Question
A distillation column, as shown in the figure to the right, is a device used to separate components with different volatilities. In a specific process,
A distillation column, as shown in the figure to the right, is a device used to separate components with different volatilities. In a specific process, a distillation column is used to separate a feed stream containing 0.5300 mol ethanol/mol and 0.4700 mol water/mol into two product streams: an overhead stream that is ethanol-rich and a bottoms stream that is water-rich. Vapor containing 0.8070 mol ethanol/mol (and 0.1930 mol water/mol) leaves the top of the distillation column and enters a condenser, where the stream condenses completely into a liquid. This stream is then split; the reflux returns to the column and the overhead product leaves the process. The ratio of the flow rates of reflux to overhead product is given by the reflux ratio:
R= flow rate of reflux / flow rate of overhead product
and for this particular process, R = 1.21. Liquid leaving the bottom of the distillation column enters a reboiler, where a fraction of the stream is vaporized and returns to the distillation column as boilup, while the liquid fraction leaves the process as bottoms product. The composition of the boilup and the bottoms product streams are governed by the relative volatility, ?, of ethanol and water:
where yE is the mole fraction of ethanol in the vapor stream, yW is the mole fraction of water in the vapor stream, xE is the mole fraction of ethanol in the liquid stream, and xW is the mole fraction of water in the liquid stream. For this particular process ? = 10.575, and the ratio of ethanol leaving the reboiler in the boilup to ethanol leaving the reboiler in the bottoms product is 0.710. For a basis of 100 mol of feed, 64.85 mols of overhead product is produced. Given this basis, answer the following questions. Label the process flow diagram below. Label any quantities as \"unknown\" if they are not given or implied above. Do not leave any blank spaces. Variables names are given for reference later.
FEED, REFLUX, CONDENSER, OVERHEAD PRODUCT, BOIL UP, REBOILER, BOTTOM PRODUCTS
- Given the basis, what is n6, the moles of bottoms product?
- What is the mole fraction of ethanol in the bottoms product?
- What is n2, the moles of vapor leaving the distillation column (before the condenser)?
- What is y7, the mole fraction of ethanol in the boilup stream?
- What is n7, the moles of boilup?
Step by Step Solution
3.42 Rating (152 Votes )
There are 3 Steps involved in it
Step: 1
Get Instant Access to Expert-Tailored Solutions
See step-by-step solutions with expert insights and AI powered tools for academic success
Step: 2
Step: 3
Ace Your Homework with AI
Get the answers you need in no time with our AI-driven, step-by-step assistance
Get Started