Topic 4. Binary Distillation

INTRODUCTION TO COLUMN
DISTILLATION
1 Nestor Eduardo Sanchez MSc.
Separation process and NT
Chemical Engineering
DISTILLATION PROCESS
In USA: 1.2 million

90% to 95% of the
barrels of crude oil a
separations in
day (40.000
industry.
distillation columns).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYnGgre83CI
DEVELOPING A DISTILLATION
CASCADE
If we would like to perform a separation
for the vapor stream we need to increase
the Pressure of the system
Presssure
Several flash can be extended into a
process that produces one pure vapor
and one pure liquid product.
If we would like to perform a separation

for the liquid stream we need to decrease
the Pressure of the system
3
CASCADE
Intermediate streams could be treat in
another flash distillation process.
Larger flash cascade to opérate this

process.
4
CASCADE
Main drawback:
Several compressors
5
Since P1>P2, Pressure of L1 must Isothermal column
be decrease before feed to stage 2. distillation
CASCADE
• Isobaric processes are cheaper than
isothermal.
• Force the temperatura to vary
• Employ several reboilers
Temperarue decrease
6
CASCADE
Reflux: Top vapor is condensed and returned to
stage 1.
Boilup: Bottom liquid is vaporized and

returned to stage 5
Control the internal flow of the column
7
CASCADE
All the condensation required for
the distillation we can apply into a
top condenser.
All the heat required for the 8

distillation we can apply into a
bottom reboiler
CASCADE
V2 is partially condesed by L1, while L1 is

partially vaporized.
Since the heat of vaporization per mole is

approximately constant.
Condensation of 1 mole of vapor will vaporize

approximately 1 mole of liquid.
Thus liquid and vapor flow rates tend to remain

constant
9
DISTILLATION COLUMN
Enriching or rectifying
section
Stripping section
10
A component will tend to exit in the vapor if yiV>xiL
If KiV/L>1  tend to exit in the vapor
If KiV/L<1  tend to exit in the bottoms
DISTILLATION EQUIPMENT (TRAY)
11
DISTILLATION EQUIPMENT (SIEVE
TRAY)
12
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distillation-columns-towers-column-control-?start=1
DISTILLATION EQUIPMENT (VALVE
TRAY)
13
DISTILLATION EQUIPMENT (CAP VALVE
TRAY)
14
DISTILLATION EQUIPMENT (TRAY)
Table 1. Comparison of types of trays
15
FLOW REGIMES
Bubble
Increase vapor flow rate

Foam
Froth (Optimal)
Spray 16
SPECIFICATIONS
 A number of variables must be specified in a binary distillation
column:
 There are a number of heuristics (recommendations) that can be

followed to choice a variable value.
 In design problems, the desired separation is set, and a column is
designed that will achieve this separation.
17
18
SIMULATION
 In simulation problems, the column has already been built and we
wish to predict how much separation can be achieved for a given
feed.
19
EXTERNAL MASS AND ENERGY BALANCE
Qc
TD
XD
D
RECTIF.
Overall mass balance
SECTION TO
XO F=D + B
LO
TF Volatile component
ZF
Z i F=x D D + x B B
FEED SECTION
F
Energy balance
h F F +Q R =h D D +h B B+Q c
Column is adiabatic
STRIPPING
SECTION TB
QR
XB 20
B
EXTERNAL MASS AND ENERGY BALANCE
V1 Qc
y1 TD
XD
D Total Condenser
RECTIF.
Overall mass balance
SECTION TO
XO V 1 = D + LO
LO
TF Volatile component
ZF
y 1 V 1=x D D + x O Lo
FEED SECTION
F
Reflux ratio
Lo
R=
D
STRIPPING
SECTION TB y1 = xo = xD
QR
XB 21
B
EXAMPLE 3-1
22
INTERNAL BALANCES
Qc
V1
D, xD
L𝑜
1
V2 2 L1
Rectification section
VJ J L2
V J+1 LJ
FEED SECTION
F, z
V F +1 LF
VK F+1 L K −1
VN K Lk Stripping section
N LN
V N +1 23
QR N+1
B, xB
INTERNAL BALANCES
 We already developed the external balance equations.
 We can now proceed down the column in a stage-by-stage fashion until
we reach the bottom.
 This assumes that each stage is an equilibrium stage, but this assumption
may not be true. Vapor and liquid leave the stage are in equilibrium
D
Qc
V1
Lo
1
V2 2 L1
VJ J L2
LJ 24
V J+1
INTERNAL BALANCES (TOP SECTION)
Orange Section (First stage) If it is an equilibrium stage:
V 2 = L1 + D
H 2= H 2( y1)
y 2 V 2 = x 1 L1 + x D D h 1=h1 ( x 1 )
H 2 V 2 +Q c =h1 L1+ h D D x 1= x 1 ( y 1)
Six equations with how many unknowns?

L1, V2, x1, y2, H2, and h1.
Write the six equations for the second stage
If it is an equilibrium stage:
Red Section (Second stage)
V J =L 2+ D H J= H J ( yJ )
h 2=h 2 ( x 2)
y J V J =x 2 L 2+ x D D
x 2= x 2( y 2) 25
H J V J +Q c =h 2 L2 + hD D
GENERAL STAGE (TOP SECTION)
Purple Section (General stage) If it is an equilibrium stage:
V J+1 =LJ + D
H J+1 =H J+1 ( y J +1)
y J+1 V J+1 =x J LJ + x D D h J =h J ( x J )
H J+1 V J+1 +Q c =h J LJ + hD D x J =x J ( y J )
D
Qc
V1
Lo
1
V2 2 L1
VJ J L2
LJ 26
V J+1
INTERNAL BALANCES
Qc
V1
D, xD
L𝑜
1
V2 2 L1
Rectification section
VJ J L2
V J+1 LJ
FEED SECTION
F, z
V F +1 LF
VK F+1 L K −1
VN K Lk Stripping section
N LN
V N +1 27
QR N+1
B, xB
STRIPPING SECTION BALANCE ENVELOPES, PARTIAL
REBOILER
 The partial reboiler acts as an equilibrium contact N+1.
 If xN+1 = xB, the N + 1 equilibrium contacts gives us exactly the specified separation, and the
problem is finished.
 If xN+1 < xB while xN > xB, the N + 1 equilibrium contacts gives slightly more separation than
is required.
V F +1 LF
VK F+1 L K −1 Red Section (Stage F+1)

VN K Lk L F =V F +1 + B
N LN
V N +1 x F LF = y F +1 V F +1 + x B B
h F L F + Q R =H F +1 V F +1+ h B B
QR N+1
B, xB
28
BINARY STAGE-BY-STAGE
SOLUTION METHODS
29
BINARY STAGE-BY-STAGE SOLUTION
METHODS
Mass Energy • Sorel Method: Analytical

Balance Balance Solution
• Pochon-Savarit:
Graphical Solution
Equilibrium
30
PONCHON-SAVARIT METHOD (TOP SECTION)
D
Qc
V1
Lo
1
V2 2 L1
VJ J L2
V J+1 LJ
y J+1 V J+1 =x J LJ + x D D Mass Balance
^
H J+1 V J+1 =h^ J L J + h^ D D Energy Balance
Lo
R= Reflux ratio
D 31
LEWIS METHOD (1922)
Qc
V1
D, xD
L𝑜 Rectification section
1 V 1=V 2=…=V J +1=…=V F =V
V2 2 L1
L1= L2=…=L J = …= LF −1= L
VJ J L2
V J+1 LJ
FEED SECTION
F, z
V F +1 LF
Stripping section
VK F+1 L K −1 V F +1=V K =…=V N +1=V
VN K Lk
L F = L K − 1= …= LN = L
N LN
V N +1 32
QR N+1
LEWIS METHOD (1922)
 Equations will be valid if every time a mole of vapor is condensed a

mole of liquid is vaporized.
 This will occur if:
 The column is adiabatic.
 The specific heat changes are small compared to latent heat
changes:
 The heat of vaporization per mole, λ, is constant; that is, λ does

not depend on concentration.
 Or: The saturated liquid and vapor lines on an enthalpy-
composition diagram (in molar units) are parallel.
33
CMO: constant molal overflow
LEWIS METHOD (1922)
 For some systems, such as hydrocarbons, the latent heat of
vaporization per kilogram is approximately constant. Then the mass
flow rates are constant, and constant mass overflow should be used.
 The Lewis method assumes before the calculation is done that CMO
is valid.
34
LEWIS METHOD (1922) (TOP SECTION)
D
Qc
V1
Lo
1
V2 2 L1
VJ J L2
V J+1 LJ
y J+1 V J+1 =x J LJ + x D D
LJ x D D
y J+1 =x J + Since constant molar flow is valid…
V J +1 V J +1
𝐋 𝐱𝐃 𝐃 OPERATING EQUATION IN THE

𝐲 𝐉+𝟏 =𝐱 𝐉 + 35
𝐕 𝐕 ENRICHING SECTION
LEWIS METHOD (TOP SECTION)
1. Use the column balances to calculate D and B.
2. Then L0 = (L0/D)D and V1 = L0 + D.
3. For a saturated liquid reflux: L0=L1=L2=L y V1=V2=V
4. At the top of the column we know that y1=xD
5. x1 can be calculated from the equilibrium at the stage 1.
6. y2 can be determined from:
7. We then proceed to the second stage, obtaining x2 from

equilibrium and y3 from the operation equation.
8. We continue this procedure down to the feed stage.
36
LEWIS METHOD (1922) (STRIPPING
SECTION)
V F +1 LF
VK F+1 L K −1
VN K Lk
N LN
V N +1
QR N+1
B, xB
x F LF = y F +1 V F +1 +x B B
LF xB B
y F +1= x F − Since constant molar flow is valid…
V F +1 V F +1
𝐋 𝐱𝑩 𝑩 OPERATING EQUATION IN THE

𝐲 𝐅 +𝟏= 𝐱𝐅 − STRIPPING SECTION
37
𝐕 𝐕
LEWIS METHOD (1922) THE STRIPPING
SECTION
 At the stage k:
 With CMO, and are constant, and the resulting stripping section
operating equation is:
 Once we know we can obviously alternate between the operating

Eq. and the equilibrium Eq.
38
FEED SECTION
• The phase and temperature of the
D, XD feed obviously affect the vapor and
liquid flow rates in the column.
• For instance, if the feed is liquid,
RECTIF. the liquid flow rate below the feed
SECTION stage must be greater than liquid
flow above the feed stage:
V L • If the feed is a vapor:
F
FEED SECTION
MASS BALANCE
F + L+V =V + L
V L ENERGY BALANCE
h F F +h L L+ H V V =H V V +h L L
STRIPPING
SECTION
39
B, XB
THE FEED STAGE
 If we assume CMO neither the vapor enthalpies nor the liquid
enthalpies vary much from stage to stage. Thus:
hL hL HV HV
 And:
F hF + ( V −V ) H ( L− L ) h
 From the mass balance:

V −V =L − L − F
 Which can be substituted into the energy balance to give us:
( L − L ) ( H − h) ( H − h F ) F
 We can now define q (quality) as:
40
L − L H −h F
q= =
F H −h
QUALITY
 Since q can be determined from enthalpies:
L=L+qF
 q is the amount of liquid in feed. Also:
V =V −( 1− q) F
41
HOMEWORK
42
MCCABE THIELE METHOD
On this graph the

McCabe and Thiele (1925) equilibrium relationship
The operating Eqs. plot are
developed a graphical can be solved from the y-x
straight lines (the operating
solution method based on equilibrium curve and the
lines) on a y-x diagram.
Lewis’ method. mass balances from the
operating lines.
43
V 1 , 𝑦1 D, XD 𝐋 𝐱𝐃 𝐃
𝐲 𝐉+𝟏 =𝐱 𝐉 +
𝐕 𝐕
Lo
R=
RECTIF. D 𝐋 𝐱𝐃
𝐲 𝐉 +𝟏 =𝐱 𝐉 +
SECTION Lo , x o 𝐕 ( 𝟏+ 𝐑 )
V L 𝐑 𝐱𝐃
𝐲 𝐉 +𝟏 =𝐱 𝐉 +
(𝟏+ 𝐑 ) (𝟏+ 𝐑 )
F , Zf
FEED SECTION TOP SECTION
V L
STRIPPING
SECTION
44
B, XB
MCCABE THIELE METHOD (TOP SECTION)
1
In the top section (Total condenser):
0.9
0.8
y1 XD
Y (vapor mol fraction)
0.7
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
45
X (liquid mol fraction)
MCCABE THIELE METHOD (TOP
SECTION)
1
𝐑 𝐱𝐃
0.9 𝒚 =𝒙 +
(𝟏+ 𝐑 ) ( 𝟏+ 𝐑 ) y1
0.8
XD
0.7 y2
0.6 x1
y3
0.5
x2
0.4
Operating top line:
0.3
SLOPE:
0.2 B:
0.1
0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
46
Equilibrium Mass balance

 Top operating line is not valid for the stripping section,
while feed modifies the liquid and vapor flow on the
section under the feed stage.
𝐋 𝐱𝑩 𝑩
𝐲 𝐅 +𝟏= 𝐱𝐅 −
𝐕 𝐕
47
MCCABE THIELE METHOD (TOP SECTION)
1
0.9
0.8
0.7
0.6 yN
0.5
y N +1
0.4 XN
𝐋 𝐱𝑩 𝑩
0.3 𝐲 𝐅 +𝟏= 𝐱𝐅 −
𝐕 𝐕
0.2
0.1 X B = X N +1
0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
48
MCCABE THIELE METHOD (COMPLETE)
(A) optimum feed stage (stage 3);

(B) feed stage too high (stage 2);
(C) feed stage too low (stage 5)
49
MCCABE THIELE METHOD (FEED LINE)
 In any section of the column between feeds and/or
product streams the mass balances are represented by the
operating line.
 The feed stage is similar to a flash distillation, with an
operating line:
 If all the feed is saturated liquid: q=1, the slope is

infinitive and the feed line is vertical.
 Let’s check other options…
50
FEED LINE CALCULATION (SUBCOOLED
FEED)
𝐋𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞
L=F+ L+ c
Vapor
V =V +c
c is the vapor condensed
𝐃𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 ( 𝐪 )
L − L H −h F
q= =
F H −h
Then combined liquid mass balance and q
λ +C PL (T bubble − T F )
q=
λ c= ( H − hF
λ )F−F
Solving this..
51
λ c=F C PL (T sat −T F )
FEED LINE CALCULATION
(SAT. LIQUID AND SAT. VAPOR)
Sat. liquid Sat. Vapor
52
(LIQUID AND VAPOR MIXTURE)

L=𝐿 𝐹 + L
Vapor
V =V F +V
L − L H −h F
q= =
F H −h
L − L=𝐿 𝐹
LF
q=
F
53
(SUPERHEATED VAPOR FEED)

L+ϑ = L
Vapor
V =F+ V +𝜗
υ is the liquid evaporated
L − L H −h F
q= =
F H −h
C pV (T V −T R) TR=Dew point
q=
λ
54
Feed type T* hF q f Slope
Subcooled liquid TF<Tb hF<h q>1 f<0 >1.0
Saturated liquid
L+V mixture
Saturated vapor
Superheated vapor
L − L H −h F
q= = Quality calculation
F H −h
q 1
y= x+ z Feed operating line
q −1 1 −q F
55
Feed type T* hF q f Slope
Subcooled liquid TF<Tb hF<h q>1 f<0 >1.0
Saturated liquid TF=Tb h q=1 f=0 Infinite
L+V mixture Tb<TF<Tr h<hF<H 0<q<1 0<f<1 Negative
Saturated vapor TF=Tr H 0 1 0
Superheated vapor
TF>Tr hF>H q<1 f>0 0<Slope<1.0
56
57
The feed line is the result of the intersection between top section and
stripping section.
(A) changing reflux ratio with constant q;

(B) changing q with fixed reflux ratio. Boilup 58
ratio varies.
EXAMPLE 4-2. FEED LINE CALCULATION
ISSUE q m
A two-phase feed where 80% of the feed is

vaporized under column conditions.
A superheated vapor feed where 1 mole of liquid
will vaporize on the feed stage for each 9 moles of
feed input.
A liquid feed subcooled by 35°F. Average liquid
heat capacity is 30 Btu/lbmol°F and λ = 15,000
Btu/lbmol.
A mixture of ethanol and water that is 40 mol%

ethanol. Feed is at 40°C. Pressure is 1.0 kg/cm 2
59
COMPLETE MCCABE THIELE
Example: A distillation column with a total condenser and a partial
reboiler is separating an ethanol-acetone mixture. The feed is 20 mol
% acetone, feed rate is 1000 kmol/h, and feed temperature is 80°F. A
distillate composition of 80 mol% acetone and a bottoms
composition of 2 mol% acetone are desired. The external reflux ratio
is 5/3. The reflux is returned as a saturated liquid and CMO can be
assumed. Find the optimum feed plate location and the total number
of equilibrium stages required. Pressure is 1 atm.
60
COMPLETE MCCABE THIELE
Example 2.
We have a distillation column with a total condenser and a total reboiler

separating a feed of 200 kmol/h. The feed is 40 mol% ethanol and water. The
feed is a superheated vapor that evaporated 1 mol of liquid per 4 mole of feed.
We desire a distillate that is 80 mol% of ethanol and a bottoms that is 5 mol%
ethanol. Column Pressure is 1 atm. The boilup ratio is 2.5. Assume CMO. Find
L/D, the feed stage and the number of equilibrium stages. Draw the profiles
61
PROFILES OF BINARY DISTILLATION
62
LIMIT CONDITIONS
ANALYSIS OF THE LIMIT CONDITIONS
 We have a distillation column with a total condenser and a partial
reboiler separating a feed of 200 kmol/h. The feed is 40 mol%
acetone and ethanol. The feed is a two phase mixture with q=0.5.
We desire a distillate that is 85 mol% of acetone and a bottoms that
is 5 mol% acetone. Column Pressure is 1 atm. Reflux is returned as
a saturated.
 Varies the L/D reflux from 0 to infinite. Analyze each case
64
(CASE 1, R<RMIN)
Feed Line
Top Line
Insufficient reflux is provided
Balance line intersect above the equilibrium line

65
Even with a infinite number of stages, the

separation cannot be achieved
(CASE 2, R=RMIN)
Feed Line
Top Line
Separation is theoretically possible
Balance line intersects the feed line at a point just

below the equilibrium curve
66
The corresponding reflux is the Rmin, which

requires infinite number of stages
(CASE 3, R>RMIN)
Feed Line
Top Line
Separation is possible
Balance line intersects the feed line below the

equilibrium curve
67
The corresponding reflux is the a*Rmin, which

requires a finite number of stages
(CASE 4, R=INFINITE)
Feed Line
Top Line
Separation is possible, however no products or feed

enters to the column
Balance line intersects the feed line in the 45° line

68
The corresponding reflux is the total reflux, which

requires a minimum number of stages
LIMITING OPERATING CONDITIONS
Minimum Reflux
Total Reflux
69
LIMITING OPERATING CONDITIONS
70
TOTAL REFLUX
 As the reflux ratio increases, the rectifying section
operating line slope increases from L/V<1 to L/V=1.
 As the boilup ratio increases, the stripping section
operating line slope decreases from to =1.
 Both operating lines become the y=x line
 Total reflux represents the maximum separation that can

be obtained with a given number of stages but zero
throughput.
 Total reflux also gives the minimum number of stages
required.
71
TOTAL REFLUX
72
MINIMUM REFLUX
 Minimum reflux (Rmin) is defined as the external reflux
ratio at which the desired separation could just be
obtained with an infinite number of stages.
73
MINIMUM REFLUX
Top section
( )
L Rmin
=
V min 1+ R min
Stripping section
( )
V
=
1
B min
( )
L
V max
−1
74
MINIMUM REFLUX
 Reflux minimum:
 Minimum quantity of liquid refluxed
 Minimum heat on the reboiler
 Infinite number of stages
75
MINIMUM REFLUX
Optimum reflux: 1.05 to 1.25 Rmin 76

HOMEWORK
We have a distillation column with a total condenser and a partial reboiler
separating a feed of 200 kmol/h. The feed is 40 mol% acetone and ethanol.
The feed is a two phase mixture with q=0.5. We desire a distillate that is 85
mol% of acetone and a bottoms that is 5 mol% acetone. Column Pressure is
1 atm. Reflux is returned as a saturated and L/D=1.2Rmin. Assume CMO.
a. Find the optimum feed location and the number of equilibrium stages.
b. What is the minimum number of stages?
77
HOMEWORK
acetone-ethanol
1
0.9
0.8
0.7
Y, acetone vapor mol fraction
0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2
0.1
0
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 78
x, acetone liquid mol fraction
EFFICIENCIES
GLOBAL AND STAGE EFFICIENCY
Global Efficiency
N Equil
E o=
N Real
Stage Efficiency
A ctual change ∈vapor concentration

E MV =
C hange ∈vapor concentration for equilibrium stage
80
MURPHREE EFFICIENCY
y j  y j 1
EMV  y*j
y *j  y j 1 yj j
x j  x j 1
EML 
x *j  x j 1
j+1
xj
81
MURPHREE EFFICIENCY
• The efficiency allow to show how the

actual value is different from the
equilibrium value. Fraction of the vertical
line from the operation line.
• Those distances could generate a pseudo-

equilibrium line for each operating line.
82
MURPHREE EFFICIENCY
 We have a distillation column with a total condenser and a partial
reboiler separating a feed of 200 kmol/h. The feed is 40 mol% acetone
and ethanol. The feed is a two phase mixture with q=0.5. We desire a
distillate that is 85 mol% of acetone and a bottoms that is 5 mol%
acetone. Column Pressure is 1 atm. Reflux is returned as a saturated
and L/D=1.2Rmin. Assume CMO. If murphree efficiency is 80%.
a. Find the optimum feed location and the number of equilibrium stages.
b. What is the minimum number of stages?.
83
BINARY DISTILLATION:
ESPECIAL CASES
CASE I: OPEN STEAM HEATING
This kind of configuration is used

when the feed mixture to separate is a
water based mixture containing a
light component
Requires less energy than

employing a reboiler
85
CASE I: OPEN STEAM HEATING
86
CASE II: CONDENSERS REFLUX
Total Condenser Partial Condenser

Distilled Liquid (xD) Vapor (yD)
Equilibrium stage NO YES
Reflux type Saturated Liquid Saturated Liquid
Subcooled Liquid 87
Saturated liquid reflux Subcooled liquid reflux
L1 xD D
y= x+
V2 V2
L1 xD D
y= x+
V V
L1= 𝐿𝑜 +𝑐Liquid mass balance

V 2 =𝑉 1+ 𝑐Vapor mass balance
CMO is valid for the vapor,
then L1 ( 1+ f c ) R
=
V 2 1+ ( 1+ f c ) R
CMO is valid for the liquid,
then Fc=fraction condensed
88
C pL (T B − T R )
f c=
λ
 We are separating metanol and water. Calculate the
internal reflux ratio inside the column L1/V2 for the
following cases:
a) Distillate product is 100% mol methanol. External
reflux is R=1.2. Reflux is cooled to 40 °C.
(L1/V2=0.56)
b) Repeat part a except for a saturated liquid reflux.
(L1/V2=0.54)
89
CASE III: REBOILERS
Total Reboiler Partial Reboiler

Total reboiler Partial reboiler
Bottoms Liquid (xB) Liquid (xB)
Equilibrium stage NO YES
90
Boilup type Saturated Vapor Saturated Vapor
Superheated
CASE IV: STRIPPING AND ENRICHING
COLUMNS
91
CASE II: COMPLEX COLUMNS
A complex fractionator is divided into N+1
sections. The partition between each two
adjacent sections occurs either at a feed point,
or a sidedraw point or a heat removal/addition
point.
1. Multiple feeds
2. Sidedraw feeds
3. Removal/addition feeds
4. Combined problem
92
SIDE STREAMS OR WITHDRAWAL
LINES
A liquid or vapor product with intermediate

composition is required
Additional variables for the stream must be

specified
1. Flow rate
2. Type of side draw (Vapor or Liquid)
3. Stage location or composition
93
GENERAL MC-CABE THIELE
ANALYSIS PROCEDURE
1. Draw a figure of the column and label all known variables. Check to see if CMO is valid.
2. Identify all the systems (sections) presented in the process.
3. For each section:

a. Draw a mass balance envelope. We desire this envelope to cut the unknown
liquid and vapor streams in the section and known streams (Feed, side products,
distilled, bottoms). The fewer streams involved, the simpler the mass balance
will be.
b. Write the overrall and most volatile component mass balances
c. Derive the operating equation
d. Simplify
4. Develop the feed line equation for each line.
94
ANALYSIS PROCEDURE
Case A: The reflux ratio is known or it can be calculated (pinch point)
1. Solve the external mass balance if it is posible

2. Find the slope and the intercept of the “top line”
3. Solve the internal mass balance from the top to the bottom (solve
the operating and feed equations)
4. If external mass balance is not solved yet. Step off if the stage
location of any feed or side stream is specified (find concentration)
5. When all operating lines have been plotted, step off stages.
6. Find optimum feed plates location and total number of stages.
95
ANALYSIS PROCEDURE
Case B: The boilup ration is known or it can be calculated (pinch
point)

2. Find the slope and the intercept of the “bottom line”
3. Solve the internal mass balance from the bottom to the top (solve
96
GENERAL MC-CABE THIELE ANALYSIS PROCEDURE.
MULTIPLE FEEDS
We are separating a mixture of acetone and ethanol in a distillation column
operating at 1 atmosphere Pressure. The column has a total condenser and
a partial reboiler. The distillate is 90 mol% acetone, and the bottoms is 10
mol% acetone. The reflux is returned as a saturated liquid. Use a boilup
ratio V/B: 2. Two feeds are fed to the column. The first feed has a flow rate
of 75 kmol/h, it is saturated liquid, and it is 60 mol% acetone. The second
feed has a flow rate of 100 kmol/h, it is two phase mixture that is 60%
vapor, and it is 40 mol% acetone. Use the optimum feed location for each
feed. Find the total number of equilibrium stages.
97
ANALYSIS PROCEDURE. MULTIPLE
FEEDS
1. Draw a figure of the column and label all known variables. Check to
see if CMO is valid.
98
FEEDS
2. Identify all the systems (sections) presented in the process.
99
FEEDS
 For each section:
a. Draw a mass balance envelope. We desire this envelope to cut the unknown liquid
and vapor streams in the section and known streams (Feed, side products, distilled,
bottoms). The fewer streams involved, the simpler the mass balance will be.
SOLVE THE EXTERNAL MASS

BALANCE IF IT IS POSSIBLE
100
FEEDS
D= 84.4 kmol/h
B= 90.6 kmol/h
101
FEEDS
102
FEEDS
103
FEEDS
104
FEEDS
d. Simplify
Overrall mass balance V =L+ D
Most volatile c.m.b yV =xL+ x D D

L D
Operating equation y= x + xD
V V
105
FEEDS
d. Simplify
Overrall mass balance ′

V + F 1= L ′ + D
′
Most volatile c.m.b yV + z 1 F1 = xL′ + x D D
Operating equation
L′ D z1 F 1
y= x+xD −
V′ V′ V′
106
FEEDS
d. Simplify
Overrall mass balance ′

L ′ =V ′ ′ + B
′
Most volatile c.m.b yV ′ + x B B= xL′ ′
L′ ′ B
Operating equation y= x −xB
V′′ V ′′
107
FEEDS
4. Develop the feed line equation for each line.
q 1 L ′ ′ − L′
y= x+ z q=
q −1 1 −q F F
Feed 1. Feed 2.
Z1= 60 mol% acetone Z1= 40 mol% acetone
phase: Saturated Liquid phase: Liquid-vapor mixture (60% is
q=1, slope: infinity vapor)
108
ANALYSIS PROCEDURE
Case B: The boilup ration is known or it can be calculated (pinch
point)

2. Solve the internal mass balance from the bottom to the top (solve
109
FEEDS
 Case B: The boilup ration is known or it can be calculated (pinch point)
1. Solve the external mass balance if it is possible. DONE
D= 84.4 kmol/h
B= 90.6 kmol/h
110
FEEDS
2. Solve the internal mass balance from the bottom to the top (solve the
operating and feed equations). Plotted your results.
L′ ′ B
y= x −xB
V′′ V ′′
V′′
=2.0
B
D= 84.4 kmol/h =181.2 kmol/h
B= 90.6 kmol/h
′′ ′′ kmol
L =V + B=271.8
h
111
y =1.5 x − 0.05
FEEDS
y =1.5 x − 0.05
112
FEEDS
operating and feed equations)
q 1
y= x+ zF
q −1 1 −q
′′
L −L′
q= =0.4
F2
D= 84.4 kmol/h
2 2
B= 90.6 kmol/h y =− x+
3 3
113
FEEDS
y =1.5 x − 0.05
2 2
y =− x+
3 3
114
FEEDS
L′ D z F
y= x+xD − 1 1
V′ V′ V′
D= 84.4 kmol/h
B= 90.6 kmol/h 𝑘𝑚𝑜𝑙
𝑉 ′ =241. 2
h
1
y =0.961 x +
8 115
FEEDS
y =1.5 x − 0.05
2 2
y =− x+
3 3
1
y =0.961 x +
8
116
FEEDS
D= 84.4 kmol/h
B= 90.6 kmol/h
117
FEEDS
y =1.5 x − 0.05
2 2
y =− x+
3 3
1
y =0.961 x +
8
118
FEEDS
y =1.5 x − 0.05
2 2
y =− x+
3 3
1
y =0.961 x +
8
119
ANALYSIS PROCEDURE. SIDE
STREAMS
A distillation column is separating methanol from water. The column
has a total condenser that subcools the reflux so that 1 mole of vapor is
condensed in the column for each 3 moles of reflux. R=3. A liquid side
stream is withdrawn from the second stage below the condenser. The
side is withdrawal rate is 350 kmol/h. The feed is saturated vapor that
is 60% mol methanol. Feed rate is F=1000 kmol/h. A total reboiler is
used, which produces a saturated vapor boilub. We desire a distillate
94% mol metanol and 2%mol methanol. Assume CMO. Rmin can be
calculated with the feed line. Find:
a. The total number of equilbrium stages.

b. Optimal feed stage
c. The composition of the side stream.
120
INTERMEDIATE CONDENSERS AND
REBOILERS
 Intermediate reboilers removes a liquid side stream, vaporizes
it, and reinjects it into the column,
 Intermediate condenser removes a vapor side stream,
condenses it, and reinjects it into the column.
 Optimum use of energy resources
 Intermediate condenser is operated in the top section
 Intermediate reboiler is operated in the stripping section
 Increases the efficiency of the trays by reducing the amount of
“lost work”
 During normal operation, they should cause no problems.
 Starup may be difficult.
121
 The use of an intermediate condenser or reboiler gives us four
operating lines in the column.
REBOILERS
122
REBOILERS
 A distillation column is separating methanol from water.
The column has a total condenser. A vapor side stream is
withdrawn from the first stage above the reboiler. This
side stream is condensed and returned in the optimal feed
stage. The side is withdrawal rate is 150 kmol/h. The feed
is saturated liquid that is 20% mol methanol. Feed rate is
F=1000 kmol/h. A partial reboiler is used, which produces
a saturated vapor boilub. The boilup ratio is 0.8. We desire
a distillate 90% mol metanol and 2%mol methanol.
Assume CMO.
a. The total number of equilbrium stages. 123
b. Optimal feed stage for both feed stream

Topic 4. Binary Distillation

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Topic 4. Binary Distillation

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INTRODUCTION TO COLUMN

In USA: 1.2 million

If we would like to perform a separation

Larger flash cascade to opérate this

Boilup: Bottom liquid is vaporized and

Control the internal flow of the column

All the heat required for the 8

V2 is partially condesed by L1, while L1 is

Since the heat of vaporization per mole is

Condensation of 1 mole of vapor will vaporize

Thus liquid and vapor flow rates tend to remain

Table 1. Comparison of types of trays

Increase vapor flow rate

 There are a number of heuristics (recommendations) that can be

Six equations with how many unknowns?

Write the six equations for the second stage

VK F+1 L K −1 Red Section (Stage F+1)

Mass Energy • Sorel Method: Analytical

y J+1 V J+1 =x J LJ + x D D Mass Balance

 Equations will be valid if every time a mole of vapor is condensed a

 The heat of vaporization per mole, λ, is constant; that is, λ does

𝐋 𝐱𝐃 𝐃 OPERATING EQUATION IN THE

7. We then proceed to the second stage, obtaining x2 from

𝐋 𝐱𝑩 𝑩 OPERATING EQUATION IN THE

 Once we know we can obviously alternate between the operating

 From the mass balance:

On this graph the

Equilibrium Mass balance

(A) optimum feed stage (stage 3);

 If all the feed is saturated liquid: q=1, the slope is

Sat. liquid Sat. Vapor

𝐋𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

𝐋𝐢𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐝 𝐦𝐚𝐬𝐬 𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞

(A) changing reflux ratio with constant q;

A two-phase feed where 80% of the feed is

A mixture of ethanol and water that is 40 mol%

We have a distillation column with a total condenser and a total reboiler

Insufficient reflux is provided

Balance line intersect above the equilibrium line

Even with a infinite number of stages, the

Separation is theoretically possible

Balance line intersects the feed line at a point just

The corresponding reflux is the Rmin, which

Balance line intersects the feed line below the

The corresponding reflux is the a*Rmin, which

Separation is possible, however no products or feed

Balance line intersects the feed line in the 45° line

The corresponding reflux is the total reflux, which

 Total reflux represents the maximum separation that can

Optimum reflux: 1.05 to 1.25 Rmin 76

A ctual change ∈vapor concentration

• The efficiency allow to show how the

• Those distances could generate a pseudo-

This kind of configuration is used

Requires less energy than

Total Condenser Partial Condenser

L1= 𝐿𝑜 +𝑐Liquid mass balance

Total Reboiler Partial Reboiler

A liquid or vapor product with intermediate

Additional variables for the stream must be

2. Identify all the systems (sections) presented in the process.

3. For each section:

4. Develop the feed line equation for each line.

1. Solve the external mass balance if it is posible

1. Solve the external mass balance if it is posible

SOLVE THE EXTERNAL MASS

Overrall mass balance V =L+ D

Most volatile c.m.b yV =xL+ x D D

Overrall mass balance ′

Overrall mass balance ′

1. Solve the external mass balance if it is posible

a. The total number of equilbrium stages.

a. The total number of equilbrium stages. 123

b. Optimal feed stage for both feed stream

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