FLASH (EQUILIBRIUM) DISTILLATION

A single-stage continuous operation where a liquid mixture is partially vaporized: the vapour
produced and the residual liquid are in equilibrium, which are then separated and removed. See
the Figure below :

Set-up for Flash Distillation

We again consider a binary mixture of A (MVC) and B (LVC). The feed is preheated before
entering the separator. As such, part of the feed may be vaporized. The heated mixture then flows
through a pressure-reducing valve to the separator. In the separator, separation between the vapour
and liquid takes place. How much of A is produced in the vapour (and remained in the liquid)
depends on the condition of the feed, i.e. how much of the feed is entering as vapour state, which
in turn is controlled by the amount of heating. In other words, the degree of vapourization affects
the concentration (distribution) of A in vapour phase and liquid phase.

There is thus a certain relationship between the degree of heating (vapourization) and mole fraction
of A in vapour and liquid (y and x). This relationship is known as the Operating Line Equation.
Click here for the analysis and graphical solution.

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