yi = 0.66814
Let isopentane be the reference compound and T = 582.74oR be a guessed value for the
dew point calculation (for the above mixture), the next calculated temperature T cal can be
determined from
xi = 1.4609
F, xiF
Q
L, xi
Fig. 3.1 Flash distillation.
(3-3)
(3-4)
(3-5)
(3-6)
The feed composition xiF and the fraction f of the feed vaporized are given at a
specified separator pressure P, the temperature T and compositions xi and yi can be
calculated with the following procedure:
- Assume a temperature T = fTd + (1- f)Tb
Tb, Td = Bubble point and dew point of mixture at pressure P.
xiF
f Ki(T1,P)
- 1 +1
Let T1 = T and Sumx1 =
xiF
f Ki(T2,P)
- 1 +1
xi =
xiF
f Ki - 1 + 1 and yi = Kixi
If the feed composition xiF, temperature T and pressure P of separator are given,
then the fraction of the feed vaporized V/F and compositions xi and yi can be calculated.
Eqs. (3-5) and (3-6) can be arranged so that f = V/F is the only unknown.
yi - xi = 0
(3-7)
K i xiF
xiF
f Ki - 1 + 1 - f Ki - 1 + 1 = 0
(3-8)
Ki - 1 xiF
f Ki - 1 + 1 = 0
F=
(3-9)
Equation (3-9), which is known as the Rachford-Rice equation, has excellent convergent
properties and can be solved by Newtons method. Take the derivative of the function F
with respect to V/F (or f),
dF = df
Ki - 1 2xiF
f Ki - 1 + 1 2
f KKii -- 11 x+iF1
2
dF = - Ki - 1 xiF
f Ki - 1 + 1 2
2. Evaluate df
dF
3. Let ER = F/ df . f = f - ER
4. If abs(ER) > .001 goto step 1
xi =
xiF
f Ki - 1 + 1 and yi = Kixi
(3-10)