This report outlines the procedure followed during the distillation column laboratory and the results and conclusions of the laboratory. Operation of a pilot-plant scale trayed distillation column under total reflux conditions was investigated at various boil-up rates, so as to determine the effect of an increase in boil-up rate upon the minimum number of theoretical stages required to effect a given separation of methanol and 2-propanol and the overall efficiency of operation with regard to product separation. The McCabe-Thiele graphical method, the Fenske equation, and a given equation were employed so as to determine the required minimum number of stages, NT, while this graphical method and a given equation were employed so as to determine the actual number of stages, NA. The overall efficiency, no, was determined according to its definition and a given equation for no.
The operating lines pertaining to each investigated boil-up rate reasonably approximated the 45o reference line, which is indicative of total reflux conditions. According to the Fenske equation and the given equation for NT, an increase in the boil-up rate over the investigated range was seen to decrease the minimum number of theoretical stages required to effect a given separation. The average overall efficiency, on the other hand, was seen to increase with a similar increase in the boil-up rate. The McCabe-Thiele graphical approach quite accurately predicted the actual number of stages, which was known to be eight.
Attachment:- Repoert.rar