Question

A continuous, steady-state distillation column with a total condenser and a partial reboiler is separating methanol from water at one atmosphere. The feed rate is 100 kg mole per hour. The feed is 55 mole % methanol and 45 mole % water. We desire a distillate product that is 90 mole % methanol and a bottoms product that is 5 mole % methanol. Assume CMO.

a- Obtain and use the vapor liquid equilibrium data for methanol –water form any available recourse

b- If the external reflux ratio L/D = 1.25 plot the top operating line.

c- If the boilup ratio V/B = 2.0 plot the bottom operating line.

d- Step off stages starting at the bottom with the partial reboiler. Use the optimum feed stage. Report the optimum feed stage and the total number of stages.

e- Plot the feed line. Calculate its slope. Calculate q. What type of feed is this?

Answer 1