiency

19
 p. 701
Relative Volatility of Vapor-
Liquid Systems
PA x A PB xB
From Raoult’s law, y A  yB 
P P
PA
 AB 
PB

y /x y A / xA  xA
yA 
 AB  A A
y B / xB (1  y A ) /(1  x A ) 1  (  1) x A Where  = AB

20
 p. 701
Ex. 11.3-1 Relative Volatility for
Benzene-Toluene System
Using Table 11.1-1, calculate the relative volatility for
the benzene-toluene system at 85℃ and 105℃.

At 85℃,
PA 116.9
   2.54
PB 46.0

At 105℃,
204.2
  2.38
86.0 21
 p. 701-702
Methods of Distillation

■ First method:
– No liquid is allowed to return

■ Second method
– A portion of the condensate is returned.

22
 p. 702
Equilibrium or Flash Distillation

■ In single stage
■ A liquid mixture is partially vaporized, the vapor come to
equilibrium with the liquid, and the vapor and liquid phases
are separated.
■ Batchwise or continuously

FxF  Vy  Lx

FxF  Vy  ( F  V ) x

23
Equilibrium or Flash Distillation

24
 p. 703
Simple Batch or Differential
Distillation
t=,0: L1 moles of components A and B with a composition of x1
mole fraction of A is placed in the still.
t=t: L moles of liquid is in the still with composition x, and the
composition of the vapor leaving in equilibrium is y. A
differential amount dL is vaporized.

25
 p. 703
Simple Batch or Differential
Distillation
xL  (1  dx )( L  dL)  y dL

xL  xL  x dL  L dx  dx dL  y dL

dL dx

L yx
L1 dL L1 x1 dx 1: original properties
 L2 L
 ln 
L2  x2 yx 2. final properties

26
 p. 703-704
Ex. 11.3-2 Simple Differential
Distillation
A mixture of 100 mol comtaining 50 mol% n-pentane and
50% mol n-heptane is distilled under 101.3 kPa until 40 mol
is distilled. What is the average composition of the total
vapor distilled and the composition of the liquid left?

Given
L1  100 mol , x1  0.50 , L2  60 mol and V = 40 mol
values: 27
 p. 704
Ex. 11.3-2 Simple Differential
Distillation
L1 dL L1 x1 dx
 L2 L
 ln 
L2  x2 yx
100 x1  0.5 dx

integral
ln  0.510 
60 x2 yx

L1 x1  L2 x2  ( L1  L2 ) yav

100(0.50)  60(0.277)  40( yav )

yav  0.835

28
 p. 705
Simple Steam Distillation

■ High-boiling liquids cannot be purified by distillation because

the components of liquid may decompose at high temperature
required.
■ The high-boiling substances are often insoluble in water, so
the simple steam distillation can be used.
■ The method is for high-boiling components from small
amounts of nonvolatile impurities.
■ By the steam distillation, as long as liquid water is present,
the high-boiling component vaporizes at a temperature well
below its normal boiling point without using a vacuum.
■ Large amount of heat must be used to evaporate the water
simultaneously.
29
 p. 705
Simple Steam Distillation

For a layer of liquid water (A) and an immiscible high-boiling

component (B)
F  2  3 2 1 degree of freedom
If the total pressure is fixed, the system is fixed
PA  PB  P
PA PB
yA  yB 
P P

nB PB

n A PA

30
Simple Steam Distillation

31
 p. 706
Introduction to Distillation with
Reflux
condenser cooling water
■ Rectification (fractionation)
or stage distillation with vapor
reflux is a process in which
a series of flash-vaporized
stages. overhead reflux
■ Counter-current product liquid
(distillate)
■ In each stage, a vapor feed
stream V and a liquid vapor Sieve
stream L are mixed and vapor
tray or
equilibrated. stage
reboiler
steam
liquid
bottom liquid product
32
 p. 707
Introduction to Distillation with
Reflux
■ The concentration of the more volatile component (the lower-
boiling component A) is increased in the vapor from each
stage going upward and decreased in the liquid from each
stage going downward.
■ The final vapor product is condensed in a condenser and a
portion of liquid is returned (refluxed).
■ The refluxed liquid enters a reboiler, where is partially
vaporized. The liquid part is withdrawn. The vapor product is
sent back to the bottom tray.

33
 p.708
McCabe-Thiele Method – Equations
for Enriching Section

distillate
enriching
section
feed

stripping
section
bottoms

34
 p. 707-708
McCabe-Thiele Method – Introduction
and Assumption

Total material balance

Vn 1  Ln 1  Vn  Ln
Component balance on A
Vn 1 yn 1  Ln 1 xn 1  Vn yn  Ln xn

xn and yn are in equilibrium and the temperature is Tn

With the assumption, Vn+1=Vn and Ln=Ln-1

35
 p.708-709
McCabe-Thiele Method – Equations
for Enriching Section
Overall material balance F  D  W
Total material balance on component A FxF  DxD  WxW

Over the dashed-line section

Vn 1  Ln  D
Vn 1 yn 1  Ln xn  Dx D

36
 p.709
McCabe-Thiele Method – Equations
for Enriching Section
Since Vn 1  Ln  D , Ln / Vn 1  R /( R  1) , D / Vn 1  1/( R  1)

e
l in
g
a tin
per
O

e
𝑠  𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒

rv
cu
𝑥𝐷
 𝑅 +1
m
riu
ib
uil
Eq

37
 p.709-710
McCabe-Thiele Method – Equations
for Stripping Section
Total material balance: Vm 1  Lm  W
Balance on component A:
Vm 1 ym 1  Lm xm  WxW

38
 p. 710
McCabe-Thiele Method – Equations
for Stripping Section

rve
cu
iu m
i br
qui l
E

e
lin
g
tin
era
slope

Op

39
 p. 710-711
McCabe-Thiele Method – Feed
Conditions
The condition of the feed is represented by q:
heat needed to vaporized 1 mol of feed at
在入料狀況下，將 entering conditions
1 莫耳入料蒸發所需之熱
q
入料之莫耳蒸發潛熱
molar latent heat of vaporization of feed

HV: the enthalpy of feed at the dew point

HL: the enthalpy of feed at boiling point (bubble point)
HF: the enthalpy of feed at its entrance conditions

40
 p. 710-711
McCabe-Thiele Method – Feed
Conditions
HV  H F
q
HV  H L

HV-HF is the enthalpy for the vaporization of feed; that is, the
enthalpy for the liquid part in feed

41
 p. 711
McCabe-Thiele Method – Feed
Conditions
Lm  Ln  qF
Vn  Vm  (1  q) F

Vn 1 yn 1  Ln xn  Dx D
Vm 1 ym 1  Lm xm  WxW

Vn y  Ln x  DxD
Vm y  Lm x  WxW

(Vm  Vn ) y  ( Lm  Ln ) x  ( DxD  WxW )

(q  1)Fy  qFx  Fx F

42
 p. 711
McCabe-Thiele Method – Feed
Conditions
After rearranging,

1. The q-line is the intersection of the two operating lines.

2. The intersection of the q-line with 45°line is at y = x = xF

43
 p. 711-712
McCabe-Thiele Method – Feed
Conditions
HV  H F
q
HV  H L

line
g
tin
ra
pe
go
Mole fraction in vapor

i ch in
r
En
e

q is intersection
g lin

of two operating
tin
e ra

lines
op
i ng
p
rip
St

q<0
Mole fraction in liquid 44
 p. 711-712
McCabe-Thiele Method – Feed
Conditions
How to plot OL and q-line?

1. Enriching OL:
• (xD, xD)
Mole fraction in vapor

Enriching
operating line • slope R/(R+1) or Ln/Vn+1
2. q-line:
• (xF, xF)
Stripping operating • slope q/q-1
line
3. Stripping OL:
• (xW, xW)
Mole fraction in liquid • intersection point

45
 p.712
McCabe-Thiele Method – Location of
the Feed Tray and Number of Trays
feed feed
plate plate

Below the feed line, stripping OL should be

used.

46
 p.712-713
Ex. 11.4-1 Rectification of a Benzene-
Toluene Mixture
　 A liquid mixture of benzene-toluene is to be distilled in a
fractional tower at 101.3 kPa. The feed of 100 kg mol/h is
liquid, containing 45 mol% benzene and 55 mol% toluene,
and enters at 327.6 K. A distillate containing 95 mol%
benzene and 5 mol% toluene, and a bottom containing 10
mol% benzene and 90 mol% toluene. The reflux ratio is 4:1.
The average heat capacity of feed is 159 kJ/kg mol ． K and
the average latent heat is 32099 kJ/kg mol. Calculate the kg
moles per hour distillate, kg moles per hour bottoms, and
the number of theoretical trays needed.

47
 p.713
Ex. 11.4-1 Rectification of a Benzene-
Toluene Mixture
The equilibrium line is plotted according to Table 11.1-1

F  100 kg mol / h , xF  0.45 , xD  0.95 , xW  0.10 , R  Ln / D  4

F  D W
100  D  W
FxF  DxD  WxW
100(0.45)  D(0.95)  (100  D )(0.10)
D  41.2 kg mol / h W  58.8 kg mol / h

For the enriching operating line,

48
 p.714
Ex. 11.4-1 Rectification of a Benzene-
Toluene Mixture
HV  H F
q
HV  H L
q line
When xF = 0.45, the boiling
feed
tray point is 93.5℃ or 366.7 K
Mole fraction in vapor

HV  H F  ( HV  H L )  ( H L  H F )
H L  H F  c pL (TB  TF )
c pL  159 kJ / kg mol  K
Mole fraction in liquid TB = 366.7 K
TF = 327.6 K 49
 p.714-715
Ex. 11.4-1 Rectification of a Benzene-
Toluene Mixture

32 099  159(366.7  327.6)

q  1.195 (SI)
32 099
13 800  38(200.3  130)
q  1.195 ( 英制 )
13 800
q 1.195
The slope of feed line is   6.12
q  1 1.195  1

50
 p.714
Ex. 11.4-1 Rectification of a Benzene-
Toluene Mixture
The number of theoretical
q line steps is 7.6. The number
theoretical stages minus a
feed
tray reboiler = 6.6 theroritical
Mole fraction in vapor

stages.

Mole fraction in liquid

51
 p.715
Total Reflux for McCabe-Thiele
Method
Reflux ratio R=Ln/D
To fix the operating line, the reflux ratio must be set.
With the maximum reflux ratio,
Vn 1  Ln  D

R/(R+1) = 1.0

52
 p.715-716
Total Reflux for McCabe-Thiele
Method

line
Mole fraction in vapor

Enriching
operating line

Stripping operating
line

Mole fraction in liquid

53
 p.715-716
Total Reflux for McCabe-Thiele
Method
If a is constant,
y /x yA / xA  xA
 AB  A A  yA 
y B / xB (1  y A ) /(1  x A ) 1  (  1) x A E.L.

O.L. y=x

Fenske equation
 xD 1  xW 
log  
 1  x x 
Nm  D W

log  av

Fenske, M.R. (1932). Ind.Eng. Chem., Vol. 24: 482 54

 p.716-717
Minimum Reflux Ratio for McCabe-
Thiele Method
If R decrease, R/(R+1) is also decreased
pinch point

q line

Rm xD  y 

Mole fraction in vapor

Enriching
operating line
Rm  1 xD  x 

Mole fraction in liquid

55
 p.717
Minimum Reflux Ratio for McCabe-
Thiele Method
If the equilibrium line has an inflection in it, the operating
line at minimum reflux will be tangent to the equilibrium line.
inflection point
q line

56
 p.717
Operating Reflux Ratio for McCabe-
Thiele Method
■ Total reflux: R is infinite and N is minimum, but tower
diameter is infinite.
■ Minimum reflux ratio (Rm): N is infinite.
■ The optimum reflux ratio is between these two extreme cases
and is between 1.2Rm and 1.5Rm in many cases.

57
 p.717
Ex. 11.4-2 Minimum Reflux Ratio and
Total Reflux in Rectification
For the rectification in Ex 11.4-1, where a benzene-toluene
feed (xF = 0.45 ) is being distilled to give distillate
composition of xD = 0.95 and a bottom composition of xW =
0.1, calculate the following
(a) Minimum reflux ratio Rm
(b) Minimum number of theoretical plates at total flux
(a)

The equilibrium and q lines are plotted according to Ex.

11.4-1.
58
 p.717-718
Ex. 11.4-2 Minimum Reflux Ratio and
Total Reflux in Rectification
Rm xD  y  0.95  0.702
 
q line
Rm  1 xD  x  0.95  0.49
Enriching
operating line for Rm=1.17
Mole fraction in vapor

Rm
Steps for
total reflux
(b) With the maximum reflux
ratio, N is the minimum
D 0, R 

R/(R+1) = 1.0
Mole fraction in liquid

59
 p.718-724
Special Cases for Rectification

■ Stripping-column distillation
■ Enriching-column distillation
■ Rectification with direct steam injection
■ Rectification tower with side stream
■ Partial condensers

60
 p.718
Stripping-Column Distillation

■ Stripping section only

■ No reflux. The volatile A is
removed by the vapor.
■ The bottom product W usually
has high concentration of the
less volatile component B.

61
 p.719
Stripping-Column Distillation

If the feed is saturated liquid,

q line
q=1 and Lm=F

line

If the feed is cold liquid below

the boiling point, Lm=qF

62
 p.719
Ex. 11.4-3 Number of Trays in
Stripping Tower
A liquid feed at the boiling point of 400 kg mol/h
containing 70 mol% benzene (A) and 30 mol% toluene (B) is
fed to a strpping tower at 101.3 kPa. The bottom product
flow is to be 60 kg mol/h containing only 10% mol A and
90% mol the rest B. Calculate the 60 kg mol/h overhead
vapor, its composition, and the number of theoretical steps
required.

F = 400 kg mol/h, xF = 0.70, W = 60 kg mol/h, xW = 0.10

The equilibrium line is plotted according to Table 11.1-1
63
 p.719-720
Ex. 11.4-3 Number of Trays in
Stripping Tower
Making an overall material balance, F  W  VD
400  60  VD
VD = 340 kg mol/h

Making a component A balance, FxF  WxW  VD y D

400(0.70)  60(0.10)  340( y D )
y D  0.806

For a saturated liquid, q line is vertical.

The slope of operating line is Lm/Vm+1 = 400/340

64
 p.720
Ex. 11.4-3 Number of Trays in
Stripping Tower

q line
Mole fraction in vapor

Operating
line

Mole fraction in liquid

65
 p.720
Enriching-Column Distillation

■ The feed enters at the bottom of tower as a vapor.

■ The distillate is quite rich in the more volatile component
A.
■ If the feed is saturated vapor, Vn=F. The q line is
horizontal.

66
 p.720
Enriching-Column Distillation

Mole fraction in vapor

F

Mole fraction in liquid

67
 p.720-721
Rectification with Direct Steam
Injection
■ Steam is used to provide heat and
in direct contact with the boiling
solution.
■ The steam is injected as small
bubbles.
■ This is usually used when A is
very volatile and B is just water.

steam
Overall balance and balance on A
F  S  D W
FxF  SyS  DxD  WxW
68
 p.721-722
Rectification with Direct Steam
Injection
For the stripping section
Lm  S  Vm 1  W
Lm xm  S (0)  Vm 1 ym 1  WxW

For saturated steam entering, if S=Vm+1, Lm=W

69
Rectification with Direct Steam p.722

Injection
Enriching
operating line
q line  The used of open steam
rather than closed requires an
Equilibrium
line extra fraction of a stage.
 The reboiler is not necessary.
 The construction of the heater
is simpler.
Stripping
operating line
line

70
 p.722
Rectification Tower with Side Stream

■ Intermediate product or
side stream are removed
from sections of tower
between distillate and
bottoms.
Saturated
■ The operating line liquid
between side stream and
feed is affected.
■ q-line is unaffected

71
 p.723
Rectification Tower with Side Stream

total material balance for top part

VS 1  LS  O  D
O is mol/h saturated liquid
removed as a side stream
Saturated
Ln  LS  O liquid

VS 1  Vn 1

Making a balance on A
VS 1 y S 1  LS x S  OxO  Dx D

72
 p.723
Rectification Tower with Side Stream

If the CV does not include D…

Ln+Vs+1 = Ls+Vn+1+O
Ln  LS  O
VS 1  Vn 1 Saturated
liquid

73
 p.723
Rectification Tower with Side Stream

LS OxO  DxD
y S 1  xS 
VS 1 VS 1
q line

74
 p.723-724
Partial Condensers

 The overhead distillate

product is partially
removed as a vapor.
 This occurs when the low
boiling point makes
complete condensation
difficult.

75
 p.723-724
Partial Condensers

Condenser stage
If the contact time between vapor
product and liquid is sufficient,
the partial condenser is a
theoretical stage.
Enriching
line

line

76
 p.724
Tray Efficiencies

■ In previous discussions of theoretical trays, we assumed the

vapor leaving a tray was in equilibrium with the liquid leaving.
■ If the contact time and the mixing degree on the tray are
insufficient, the streams will not be in equilibrium.
■ We must use more actual trays than the theoretical number of
trays.
■ Three types of tray efficiency are used:

77
 p.724-725
Overall Tray Efficiency - Eo

■ Eo concerns the entire tower and is simple to use, but it is least

fundamental.

  𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑦𝑠

𝐸𝑜 =
𝑛𝑢𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑢𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑦𝑠
Partial reboiler and partial condenser is number of
theoretical trays. The number of total trays should minus a
reboiler or condenser

78
 p.725
Murphree Tray Efficiency - EM
  𝐸 𝑦𝑛 − 𝑦 𝑛+ 1
𝑀 =
𝑦∗
𝑛 − 𝑦 𝑛+ 1
yn is the average actual concentration of the mixed vapor leaving the
tray n
yn+1 is the average actual concentration of the mixed vapor entering
the tray n
yn* is the vapor concentration in equilibrium with xn
xn is the average actual concentration of the mixed liquid leaving the
tray n Average

Point
Inlet
  Tray n

  Outlet
Average 79
Point
 p.725
Murphree Tray Efficiency - EM

  The triangle acd

represents an
c ideal plate
d  The smaller
b
e triangle abe is an
a actual plate
 The Murphree
efficiency,

80
 p.725-726
Point Local Efficiency - EMP
In small-diameter towers, the vapor flow sufficiently agitates
the liquid so that it is uniform on the tray. Thus, yn’=yn,
yn+1’=yn+1, and yn’*= yn*

  large-diameter towers, incomplete mixing of the liquid

In
occurs on the tray. Some of vapor will contact the entering
liquid, , which is richer in component A than

  𝑦 ′𝑛 − 𝑦 ′𝑛+1
𝐸 𝑀𝑃= ∗ ′
Average
𝑦 𝑛 − 𝑦 𝑛+1
Point
Inlet
  Tray n
Outlet
 
Average
Point
81
 p.726
Relationship Between Tray Efficiencies
 
The relationship between and can be derived
mathematically if the amount of liquid mixing is specified
together with the amount of vapor mixing. The
experimental data are usually needed to obtain amounts
of mixing.
 
When the Murphree tray efficiency is known or can be
predicted, the Eo can be related by analytical expression
as follows:
  𝑚𝑉
𝐸𝑜 =
log ⁡[ 1+ 𝐸 𝑀 (
𝐿 )
− 1 ] If the slope m of the equilibrium
line is constant as well as the
𝑚𝑉
log ( ) slope L/V of operating line.
𝐿

82
 p.727
Packed Tower for Distillation
The height of packed tower for distillation can be
evaluated by using HETP or transfer unit.
 𝐻 =𝑛( 𝐻𝐸𝑇𝑃)  𝐻 = 𝐻 𝑂𝐺 𝑁 𝑂𝐺
 H : the height of packing in m (ft).
HETP: the height equivalent to a theoretical plate.
N : the number of theoretical stages needed
: the overall height of a transfer unit in m (ft).
: the number of transfer units.
  𝑇
𝐻𝐸𝑇𝑃 =
𝐸𝑜
T: the tray spacing determined by tower diameter
E0: overall tray efficiency 83
 p.727
Packed Tower for Distillation
 
The HETP and overall height of a transfer unit can be
related as follows:

𝐻𝐸𝑇𝑃=𝐻 𝑂𝐺 ln⁡¿ ¿
  where m is the slope of the
equilibrium line in mole fraction
units
L and V are molar flow rates

If the O.L. and E.L. are parallel, the HETP = HOG.

  : the overall height of a transfer unit in m (ft).
: the number of transfer units.

84
 p.727
Estimation of Efficiency for Tray Tower
The tray efficiency is mainly estimated by empirical
equations which are composed of mL, a, ML and dP

eg. E0  0.492(  L ) 0.245

:  fraction efficiency
: relative volatility of the two key components at average
tower temperature
: the molar average viscosity in cp pf the liquid feed at
the average tower temperature of the top and the bottom.

Most typical efficiencies are between 40 and 80%.

85
 p.727
Estimation of Efficiency for Packed
Tower
For random-packing tower
HETP = 0.018dp (SI, 2nd and 3rd generation
packing)
HETP = 0.018dp + 0.15 (SI, vacuum service)

For structured-packing tower

HETP = 100/a + 0.1 (SI)

86
 p.729
Flooding Velocity and Diameter of Tray
Towers
The maximum vapor velocity is limited by the
entrainment of small liquid droplet or by the liquid flowing
back to the previous tray.
 0.2  L   V
v Max  K v ( )
20 V
 is the surface tension of the liquid
KV is dominated by L, V, plate spacing, rL and rV

  should be multiplied by a
factor of 0.91 to account for the
downspout area of 9% of the
tray. 87
 p.730
Estimation of KV Value

Plate spacing

88
 p.731
Enthalpy-Concentration Data
■ In McCabe-Thiele method, there are several
assumptions:
– The latent heats are equal
– Sensible heat differences are negligible
– Constant molar overflow

If these assumptions can not be used…

89
 p.732
Enthalpy-Concentration Data
■ The following data are needed to construct enthalpy-
concentration diagram:
– Heat capacity of the liquid
– Heat of solution
– Latent heat of vaporization
– Boiling point

90
 p.732
Enthalpy-Concentration Data

The saturated liquid line in enthalpy (kJ/ kg mol),h, is

calculated by
 

Hsol : the heat of solution in kJ/kg

Hsol : negative if heat is evolved on mixing

91
 p.732
Enthalpy-Concentration Data

The saturated vapor line in enthalpy (kJ/ kg mol), H, is

calculated by
 

A and B are the latent heat of A T, vap

and B at T0
Ab is the latent heat of A and B at
T0, vap
normal boiling point

T0, liq
92
 p.732
Enthalpy-Concentration Data

TbA, gas
If the component is very
volatile, Tb is low, indicating
T0, gas
that Tb would be close to T0
TbA, liq

T0, liq T0, liq

T0 is often taken as equal to the boiling point of the lower-
boiling component A, meaning A = Ab. Hence, only B
must be corrected.
93
 p.732
Ex.11.6-1 Enthalpy-Concentration Plot
for Benzene-Toluene
Prepare an Enthalpy-Concentration Plot for Benzene-Toluene
at 1 atm pressure. Equilibrium data are given in Table 11.1-1
and Figs. 11.1-1 and 11.1-2 . Physical properties are given in
Table 11.6-1.

T0 is taken as 80.1℃
Find the enthalpy of vapor and liquid for different xA and yA
Physical Property Data for Benzene and
Toluene
cp Latent heat of
Component Tb vaporization
liquid
liquid vapor

94
 p.732
Ex.11.6-1 Enthalpy-Concentration Plot
for Benzene-Toluene
For xA = 0
The saturation temperature of solution is at 110.6℃ (b.p. of
toluene)
The saturated liquid enthalpy is calculated by:
h  x Ac pA (T  80.1)  (1  x A )c pB (T  80.1)  0
h  0  (1  0)(167.5)(110.6  80.1)  5109 kJ / kg mol

95
 p.733
Ex.11.6-1 Enthalpy-Concentration Plot
for Benzene-Toluene
To calculate the saturated vapor enthalpy for yA=0,
B  c pB (TbB  T0 )  Bb  c pyB (TbB  T0 )
 167.5(110.6  80.1)  33 330  138.2(110.6  80.1)  34 224 kJ / kg mol

H  y A [ A  c pyA (T  T0 )]  (1  y A )[B  c pyB (T  T0 )]

 0  (1.0  0)[34 224  138.2(110.6  80.1)]  38 439 kJ / kg mol

96
 p.734
Ex. 11.6-1 Enthalpy-Concentration Plot
for Benzene-Toluene
Saturated
vapor

Enthalpy Tie line

of mixture

Saturated
liquid

Mole fraction benzene

97
 p.733
Ex.11.6-1 Enthalpy-Concentration Plot
for Benzene-Toluene

For pure benzene, xA = 1.0 and yA =1.0

Because T = T0 = 80.1℃, h = 0

For saturated vapor enthalpy,

H  1.0[30 820  96.3(80.1  80.1)]  0  30 820

98
 p.734
Ex. 11.6-1 Enthalpy-Concentration Plot
for Benzene-Toluene
Saturated
vapor

Enthalpy Tie line

of mixture

Saturated
liquid

Mole fraction benzene

99
 p.733
Ex. 11.6-1 Enthalpy-Concentration
Plot for Benzene-Toluene
Selecting xA = 0.50, Tb = 92℃
yA = 0.50, Td = 98.8℃
h  x Ac pA (T  T0 )  (1  x A )c pB (T  T0 )  H sol
H  y A [A  c py A (T  T0 )]  (1  y A )[B  c pyB (T  T0 )]

h  0.5(138.2)(92  80.1)  (1  0.5)(167.5)(92  80.1)  1820

H  0.5[30 820  96.3(98.8  80.1)]

 (1  0.5)[34 224  138.2(98.8  80.1)]  34 716

Similarly, xA = 0.30 , yA = 0.30 → h = 2920, H = 36268

xA = 0.80 , yA = 0.80 → h = 562 , H = 32380 100
 p.734
Ex. 11.6-1 Enthalpy-Concentration Plot
for Benzene-Toluene
Enthalpy-Concentration Data for Benzene-Toluene
Mixtures at 101.325 kPa (1 atm) Total Pressure
Saturated vapor Saturated liquid
Mole fraction Mole fraction

101
 p.734
Ex. 11.6-1 Enthalpy-Concentration Plot
for Benzene-Toluene
Saturated
vapor

Enthalpy Tie line

of mixture

Saturated
liquid

Mole fraction benzene

102
 p.734-735
Distillation in Enriching Section of
Tower
Vn 1  Ln  D
Vn 1 yn 1  Ln xn  DxD

Ln Dx
yn 1  xn  D
Vn 1 Vn 1

This is the same with

Eqn. for McCabe method,
but Vn-1 and Ln may vary
through the tower
It is not a straight line, and Ln/Vn+1 is related to the enthalpy
changes 103
 p.735
Distillation in Enriching Section of
Tower
Enthalpy balance:
Vn 1 H n 1  Ln hn  DhD  qc

qc is the condenser duty in

kJ/h

Enthalpy balance around the

condenser:
qc  V1 H1  LhD  DhD
Vn 1 H n 1  Ln hn  V1H 1  LhD

104
 p.735
Distillation in Enriching Section of
Tower
Vn 1 H n 1  (Vn 1  D )hn  V1H 1  LhD

V1 and L are known if R is set.

H1 and hD are determined by
h  x Ac pA (T  T0 )  (1  x A )c pB (T  T0 )  H sol

H  y A [A  c py A (T  T0 )]  (1  y A )[B  c pyB (T  T0 )]

If xn is selected, yn+1 is determined. Then h and H are

calculated. Finally, Vn+1 can be obtained
Because xn is determined by Vn+1, the trial-and-error
method must be used
105
 p.735
Distillation in Enriching Section of
Tower
■ Select xn. Assume Vn+1=V1=L+D and Ln=L in the beginning.
Calculate yn+1 by using
Ln Dx
yn 1  xn  D
Vn 1 Vn 1

■ Using yn+1 and xn to obtain Hn+1 and hn.

h  x Ac pA (T  T0 )  (1  x A )c pB (T  T0 )  H sol

H  y A [A  c py A (T  T0 )]  (1  y A )[B  c pyB (T  T0 )]

■ Obtain Vn+1 and Ln

Vn 1 H n 1  (Vn 1  D )hn  V1 H1  LhD

Vn 1  Ln  D 106
 p.735-736
Distillation in Enriching Section of
Tower
■ Solve yn+1
Ln Dx
yn 1  xn  D
Vn 1 Vn 1

■ Compare the calculated yn+1 in the last step with the yn+1
calculated from assumed xn

■ Assume another xn and repeat previous steps

107
 p.736
Distillation in Stripping Section of
Tower
Overall and a component balance:
Lm  W  Vm 1
Lm xm  WxW  Vm 1 ym 1
Lm Wx
ym 1  xm  W
Vm 1 Vm 1

Enthalpy balance:
Vm 1 H m 1  (Vm 1  W )hm  qR  WhW

qR is the reboiler duty in kJ/h

108
 p.736
Distillation in Stripping Section of
Tower
Enthalpy balance for the overall tower

qR  DhD  WhW  qc  FhF

Saturated
liquid

109
 p.736
Ex. 11.6-2 Distillation Using Enthalpy-
Concentration Method
　 A liquid mixture of benzene-toluene is being distilled under
the same conditions in Ex. 11.4-1, except that a reflux ratio
of 1.5 times the minimum reflux ratio is to be used. The value
Rm=1.17 from Ex. 11.4-1 will be used. Use enthalpy balances
to calculate the flow rates of the liquid and vapor at various
points in the tower and plot the curved operating lines.
Determine the number of theoretical stages needed.

From given data, the feed enters at 54.5C , q  1.195

F  100 kg mol / h , xF  0.45 , xD  0.95 , xW  0.10 ,
R  1.5 Rm  1.5(1.17)  1.755 , D  41.2 kg mol / h , W  58.8 kg mol / h
110
 p.736-737
Ex. 11.6-2 Distillation Using Enthalpy-
Concentration Method
L
The flows at the top of  1.755 ; L  1.755(41.2)  72.3 ;
D
the tower V1  L  D  72.3  41.2  113.5

From Fig. 11.1-1, the saturation temp. at tower top for

y1=xD=0.95 is 82.3℃
Ln DxD
yn 1  xn 
Vn 1 Vn 1
Vn 1 H n 1  (Vn 1  D )hn  V1H 1  LhD
Vn 1  Ln  D
Vn 1 yn 1 hLn xxnAc pADx
(TD  T0 )  (1  x A )c pB (T  T0 )  H sol
H  y A [A  c py A (T  T0 )]  (1  y A )[B  c pyB (T  T0 )]
111
 p.736-737
Ex. 11.6-2 Distillation Using Enthalpy-
Concentration Method
T0 is set as 80.1℃
At tower top
y1=xD=0.95 (Td=82.3℃)

H1  0.95[30 820  96.3(82.3  80.1)]

 (1  0.95)[34 224  138.2(82.3  80.1)]  31 206

From Fig. 11.1-1 , the Tb of the distillate D is 81.1℃

hD  0.95(138.2)(81.1  80.1)  (1  0.95)(167.5)(81.1  80.1)  139

112
 p.737
Ex. 11.6-2 Distillation Using Enthalpy-
Concentration Method
Vn 1 H n 1  (Vn 1  D )hn  V1 H1  LhD

xn=0.55 is firstly selected

In the first trial, assume Vn+1=V1=L+D and Ln=L
72.3 41.2
yn 1  xn  (0.95)  0.637( xn )  0.345  0.637(0.55)  0.345  0.695
113.5 113.5

yn+1 = 0.695

h  x Ac pA (T  T0 )  (1  x A )c pB (T  T0 )  H sol

H  y A [A  c py A (T  T0 )]  (1  y A )[B  c pyB (T  T0 )]

113
 p.737
Ex. 11.6-2 Distillation Using Enthalpy-
Concentration Method
When xn = 0.55, hn = 1590
When yn+1 = 0.695 , Hn+1 = 33240

Vn 1 (33 240)  (Vn 1  41.2)1590  113.5(31 206)  72.3(139)

Vn 1  109.5
109.5  Ln  41.2 or Ln  68.3

68.3 41.2
yn 1  (0.55)  (0.95)  0.700
109.5 109.5

114
 p.737
H  y A [A  c py A (T  T0 )]  (1  y A )[B  c pyB (T  T0 )]

h  x Ac pA (T  T0 )  (1  x A )c pB (T  T0 )  H sol

hn
xn is firstly selected yn+1
Hn+1
Assume Vn+1=V1=L+D and Ln=L

L Dx Vn 1 H n 1  (Vn 1  D )hn  V1 H1  LhD

yn 1  n xn  D
Vn 1 Vn 1

Vn+1
Vn 1  Ln  D
Vn 1 yn1  Ln xn  DxD
yn+1 Ln
Ln Dx
yn 1  xn  D
Vn 1 Vn 1 115
 p.737
Ex. 11.6-2 Distillation Using Enthalpy-
Concentration Method
Selecting another value for xn = 0.70
In the first trial, assume Vn+1=V1=L+D and Ln=L
72.3 41.2
yn 1  (0.70)  (0.95)  0.791
113.5 113.5

When xn = 0.70, hn = 1000

When yn+1 = 0.791, Hn+1 = 32500
Vn 1 (32 500)  (Vn 1  41.2)1000  113.5(31 206)  72.3(139)
Vn 1  110.8

Ln  110.8  41.2  69.6

116
 p.738
Ex. 11.6-2 Distillation Using Enthalpy-
Concentration Method
69.6 41.2
yn 1  (0.70)  (0.95)  0.793
110.8 110.8

In the second trial, assume Vn+1=110.8 and Ln=69.6

When xn = 0.70, hn = 1000

When yn+1 = 0.793, Hn+1 = …

Vn 1 H n 1  (Vn 1  D )hn  V1 H1  LhD

Vn1  Ln  D
Vn1 yn1  Ln xn  DxD Ln DxD
yn 1  xn  yn+1 = …
Vn 1 Vn 1
117
 p.738
Ex. 11.6-2 Distillation Using Enthalpy-
Concentration Method
The solid line is for
enthalpy-concentration q line
method, the dashed line
for constant molal Mole
fraction
overflow.
in vapor

Mole fraction in liquid

118
 p.738-739
Ex. 11.6-2 Distillation Using Enthalpy-
Concentration Method
Lm Wx
ym 1  xm  W
Vm 1 Vm 1
191.8 58.8
Vm+1 and Lm are( xcalculated
0.207 N )  by Vm 1H m 1  (Vm 1  W )hm  qR  WhW
(0.10)
133.0 133.0
qR is calculated by qR  DhD  WhW  qc  FhF
qC is calculated by qc  V1 H1  LhD  DhD

Lm=Vm+1+W

Lm and Vm+1 are determined Lm  Ln  qF  72.3  1.195(100)

11.4  191.8
by Vm 1  Vn 1  (1  q) F  113.5  (1  1.195)100  133

Assume equilimolar overflow at first

119
 p.738-739
Ex. 11.6-2 Distillation Using Enthalpy-
Concentration Method
The condenser duty:

qc  113.5(31 206)  72.3(139)  41.2(139)  3 526 100 kJ / h

The reboiler duty:

For xW = 0.10, hW = 4350 (from Fig. 11.6-1)

h  x Ac pA (T  T0 )  (1  x A )c pB (T  T0 )  H sol

The feed is at 54.5℃, and b.p. of benzene 80.1℃ is T0

hF  0.45(138.2)(54.5  80.1)  (1  0.45)(167.5)(54.5  80.1)  3929
qR  41.2(139)  58.8(4350)  3 526 100( 3929)  4 180 500 kJ / h
120
 p.739
Ex. 11.6-2 Distillation Using Enthalpy-
Concentration Method
Material balance below the bottom tray: Lm=Vm+1+W

Enthalpy balance: Vm 1 H m 1  (Vm 1  W )hm  qR  WhW

From the equilibrium diagram, xW=0.1 and yW=0.207 (the

vapor composition leaving the reboiler)
xW=0.1 and yW=0.207 is one of the end points in stripping OL

For equilimolar overflow,

Lm  Ln  qF  72.3  1.195(100)  191.8
Vm 1  Vn 1  (1  q ) F  113.5  (1  1.195)100  133.0

121
 p.739
Ex. 11.6-2 Distillation Using Enthalpy-
Concentration Method
Selecting ym+1 = yW = 0.207
Lm Wx
ym 1  xm  W
Vm 1 Vm 1
191.8 58.8
0.207  ( xN )  (0.10)
133.0 m 133.0

Solving xm = 0.174
When xm = 0.174, hm = 3800 Vm 1 H m 1  (Vm 1  W )hm  qR  WhW
When ym+1 = 0.207, Hm+1 = 37000
Vm+1(37000) = (Vm+1+58.8)(3800) + 4180500 - 58.8(4350)

Solving Vm+1 = 125.0 Lm=Vm+1+W Lm = 183.8

122
 p.739
Ex. 11.6-2 Distillation Using Enthalpy-
Concentration Method
Lm Wx
ym 1  xm  W
Vm 1 Vm 1
191.8 183.8 58.8 58.8

0.207 0.207 ( x N )  ( x ) (0.10)
 (0.10)
133.0 125.0133.0 N
m 125.0
x N  0.173
m Close to 0.174

If they are not close enough…

Lm Wx
ym 1  xm  W
xm is used in Vm 1 Vm 1 to find out y m+1
191.8 58.8
When xm = 0.173,
0.207  h =( x…
m
133.0
N)
133.0
(0.10)

When ym+1 = …, Hm+1 = …

Solving Vm+1 and Lm 123
 p.739
Ex. 11.6-2 Distillation Using Enthalpy-
Concentration Method
Assuming ym+1 = 0.55
191.8 58.8
ym 1  0.55  ( xm )  (0.10)
133.0 133.0
xm  0.412

When xm = 0.412, hm = 2300

When ym+1 = 0.55, Hm = 34400
Vm 1 (34 400)  (Vm 1  58.8)(2300)  4 180 500  58.8(4350)

Vm+1 = 126.5
Lm  W  Vm 1  58.8  126.5  185.3

124
 p.739-740
Ex. 11.6-2 Distillation Using Enthalpy-
Concentration Method
185.3 58.8
ym 1  0.55  xm  (0.1)
126.5 126.5
xm  0.407
Close to 0.412

If they are not close enough…

Lm Wx
ym 1  xm  W
xm is used in Vm 1 Vm 1 to find out y m+1
191.8 58.8
When xm = 0.407,
0.207  hm =
133.0
( x…
N)
133.0
(0.10)

When ym+1 = …, Hm+1 = …

Solving Vm+1 and Lm
125
 p.739-740
Ex. 11.6-2 Distillation Using Enthalpy-
Concentration Method

Using equimolar
method, N=9.9.
q line
Mole
fraction
in vapor

Mole fraction in liquid 126

 p.740-741
Introduction to Multicomponent
Distillation
■ There is one mass balance for each component in the
multicomponent distillation.
■ The number of distilled must be calculated. For n
components, n-1 fractionators will be required.
■ Design calculation methods
– From composition, calculate N
– From N, calculate x and y

Feed

127
 p.742
Equilibrium Data in Multicomponent
Distillation
For multicomponent systems which are ideal, Raoult’s law
can be used.
p A  PA x A , pB  PB xB , pC  PC xC , pD  PD xD
p A PA PB PC PD
yA   xA , yB  xB , yC  xC , yD  xD
P P P P P
For hydrocarbon systems, because of nondealities, the
equilibrium data are represented by
yA  K A xA , yB  K B xB , yC  KC xC , y D  K D xD

128
 Equilibrium Data in Multicomponentp.742-743
Distillation

n e
uta
b
n- n e
nta
p e
The relative volatility, i , n- an e
e x
can be determined by K h
n- tane
If C is selected as the e p
base component, - h
n
Ki KA KB KC KD
i  , A  , B  , C   1.0 ,  D  At 4 atm
KC KC KC KC KC
KB KC KD
, C   1.0 ,  D 
KC KC KC
129
 p.742-743
Boiling Point ta ne
- bu
n a ne
n t
- pe e
At a specific pressure, the bubble n
x an
he ne
point or boiling point satisfy  yi  1.0 n -
p ta
yA  K A x-hAe , y B  K B xB
n
If C is selected as the base
component, Ki KA
i  , A  , B
 y   K x  K  x  1.0
i i i C i i KC KC
Trial-and-error method is used to find
out B.P.
Assume T Ki ai Kc T

130
 p.743
Boiling Point

After the final B.P. temperature is known, ai is determined.

Then, the vapor composition can be calculated from
i xi
yi 
(i xi )

yA  K A xA , y B  K B xB , yC  KC xC , y D  K D xD

Ki K A y A  KKBA x A   AKKCC x A   A x A K D
i  , A  , B  , C   1.0 , D x
KC KC KC KC  i i KC
 K x  K  x  1.0
i i C i i

131
 p.743-744
Dew Point

Trial-and-error method is used to find out D.P.

Assume T Ki ai Kc T

After the final dew point is calculated, liquid composition

can be obtained by

132
 p.744
Ex. 11.7-1 Boiling Point of a
Multicomponent Liquid
A liquid feed to a distillation at 405.3 kPa abs is fed to a
distillation tower. The composition in mole fractions is as
follows: n-butane (xA = 0.40), n-pentane (xB = 0.25), n-
hexane (xC = 0.20), n-heptane (xD = 0.15). Calculate the
boiling point and the vapor in equilibrium with the liquid.

Firstly, a temperature of 65℃ is assumed.

K is obtained from Fig. 11.7-2
Using component C as the base component

133
 p.744
Ex. 11.7-1 Boiling Point of a
Multicomponent Liquid

134
 p.744
Flash Distillation of Multicomponent
Mixture Fig.11.3-1

Defining f = V / F
heater separator

1-f = L / F

F L
FxF=Vy+Lx y  xF  x
V V

yi is the composition of i in the vapor, in equilibrium with xi

in the liquid after vaporization.
135
 p.744
Flash Distillation of Multicomponent
Mixture
For equilibrium, yi = Kixi = KCixi, where i = Ki / KC
f 1 xiF
yi  KC i xi  xi 
f f
xiF
x  
i
f ( KC i  1)  1
 1.0

136
 p.745
Key Components in Multicomponent
Distillation
■ The distillation tower will allow the separation only
between two components.
■ The components separated are called the light key, and
the heavy key.
■ The components which are more volatile than the light
key are called the light components and mainly present in
the top of the tower.
■ The components which are less volatile than the heavy
key are called the heavy components and mainly present
in the bottom of the tower.
137
 p.745
Key Components in Multicomponent
Distillation

A
B
C
D
E
F

138
 p.745
Total Reflux for Multicomponent
Distillation – Minimum Stages
log[( xLD D / xHD D )( xHW W / x LW W )]
Fenske eqn.: N m 
log( L ,av )

xLD: mole fraction of light key in distillate

xLW : mole fraction of light key in bottoms
xHD: mole fraction of heavy key in distillate
xHW : mole fraction of heavy key in bottoms
L, av : the geometric average value of LD at the top
temperature (dew point) and LW at the bottom temperature
(bubble point)
 L ,av   LD LW
139
 p.745
Total Reflux for Multicomponent Distillation –
Distribution of Other Components
log[( xLD D / xHD D )( x HW W / x LW W )]
Nm 
log( L ,av )

xiD D N m x HD D
 (i ,av )
xiW W xHW W

140
 p.745-746
Ex. 11.7-2 Calculation of Top and Bottom
Temperatures and Total Reflux
The liquid feed of 100 mol/h at the boiling point in Ex. 11.7-1
is fed to a distillate tower at 405.3 kPa and is to be
fractionated so that 90% of the n-pentane (B) is recovered in
the distillate and 90% of the n-hexane (C) in the bottoms.
Calculate the following:
(a) Moles per hour and composition of distillates and
bottoms .
(b) Top temperature (dew point) of distillate and bottom
temperature (bubble point) of bottoms
(c) Minimum stages for total reflux and distribution of other
components in the distillates and bottoms.
141
 p.746
Ex. 11.7-2 Calculation of Top and Bottom
Temperatures and Total Reflux
Feed: n-butane (xA = 0.40), n-pentane (xB = 0.25), n-hexane
(xC = 0.20), n-heptane (xD = 0.15).

Because B and C are concerned in the question and B is

more volatile than C,

For the overall balance, F  D  W

For the light key, xBF F  0.25(100)  25.0  y BD D  xBW W

Since 90% of B is in the distillate, yBD D= (0.90)(25) = 22.5.

Hence, xBWW = 25-22.5 = 2.5 142
 p.746
Ex. 11.7-2 Calculation of Top and Bottom
Temperatures and Total Reflux
For the heavy key, xCF F  0.20(100)  20.0  yCD D  xCW W

90% of C is in the bottom, so xcWW = 0.90(20) = 18.0. Then,

yCDD = 20-18 = 2.0

The assumptions:

Since D appears only in bottoms, xDWW = 0.15(100) = 15.0

Since A appears only in distillate, yADD = 0.40(100) = 40.0
143
 p.746
Ex. 11.7-2 Calculation of Top and Bottom
Temperatures and Total Reflux

For the dew point of the distillate, a value of 67℃ is

assumed in the first trial.

144
 p.746
Ex. 11.7-2 Calculation of Top and Bottom
Temperatures and Total Reflux
Assume T Ki ai Kc T

145
 p.747
Ex. 11.7-2 Calculation of Top and Bottom
Temperatures and Total Reflux

The calculated KC is 0.2627, which corresponds very closely

to 67℃, which is the final dew point.

For the bubble point, a temperature of 135℃is firstly

assumed. 146
 p.747
Ex. 11.7-2 Calculation of Top and Bottom
Temperatures and Total Reflux
Assume T Ki ai Kc T

The final bubble point is 132℃ 147

 p.747
Ex. 11.7-2 Calculation of Top and Bottom
Temperatures and Total Reflux
The proper a values of the key L to use are as follows:
 LD  2.50 (t  67C)
 LW  2.04 (t  132C)
 L ,av   LD LW  2.50(2.04)  2.258

log[( xLD D / xHD D )( xHW W / xLW W )]

Nm 
log( L ,av )

log[(0.349  64.5 / 0.031  64.5)(0.507  35.5 / 0.070  35.5)]

Nm 
log(2.258)
 5.404 ( theoretical
扣除再沸器，為 stages4.404 個理想板數
(4.404 )
theoretical trays) 148
 p.747
Ex. 11.7-2 Calculation of Top and Bottom
Temperatures and Total Reflux
For the concentration of the component A,
 A,av   AD AW  6.73  4.348  5.409
x AD D N m x HD D 5.404 0.031(64.5)
 ( A,av )  (5.409)  1017
x AW W x HW W 0.507(35.5)
x AD D  1017 x AW W

Making overall balance on A: x AF F  40.0  x AD D  x AW W

x AW W  0.039 , x AD D  39.961

149
 p.747
Ex. 11.7-2 Calculation of Top and Bottom
Temperatures and Total Reflux
For the concentration of the component D,
 D ,av  0.385  0.530  0.452
xDD D x D 0.031(645)
 ( D ,av ) N m HD  (0.452)5.404  0.001521
xDW W x HW W 0.507(355)
xDF F  15.0  x DD D  x DWW

xDD D  0.023 , xDW W  14.977

150
 p.748
Ex. 11.7-2 Calculation of Top and Bottom
Temperatures and Total Reflux
The revised distillate and bottoms composition:

Using the new composition, a recalculation of dew point and

bubble point are performed.
With new dew point and bubble point, a is recalculated, and
Nm is then recalculated
151
 p.748
Minimum Reflux Ratio for
Multicomponent Distillate
■ For binary system, only one pinch point occurs where the
number of steps become infinite.
■ For multicomponent distillation, two pinch points or zones of
constant composition occur: one is above the feed plate and
another below the feed tray.
■ Underwood’s shortcut method for Rm uses constant average a
and assume constant flow in the tower.
■ In Underwood’s shortcut method, Rm is solved by:

 i xiF i xiD
1 q   i  
Rm  1   i  
152
 p.749
Number of Stages at Operating Reflux
Ratio – Erbar and Maddox’s Method

Extrapolated

153
 p.750
Number of Stages at Operating Reflux
Ratio – Estimate of Feed-Plate Location
Ne   xHF  W  x LW  
2

log  0.206 log     

Ns  xLF  D  x HD  

Ne is the number of theoretical stages above the feed plate.

Ns is the number of theoretical stages below the feed plate.

154
 p.750
Ex. 11.7-3 Minimum Reflux Ratio and Number
of Stages at Operating Reflux Ratio
Using the conditions and results in Ex. 11.7-2, calculate the
following:
(a) Rm using Underwood method
(b) Number of theoretical stages at an operating ratio R =
1.5Rm using the Erbar-Maddox correlation.
(c) Location of feed tray using the Kirkbride method.

The temperature at the top is 67℃ and at the bottom is

132℃.
An average temperature is taken to determine i , which is
155
99.5℃
 p.750
Ex. 11.7-3 Minimum Reflux Ratio and Number
of Stages at Operating Reflux Ratio

q = 1 for feed at the boiling point

i xiF
1 q   i  
i xiD
Rm  1   i  
156
 p.750
Ex. 11.7-3 Minimum Reflux Ratio and Number
of Stages at Operating Reflux Ratio
i xiF
1 q   i  

5.20(0.40) 2.30(0.25) 1.00(0.20) 0.467(0.15)

1 q  11  0    
5.20   2.30   1.00   0.467  

By trial-and-error

157
 p.751
Ex. 11.7-3 Minimum Reflux Ratio and Number
of Stages at Operating Reflux Ratio
i xiD
Rm  1   i  
5.20(0.6197) 2.30(0.3489) 1.00(0.031) 0.467(0.0004)
Rm  1    
5.20  1.2096 2.30  1.2096 1.00  1.2096 0.467  1.2096

Rm = 0.395
(b) R  1.5R  1.5(0.395)  0.593 , R /( R  1)  0.593 /
m

 0.593 , R /( R  1)  0.593 / (0.593  1.0)  0.3723 , Rm /( Rm  1)  0.395 /(0.

 0.3723 , Rm /( Rm  1)  0.395 /(0.395  1.0)  0.2832

158
 p.751
Ex. 11.7-3 Minimum Reflux Ratio and Number
of Stages at Operating Reflux Ratio

From Fig., Nm / N =
0.49.

Thus, Nm / N = 0.49 =
5.40 / N.

Solving N = 11.0.

10 theoretical plates
Extrapo
lated
and 1 reboiler.

159
 p.751
Ex. 11.7-3 Minimum Reflux Ratio and Number
of Stages at Operating Reflux Ratio

(c) Ne   xHF  W  xLW  

2

log  0.206 log      

Ns  xLF  D  xHD  

Ne  0.20  35.516  0.0704  2 

log  0.206log       0.07344
Ns  0.25  64.484  0.0310  

N e / N s  1.184 , N e  N s  N  11.0

N s  5.0 , N e  6.0

160