18 Vapor-Liquid

Separators

VERTICAL DR UMs( ' )

l. From Table 18.1, choose a value forR6,. R6, is based on operating

results reported in published papers and by manufacturers. Vapor-
liquid separators and knock-out drums serve different functions. A
vapor-liquid separator is a drum where entrainment is generated. It
should have a lower R6, than a knock-out drum, where residual en-
trainment from another source is further reduced.
2. Calculate Zlou6 &s
/ Pu \t/z
Vto^d= (cfs vapor) ( 18.1)
\ o, _ *t ¡
3. Calculate the drum diameterD as

o=(=!'-?o= \'''
Ro,l
\0.178
(18'2)

4. Use Figure 18.1 to determine the disengagng height É/a .

5. Liquid volume in the drum is such that the holding time shouid be
2-5 min. Select a holding time 0 and caicuiate the liquid depth Hy.

Hr =
o'17-9Lo (1g.3)
D2

Table 18.1.(3) Values forR¿.,,

Ra,

With mesh
Usual process appiications 1.54
If pressure surges I .1 5
Without mesh
Vapor-liquid separators 0.2-0.44
Knock-out d¡ums 0.88

277

t:
ti
 á7t

ts

19

!e
(,
fe
(9'
(9
Él
a
6 onuf ftYHouf Pao
-5
-

DiUI IlfX PAO (Hd:0.7j 0t

.557 ttloilt2
Y:S¡EL OI¡IEIE¡, Ff

Figure lg.l.(t) Recommended disengaging height.

HORIZONTAL DRUMST

1. Determine a trial diameter.

a. Enter Figure r8.2 on the scare at the left with
the holding time.
Generally, a holding time of 7
!-10 min i, ,e.om.nended.
b. connect the time with the tiquia space. B.r. yor. first trial on an
867o full drum (less if the minimum
liquid
¡--- level is other than the
bottom of the drum).
c. Mark the intersection with index line A.
Reenter the nomograph at the right with
the
d' Move horizontalry to the flow index line, i.e..flowrate.
the gph rine. If your
units are gph, omit this step. You are starting
at the flow index
line.
e. Draw a line from the flow index line to the mark
on index line A.
Mark where this line cuts index line B.
f. using an economic LID ratio. draw a rine from the LID scare
through the mark on index line B. Extend
the line till it cuts the
diameter scale.
g. Adjust the diameter to suit a commercial
head size (even 6_in. incre_
ments, except far 2 ft g in). A line drawn
from this adjusted diam_
*After Ref. 2, with permission.
 HoLDlilG ?1ilE, xtxufES
.¡ ., Or < o €a I

iltoEx LtiE - A

/\
AtQU.l0 SPACE, PERCEÍ{T 0F DRUI ARta

i.,,-?,,r,,,f,,,,,,Í,,th,.Í,,,,,,,,.f.,,,,,,,,?,,,,,,,,,?,,,,,,,, . ?

u sr oi {
\\.
0,oRur tNstDE DlAr€TER, FEtT
\\
\\ r¡¡ñry
r]{oEx rr¡
Lrt¡E - B

L, SH.ELL LEi¡GTH, FET T

., { .\..\B s t I r3
^,
u a\ .rer @ ó'
,D L/D RAT IO

¡n \
\
FLOW RATE, GAL LO ]I S PER }IOUR

3E d'E E E ÉE E iE
I r 'sit
ir it
tt 3
3
FLfl RATE, GALLoÍ{ s Pü R r:l t{uTt l-
o
686 r8 d 3
I
ñ,
8
q5(,
I tt oó
óó ó
_9
o
o
=
PER OAY O
FLow RATE, EARNELS t'l
,I
I x

'o 'o :z
§ §§ d 6 o
¡a o Oo
-o
oo o
o
o
o E E
6
f
E tE
PER TIN
8
ó B
o
'o
I oo
oo o
o
91
FLOÜ RATT CU? EI U TE

ooooP ^,
a, .at I B I sB d 8
Nqa¡ar{
FLoU RATE, 6u tEEI PEn SECoID

crooo o o Gro O e C}Óooo

§gafrr{
ooOO
ooq
bA
3 I33 g

5 t.l 1'l
ZTto
OQÚ

=.§
P (r
=<N
Oo'^ p
 0"04 6
12
u.l 1
11 tr4 7
0.06
10 8
:)
E4 - 0.08 I
!
II
91
- 0.1' o 10
o ./F
F/ É
Z/
a40
-É.
ctr
IJJ
t-
// r.rJ - 0.2 r¿r
F ,/t
uJ(
LU
-//=
tt ,/ U) -/
-0.3 e
E.
oa // -/ -'<J 30 t_¡J

,/ -0.4 fr2
LU
FT ./ ¿./ -/-
UJ

./ //
Í40 (n

s í, 50 r
IJJ

()
o '/ z
LU¿ o70 0.6
o II¡
a uJ
a 90 0.8 2
z SEGMENTAL É.
AREA = fa 100 1

f=
OJ 50
o
q
t¡J tr-
L 60
F L
L
t¡J
r-
L
t-
70
s F- 80
o L
ts
F 90
100
I

f-
t
I
I

F
i

150
Figure 18'3'(2) segmental area availabie for riquid hording time.

eter through the mark on index rine B will yield

the drum rength
corresponding to this new diameter.
2. Locate the maximum and minimum liquid levels.
a. Drum i.d. Minimum vapor space
<5ft 12 in.
>5ft 20% I'the i.d.
b. Minimum level is bottom of drum.
If 3 phases are present (e.g..o,-water): set the minimum
lever 6 in.
above the bottom of the clrum when
trace amounts of the third

i
T

t
 phase are involved, and set the minimum level based on mles gou.*- ,281
ing the liquid-liquid separation when iarge amounts of the third
phase are present. In some instances" use an attached boot to keep
the interface out of the drum.
a
Correct the trial diameter from step 1 for the liquid levels determined
in step 2. Use Figure 18.3 lc find ttrle percent liquid in the drum. For
example, if there is a 12-in. vapor space and a 6-in. minimum liquid
level, their respective areas are 19.5% and 7 .2%. This leaves 73.3% of
the area for liquid holdup. Begin a new trial ar step 1.b wíth 73.3%
(vol.86%).
4. Check for adequate reduction of entrainment.
a. Assume a value for R6¡ of 0.167.
b. Determine I from Equation (18.4). Use Equation (18.1) to obtain
Vto^d. Use Figure 18.3 to determine /o.
Vtn^¿
L- 0.t78 D2 /,\ ( 18.4)
\/,Ron/
where f is the fraction of the drum occupied as a vapor. expressed
as a decimal.
5. If Z is less than or equal to the trial length, stop here-the trial siee is
the final size. If the length is greater than the trial length, two choices
exist. Either this new length can be used (if the LID ratio is still within
the economic range), or a new trial length and diameter must be found.

IN VA P OR

I l¡J
§¡ (-)
MES H PAD
o CL
t/, PRESS U R E

o G GAG ES
¡e o
MAN WAY o o- MAX. LIOUIO LEVEL

MIN. LIOUID LEV

Lr0ur0

Figure 18.4.(2) Generai arrangement of mesh pad in horizontal Yapor-

liquid separator.
 NOMENC L,ATU RE
,§82
a Vapor space (ft)
D Inside diameter of elrum (ft)
f
JA % of drum aÍea occupieri as vapor space-determine from
Fieure 18*3
Hd Disengagrng heigirt,l vertic&l drum (ft)
HL Depth of liquid in verticai drum (ft)
L Length of drum frorn tar;:rr¡t iirre to tangent line (ft) ¡

et Liquid feedrate to the drum (gpm) j

I

Ran, R¿, Vapor velocity in a drum divided by a base velocity 1

(dimensioniess)
\oaa Vapor flowrate through the drum (cfs)
pv Vapor density (lb/ft3)
pt Liquid density (lb/it3)
0 Residence time in the drum (min)

REFERENCES

l. A. D. scheiman, size vapor-Iiquid deparators quicker

by nomogr aph, Hydrocarbon
bocessing and petroleum Refiner,Vil.42, No.
10, 165_16g (1963).
2. A' D' scheiman, Nomographs
to size horizontal vapor-riquid separator s, Hl,d.rocar-
bon Processing and petroreum Refiner,vol.43,
No.5, 155-r60 (1964).
3. J' F' Kuong, Appried Nomography,ior.3,
Gulf publishing co., Houston, Texas,
1969, pp. 1 05- 1 06.

SELECTED READING

G' D' Kerns, New charts speed drum sizing, petroreum Refiner,vol.
( I e60).
39, No. 7, July
J. F. Kuong,Applied ivomographv, \¡ol. 3, Gulf publishing
co., Houston, Texas. 1969.
E. R. Neimeyer, check these points when designing
knáckout drums, Hydrocarbon
Processing and petroleum ReJ'iner, Vol.40,
No.6, June ( lg6l).
A' D' scheiman' size vapor-riquid separators quicker by nomogr aph, Hyd,rocarbon
Processing and petroreum Refiner. vol. .r2,
No. 10, ociouer t 1963).
A' D' scheiman, Nomographs to size horizontal vapor-liquid
separator s. Hydrocarbon
Processing and petroleum Refiner. Vol.43,
No. 5, fufuy t l964).
 Distillation

4.1 Basic Laws

Raoult's Law
P¡ = P¡X¡ (4.1)
where pi is the partial pressure of component i, P¡ is the vapor pressure of
pure component i, and Xi is the mole fraction of i in the liquid. Holds
only for ideal solutions; does not apply for the solute in a dilute solution.

Henry's Law

Pi = Hxi (4.2)
where f/ is Henry's law constant. Applies to the solute in a dilute soiution.

Dalton's Law
p¡+p¡*p**"'=rl (4.3)
or
pi = nY¡ (4.4)
where y¡ is the mole fraction of I in vapor and zr is the total pressure of
the system. Applies only to perfect gas mixtures.
Dalton's law and Raoult's law can be combined to give
Y ¡r = x¡P¡ (4.5)

4.2 Shortcut Method(1)-Optimum Trays and

Optimum Reflux Ratio
M i¡¡i rnunr Pf ates- Fenske
los [ (XLx /Xnre )n (xnx /xx )¡ ]
try'u = e.6)
log (a¡¡a¡¡1x )uru

39
M inimum Reflux-Underwood 4a
For 0.

¿ X¡pQ¡,
\ _-
XtFQt, XzFo.z,
- Lt -i--.r
' (4"7)
1
L¿-l
j=l 0.¡, - 0 d¡r-0
-^ azr-0
For (26 lD)v,
d¡'x¡o
(LolD),rt +t=f (4.8)
í!, q,, - 0
whereqlx )0 )a¡¡¡..
Feed-Plate Location- K irkbride
N., [/ XHx\ I Xt«.a\2 B l 0'206
,, = L\x'"/. \ x'.r/ D)
(4.e)

Component D istribution-Geddes
log (i pli 3) = C + M log a¡, (4. l0)
The constants c and M are found by solving Equation (4. l0) for the split
of the heavy key (io liiln« and the light key (íoliilrx in the distillate
and the bottoms. After determining c and M, the distribution of other
components may also be caiculated.

I*
PROCEDU RE

The stepwise procedure for using the correlations presented here is as

follows.
l. From the feedrate, composition and condition, and the desired recov-
very and/or composition of the products, calculate the distribution of
the components in the distillate and bottoms.
2- From the most desirable pressure and condenser system (total or par-
tial), calculate the dewpoint temperature of the vapor from the top
piate, and the bubble-point temperature of the bottoms. If the
condensing-medium temperature is the controlling factor, the corre-
sponding dewpoint pressure at the top is determined.
3. Calculate «¡¡17s¡ at the average column temperature. or at the feed-
plate temperature if it is a "normal" coiumn. i.e., not a stripping or
rectifying column.
4. Calculate the value of log [(X¡¡1/X"* )o(XaxlX,,r)s]; then, using
(or* / r* )urg , determine .\,¡a from Figure 4. I .
*After Ref. i. with permrssion.
 3.0 4T
2.5

2.0
E
¿ ].f,
bo
o

1.0

0.5

0
34567
tog
l(x"* I x r¡y)p (xs¡l r ry)fl
Figure 4.1.(t)
Fenske equation for minimum plates
expressed in graph form.

2.8

2,7

2.6

2,5

2.4

2.3

fe.
2.2

2.1
e'
2.0

1.9

1.8

1.7

1.6

1.5

1.4
t2345678
log ftxr* l rux) o (rrr I r7¡) |
Figure 4.2.(r) Relation between optimum-to-minimum ratio and Fenske
separation factor of cur* vaiues.
 5. In a similarmanner, determineNorr/.v, from Figure 4.2 endcalculate 4A
Nnrt'
6. Calculate the value of log [(xr* lxnilo(XHx/Xr_x)a(X¡¡1¡,¡¡1r)?.rr"]
and using dous, determine the ratio of Ror,7,R" frr* Figure
4.3.
7. Determine 0 from Figur* 4.4 using ttre iairo"of (k-xlxnx)r
and «. If
the ratio is less than 1.5, it is recommended thatr/y be calculated
by
the Fenske equation, and # bc checked hy ZaXel@_ 0) *
= | q. For
an explanation of q, see Figure 4.g.
8. Determine the value of (q - 0)la for each component from
Figures 4.5
andior 4.6 and 4.7 and divide each component composition
in the
distillate by its corresponding (a - O)la" sum the resuiting
values to
get Ru + 1.
9. calculate Rv. using Roo,/R, determined from Figure 4.2.
caiculate
Ror,.
t0. From the Rorr, Nopt values obtained. determine the column
size and
accessories. Figure 4.J, for instance, includes negative
values of
(ot - 0 )/a for the case of distributed
and heavier-than-heavy keys.

a
§
1.4
a
ñ
\- 'l?

a,
c
a
\*¡ r.2

23456
log l(xr* lxsy)p(x¡¡ylxr*) r(t¡* lrr*) ,o ruo)
Figure4.3.(1) optimur-minimum reflux ratio
relationship to the column,s
feed, distillate, and bottoms composition.
 2.6
//3
2.4
I

2.2
\

2.0
\\
a=
I
(D

I
(u
- 3.00
I !c! a\\
t- J..o
(§ .,'.-2.00
(§
o-
,.'-1.50
,,.,,,1.25-
1.6
./ .l.l5
\
\
\ x ''

",r'
,",-1.10
,1.05
1.4
l\ \
I\i / ,,-.x
t.2

1.0
t-
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5 3.0
(x¡ylx¡1)y

Figure 4.4.(r,l Underwood's 0 vs. key ratios in feed.

SAMPLE DETERMINATION*

Separation of propane (LK) and butadiene (HK) in the presence of

propylene, butane, and pentane. Desired recovery: 99% of both keys at
400 psia. Feed is liquid at its bubble-point temperature. DetermineIúu ,
Ru , ly'rn"op and R,huor.
l. Stream compositions
Feed Distillate Bottoms
Component (%) (%) (%)

Propylene (LK - I ) 21.58 54.05 0.1 1

Propane (LK) 18.17 45.20 0.30

Butadiene (HK) 20.10 0.51 33.05
Butane (HK + 1) 23-12 0.25 38"24
Pentane (HK + 2) 17.03 0.00 28.29

*After Ref. 1, with permission.

 0.10
44

ü 0.06
(b
I
l)
0.05
q,
(¡)
§,
tr
(!
(g 0.04
o-

r.v.+ r.ub
1.04 1.06 1.08
1.06 1.10 l.l2
Unden¡ood,s d

[ti.rl.U.,r,
Underwood,s I vs. (a_O)lqfor a in range t.0t

2. Temperatures

/top = 155.44'F /bot = 290.12'F tuus = 222.7g.F

3. Relative volatilities
aLx_ t = 2.245 QHK = 1.000 eHK+ z = 0.4333
QLK = 2.052 QHK+ r = 0.935
4'
ff/it,,f l1f;"lxrx)el = 3 .sils. From Figure 4.r, rog (16r)
=
 --
0.7 .4 ")

0.6

0.5

0.4
d
<D
I 0.3
ü
s
(t)
0.2
E
(E

§ 0.1

-0.1

-0.2 1.0 r.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2.A 2.2 2.4

Underwood's 0
Figure 4.6.(1) Underwood's 0 vs. (a-l\la for a in
range of 1.05 to 3.00.

5. From Figure 4.2,NofilNM = 1.90 andNopt = 24.5.

6. log [(xrr lxr*)o(xruxlxr-r)s(XLx lxrúoi55a¡6 1= 3.94. From Figure
4.3, Ro$lR'y. = 1137 .
7, From Figure 4.4, 0 = 1.35; for XwlXHx = (18.1712A.10¡ = 0.904 and
dLK = 2.052.
8. Using Figures 4.5-4.7,
Distillate a¡- 0 d¡X¡o
Component (%) d¡ d.¡ 04- 0

Propylene 54.05 2.245 0.38 t.4224

Propane 45.20 2.0s2 0.32 1.4125
Butadiene 0.51 1.000 -0.35 -0.0156
Butane 4.25 0.93 s -0.45 -0"0055
Pentane 0.00 0.433

I = 2.8138
 -4.2

-0,4

-0.6

ü
(§
-0.8
I
ü
o - 1.0
(¡)
E
t§
(§
o- -1.2

- 1.6

-2.0
1.0 1.4 1.5 1.8 2.0 2.2
Undenroods d

Figure 4.7.O )
Und".*ood,s 0 vs. (a-d)/c for heavy key and
heavier components.

Therefore

-- Q¡X¡¿
RM+1 =L'--
0*- 0-=2.60
and

RM = 1.80
9. Rop, = (1.80) (1.37) - 2.47
 47
Eq¡rilibri¡a

x8 xF xo
I ---
Fiprc 4§, Effect of ther¡nal condition of feed on feed
tray location. { lines: (t) q { 0, srperheated yápor feed;
(2) q = 0, vapot feed; (3) 0{q { l, partially vaporieed
feed; (4) e = l, liquid feed at b.p.; (5) I ( {, cotd fesd.
q-line Équation-J, = l,qlQ - l)xl - [xrl(q - 1)1.

§ummary of calculations :

Parameter Graphical msthod By equaüons

¡{M t2.9 12.8
RM l,8CI 1.75
. ff 1r"", 24.5 24.ü
ñrh.o, 2.47 2.45

4.3 Flash Yryorization

zp@lD+ t)
ITD - (4.1r)
t + 8l(DKi
 Z¡p(BlD + t\
/.¡n - (4.12) 48
K¡+BlD
l. Assume a vaiue i;r B lD.
2'
Compute )'¡¡ for each cornponent. For
solutions that follow Raoult,s
law K¡ = P¡lr.
3' rf »YiD + 1.a, assurrre new varue for BID; repeat
4. Calculate X¡B for each component. until x y¡p = r.o.

lllustration t
A liquid containing 50 mol % benzene (A), 25
mot % toluene (B), and
25 mol % o-xylene (C) is flash vaponzed
at l-atm pressure and 100.C.
Compute the amounts of liquid and vapor products
tions. The system follows Raoult's law. and thei¡ composi-

Solution

Since the system follows Raoult,s p¡lr and, r = 760mm Hg.

.law, K¡ =
In the following tabre, column 2 rists the vapár p.árrrrr, (p¡) at 100.c for
each component, and column 3 gives the
(Z¡e) is given in corumn 4. Assume
value of Feed composition (¡.
B lD = 3.0. calcurated for eachr,, t
component' As x Y¡o 1.0, a new B is * lD assumeá untit a value of B lD =
2'08 is found to be correct. X¡¡ is then
calculated for each component"

BID = 3.0 BID = 2.08 - ?\¡o

Vapor xiB =FZ¡p
pres§ure P, ZF@lD + t) B
Ki= ' It'D=- Y¡o Y¡o
Substance (P, mm Hg) 760 Zp t + Bl(DK¡) =_K¡
A 1,370 1.803 0.50 = 0.750 0.7ls 0.391
B 550 0.724 0.25 0. I 940
C 200 0.1983 0.27 4
0.263 n )§ 0.0805 0.0865 0.329

X = 1.0245 0.9998 1.000

*After Ref.
2, with permission.
4.4 Selection of lnternals(3) ,.lA
7t

Table 4.1.(') Reiative Performance Ratings of contacting Devices for

Distillation Columns

Bubble- packings
cap Sieve Valve Counterflow (high packings
trays trays trays trays void)d (normal)a
Vaporcapacity 3 4 4 4 5 Z
Liquidcapacity 4 4 4 5 5 3
Efficiency3444Sz
Flexibiiity535lZZ
Pressuredrop 3 4 4 4 S z
Cost3545lg
DesignreliabilityD 4 4 3 Z 2 j
¿Examples
of high-void packings: Pall rings, Gütschg¡id; of normal packings: Rarchig ringn, BerI
saddles.
DBased
on published literature.
cKey to ratings: (5) excellent; (4) very good; (3) good; (2)
fai¡; (1) poor.

4.5 Tray Column Diameter(3-5)

Ustrally the vapor-flow criterion is satisfied on the basis of a limítíng
(incipient flooding) velocíty, {l p.
For sieve or bubble-cap plates
Up = Qv IAN = CsB [(pr - pv)lpv )tt? (4.13)
where (/p is the limiting vapor velocity (ft/sec) ; ev is the vapor rate at
flooding (ft3/sec); ,,{¡ is the net cross sectional area (ft2); csn is the ca-
pacity parameter (ft/sec) (see Figure 4.9);pr- is the liquid density (lbift3);
pv is the vapor density (1b/ft3 ). Since [/p is the vapor velocity at incipient
flooding, it should be multiplied by an appropriate factor (0.75 to 0.g) to
obtain the column design velocity.
 f,

ht
dr
Joo I
fT
o
,a
(J

L/G(gr/prf'' t,o 5,c

Figure 4.9.(o) Capacity parameter
(dyn/cm); Z is the liquid for column diameter. o is the surface
rate (lb-moUhr); V is the vapor tension
velocity (ftlsec). rate (lb-mol/hr); Lr¡ is the

Limitations on Figure 4.9: (

downcomer area <lS% of
l) Do not use for foaming systems; (2)
tray area; (3) use the following
tors for C5s from Figure 4.9: correction fac_

AnlA^ Correction factor

>to% 1.0
8% 0.9
6% 0.8
where,4¡ is the hole area and .4"
is the active area of the tray.

4.6 Tray Oyerall Effici€ncy(e)

Figure 4.10 wiil usuaily suffice
preriminory
--'/ evaiuations. More rig-
orous methods are needed
for final .for.
design .
 Commercial hydrocarbon 5_L
lra:t¡onation cc'umn
li Commercial chtorinated hydrocarbon
Íractronatlon column
+ Commercial alcohol
fractionation
Laboratory fractionation of
x ethyl alcohol
Miscellaneous
a60
.g
.c
(.,

*40
A.

0.2 0.3 0.4 0.6 0.8 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0

a.p = Relat¡ve volat¡líty of key componcnt r viscos¡ty of feed, cp.
( at average column conditions )

Figure 4.10.(?) Tray overall efficiency.

5.O

4.7 Packed Column Design

HEIGHT OF PACKING PER THEORETICAL STAGE*

For distillation systems where there is no chemical teaction in the

liquid phase, no unusually high values of liquid viscosity or surface ten-
sion, and where there is good vaporiliquid distribution, the designer can
expect to achieve a theoretical plate of separation(7) for each:

1. 2t-2+ ft of packed depth for ail 2-in. packings

2. li-2 ft of packed depth of all l|-in. packings
3. I +-l + ft of packed depth for ail l-in. packings.
These efficiencies will be realized when the flowrates, expressed as pres-
sure drop per foot (inches of water per foot of packing) of packed depth,
are within the following ranges:

1. 0.4-0.7 5 for Raschig rings

2. 0.2-0.7 5 for ceramic Intaiox saddles
3. 0.1-0.75 for Pall rings and plasric Intalox saddles.
*After Ref. 7, with permission.
 ro.o
53.
6.O
CORRELTI¡ON--
4.0

r.0

o.6

foo
J
a-
-.,
Q o.e

0.04 .06 o.t o.2 04 0.6 t.o 2.O 4.O 6.0 ro.0
L/ñ
G /FT
Figure 4.11.@) Generaiized pressure drop correlation
in packed towers.

Most packed distilration towers

are designed with a safety factor of
l0% to 35%, not because of variations
itself, but rather,. because of imperfect
in itre behavior of the packing
proper vapor riquid equ,ibrium distribution of the riquid,(7) i¡¡-
áata. improper roading of the bed.
combination of these factors. or any
Thus. ,uh,.- a 2-in. pall ring w,r
deliver a theoretical prate for usually
each 2-_2i rt p.fted depth, distilration
them are arwavs designed io. u "rtheoreticai prate
;?;T,sing
L4-L4 LL. height of
__F-_1 4.8 Packed Column Diameter and 53
=--=1
_1
----+-{
Pressure Drop(8)
-{
'w.l For a given (or assumed) diameter and packed depth, calculate ap. If
1-:-iJ
unacceptable, repeat with new diameter and/or depth (Table 4.2, Fig-
:-J ure 4.11).
,_+-_{
_

-; I
NOMENCLATUR E
'Í-j
;i=r+-l ,4N Net cross-sectional area (ft2)
Bottoms product (lb-mo1/hr)
-l
-iq
B
Css Capacity parameter ( ft/sec)
fi D Distillate product (lb-mol/hr)
a
-r-rLl F Feed (lb-mol/hr)
_i]
# K
i Any component
Equilibrium vaporization ratio
=1-H
--t--r-{
=ffi
Lo Liquid (lb-molihr) of external reflux returned to column
, !-|_+
-r*-l H Henry's law constant
-:-:l
--i+.l HK Heavy key component
-i Lo lD
(LolD)u
Reflux ratio
=1
i-1-J
Minimum reflux ratio
(Lo lD)op, Optimum reflux ratio
--i.l
-# LK Lieht key
:-+-
---+- lI ¡/ Number of theoretical stages
n Number of components
¡úF Feed-plate location, trays numbered from top to bottom
¡/M Minimum number of theoretical stages
¡/L Number of theoretical stages below feed
Nopt Optimum number of theoreticai stages below feed
¡úu Number of theoretical stages above feed
P Vapor pressure
Partial pressure
Qv Vapor rate at flooding (ft3/sec)
q Ratio of moles of saturated liquid in the feed to total moles of
feed. See Figure 4.8
R Reflux ratio
RM Minimum reflux ratio
Ro* Optimum reflux ratio
r Temperature (oF)
UF Limiting vapor velocity (ft/sec)
X Mole fraction eornponent in liquid
Y Mole fraction eomponent in vapor
Z Mole fraction corñponent in feed
 -,- I
I \Olo
<_ rll
o
_.1

::ro ,c
ir
(\
- a-l

F-cOOa.t
(r)q^tñ l

0 -lN
()
N 6tl
U) €rlv
60
$-
!() -,<' ol€
', á§á
o.l=lr
§o

(!

z
§s3st;rB L §rs
c,)
.-i§
l¿
cú
ñt§
3"
It'-!.|y)ñrri'
b ; ,. o
c\¡

h16 , U
i i I ioo c c:
o\r\co ñ ñ I I
,
I I l

§,
") t^.¡
'
0i) -ld
or ',l:
> (\¡
óo

l¿
c) ot(o
«,

Lr
0.)

-4(o
=
F
-lf
a
rr
()
(!
q)
ó0
ÉJd
¿
.,J l(
éo

s¿, 22 x / a
(\ l¿

==2¿.^ Ag-?-- 5
.f
o
€€
i,ÉÉá*aiiEiEH¡
3 6 * ; ,.= :".ry i :9 i.z ; ¡
iEÍ
oo
:5

¡-
! J' =
-'7=':= i s c
:i : ? ?T== i 'J -il,!:: ? i
== - = = -
F
-..--h!üü¿¿
á-tái-rst 2
f .+o
3§
 Greek letters §5
a Relative volatility (see below)
0 Underwood'sparameter
pt, pv Liquid or vapor density (lb/ft3)
E Summation
Ír Total system pressure
Subscripts
B Bottoms
D Distillate
F Feed
HK Heavy key component
i, j,k Any component
ir As used h o,r, to indicate the a of component I compared to
a reference component r
LK Light key component
LK/HK Relative, LK to HK
M, min Minimum
vapor pressure of A PJ-
Relative volatility-for ideal solutions: eAB = =
^D vapor pressure of B PB

RE FER ENCES

l. M. vanwinkle and w. G. Todd, optimum fractionation design by sirnple graphical

methods, Chem. Eng. Sept.20,136-148 (1971).
2. R. E. Treybal, Mass Transfer operations, znd ed., McGraw-Hill, New york, 196g,
pp. 301-305.
3. J. R. Fair and W. L. Bolles, Modern design of distillation columns, Chem. Eng.,
ApnL 22, 1 56-1 78 ( 1 968).
4- B. Smith, Design of Equilibrium Stage Processes, McGraw-Hill. New york, 1963,
p.545.
5. M. VanWinkle and J. R. Fair, Distiilation in Practice, American institute of Chem-
ical Engineering Today Series, 197I , p. B-7 .
6. H. E. O'Connell, Trans. Am. Inst. Chem. Eng. 42,741 (1946).
7. J. Eckert,Chem. Eng. Prog.66,39-44 (1970).
8. Bulletin DC-l l, Design Information fo¡ Packed Towers, Norton Chemical process
Products Division, Norton Company, Akron, Ohio, 1976, p. 4.

SELECTED READING

R. K. Badhwar, Quick sizing of distillation eolumns,Chem. Eng. prog. voi. 66, No. 3,
Ma¡ch ( 1970).
R. Billet, Recenr investigations of metal paii ríngs , Chem. Eng. prog. Vol. 63, No. 9,
September ( 1967).
 trav design (Parts I and II), Chem. Eng. Juty
' 'rrtti;:;i"" 3t (1s67)and August hb
H' A' clay, J' w' crark, and B. L. Munro, which packing
Prog. Vol. 62, No. 1, January (1966). for which job,chem. Eng-
_
J' s' Eckert, Tower_packings*comparative performance,
No. 5, May (1963). v' Chem. Eng. prog.vor"
vttcrrt' Ltry' rrog' \ 59.
J' s' Eckert, selecting the proper distiliation
corumn packing, chem. Eng. prog. yor.
66, No. 3, March (1970).
J. S. Eckert, How to.wer packings
behave, Chem. EnC. April 14 (lg7S).
t or packá .olñns in vacuum aistiilations
";.t'ilif;:ft", , chem.rnr. septem-
R' w' Ellerbe, Batch disti,ation basics,
chem. Eng.May 2g,g73).
R. W. Eilerbe, Steam distillation
Uas-ió Chem. Eis. Marc¡ 4 (1974).
t"*,aring travs .no p..iings, chem. Eng. prog.
' irlrlti. vol. 66, No.3, March
-;rtii!á;i * L' Bolles, Modern design of distillation
' cotumn s, chem. Eng. Aprtl

' 1.ffJil;:rtí;á1:pic and extractive distillation, chem. Eng. prog.vol. 65, No. e,
" "i,1";::: 3:i"l43,'31
Eng-. Pros. vot.
a-right hvdrocarbon distilation drier, chem.
j, March Ogii.
No. 1oT:]l:,1.:l
C. J. Haung and J. R. Hodson, p.rio..t"d
trays_Designed this way, Petroleum Re-
finer, Vol.37, No.2, February (l9J8;:
t ij"itto,¡on, Prentice-Hau, Englewood crirrs, New
?;rriil'1\2'r!""icomponeni
K. K' Mahajan, Analyze tower vibration
quicker, Hydrocarbon processing
A. How to calculate trrr.e'prr"rJ flash May (rg77).
vapo¡ :,rlt¡tn, cnrm. Ens. Decemuer z t
t|:;l:'
B. D' smith' Design of Equilibrium stage processes,McGraw-Hill,
R. E' Treybal, Mass Transfer operatroris,)na New york, 1963.
ed.McGraw-Hiil, New york, 196g.
M. VanWinkle and J. R. Fair, Distlilation
in practice,
A.I.Ch.E. Today Series,l97l.
M. vanwinkle and w- G. Todd, opti*ui
fractionation a.sign by simpre graphical
methods, Chem. tng. SeptemUeiZO
(197l).