Toluene is to be separated from biphenyl by ordinary distillation.
The specifications for the separation are as follows:

Temperature = 264^οF; pressure = 37.1 psia for the feed; reflux ratio = 1.3 times minimum reflux with total condenser; top pressure = 36 psia; bottom pressure = 38.2 psia. 

(a) Determine the actual reflux ratio and the number of theoretical trays in the rectifying and stripping sections. 

(b) For a D/F ratio of (3.4 + 82.5 + 1.0)/93.1, compute the separation of species. Compare the results to the preceding specifications. 

(c) If the separation of species computed in part (b) is not sufficiently close to the specified split, adjust the reflux ratio to achieve the specified toluene flow in the bottoms.

Transcribed Image Text:

Benzene Toluene Biphenyl Feed 3.4 84.6 5.1 lbmol/h Distillate 1.0 Bottoms 2.1