A distillation column operating at (1.0 mathrm{~atm}) is separating a mixture of methanol and water. The feed
Question:
A distillation column operating at \(1.0 \mathrm{~atm}\) is separating a mixture of methanol and water. The feed is a saturated liquid. The column has a total condenser and a partial reboiler. The reflux is returned as a saturated liquid, and constant molal overflow is assumed to be valid. Feed flow rate is \(50 \mathrm{kmol} / \mathrm{h}\). We desire a bottoms composition of \(5 \mathrm{~mol} \%\) methanol and a distillate composition of \(90 \mathrm{~mol} \%\) methanol. The reflux ratio is \(\mathrm{L} / \mathrm{D}=1\), and the boilup ratio is \(v / \mathrm{B}=2\). VLE data are in Table 2-8.
a. Derive and plot the operating lines.
b. Starting at the top of the column, determine the optimum feed stage and the total number of equilibrium stages needed.
c. Determine the feed mole fraction methanol.
Step by Step Answer:
Separation Process Engineering Includes Mass Transfer Analysis
ISBN: 9780137468041
5th Edition
Authors: Phillip Wankat