+1 =
+
; +1 = + ,
=
+1
+1
+1 + 1
+1 =
+
+1 +1
+1
=
+1
where R = Ln/D = reflux ratio =constant, and the yn+1, xn, and xD can be obtained in relation to Figure 1.
Two common methods used to calculate the relationship between the number of trays, liquid/vapor
ratios, and product composition for a binary mixture (A and B) are the Ponchon and Savarit method and the
McCabe and Thiele method. The former requires detailed enthalpy data while the latter does not and is
therefore also less accurate. Often the McCabe-Thiele method is adequate because the enthalpy effects are not
large.
The effect of the varying compositions of the bottoms product and the distillate [through the use of a
refractometer] to the subsequent calculation of the reflux ratio is explored in this experiment. The column is a
four-tray laboratory distillation column made of glass, with one large bubble-cap on each tray. It is operated
essentially at barometric pressure.
V1
y1
1
x1
L1
y2
2
L
xD
D
xD
x2
yn
xn
Ln
n+1
yn+1
Vn+1
F
xF
1.
Objectives
1.1. To perform distillation of a binary mixture using the bubble-cap tray column
1.2. Compute the initial and final reflux ratios for the process
1.3. Plot the concentration profile for distillation at total reflux, constant reflux, and variable reflux
2.
Cold Water
#5
#4
Condenser
#3
Bubble cap
#2
Bottom
#6
Disltillate
Heating mantle
Data Tables
3.1. Calibration Plot
3.2. Solution Composition
Table 1. TOTAL REFLUX Data
Time (min)
Tray #
Bottom
Refractive
Index
Temperature,
o
C
Ethanol Concentration,
mol frxn
Liquid, x
Vapor, y
2
3
4
5
Distillate
Table 2. VARIABLE REFLUX Data
No. of
Turns
Time (min)
Tray #
Bottom
Refractive
Index
Temperature,
o
C
Ethanol
Concentration,
mol frxn
Liquid, x
Vapor, y
2
3
4
5
Distillate
4.
5.
References
5.1. Geankoplis, C. (1995) Transport Processes and Unit Processes, 3rd edition. Singapore: Prentice Hall
International, Inc.