RESULT AND DISCUSSION

Exercise 1

1. Is it one phase (vapor or liquid) or two phase?

Two phases. Based on simulation above, the mixed fluid of 200lb.mole/hr with composition of
61% propane, 28% n-butane, n-pentane 11% is in two phases at 150℉ (65.56℃) and 200 psia
(13.79 bar). This situation happens because the temperature of feed does not exceed boiling
point of the mixture or below the dew point of the mixture. Thus, the feed is in two phases and
able to separate into vapour phase and liquid phase through separator.
2. What is the boiling point of mixed fluid at 200 psia?

174.542℉ (79.16℃). The boiling temperature obtained from simulation is 79.16℃ in order
to turns the feed which is liquid-vapor flow into vapour phase completely. The mixed fluid
started to boil when the temperature rises to 79.16℃ at 200 psia because the boiling point of
mixed fluid varies depending upon the surrounding environmental pressure.
3. What is the dew point of mixed fluid at 200 psia?

137.894℉ (58.83℃). The dew obtained from simulation is 58.83℃ in order to condense the
mixed fluid from 2 phases to liquid phase completely. When the mixed mixture has reached
the dew point temperature at 200 psia, the vapour phase of the mixture started to condense
because dew point is the temperature at which the moisture (water vapor) in the feed begins to
condense.
4. What are the flowrates and compositions of these two streams?
 Stream Vapor Liquid
Temperature (℃) 65.56 65.56
Pressure (bar) 13.79 13.79
Molar Flow (kgmole⁄hr) 39.53 51.19
Master Comp Mole Frac (n- 0.2091 0.3347
butane)
Master Comp Mole Frac (n- 0.0444 0.1607
pentane)
Master Comp Mole Frac 0.7465 0.5046
(propane)

According to the table above, we knew that the molar flow rate of liquid phase is higher than
vapor phase at the outlet of flash separator. This is because the density of a fluid affects its
viscosity. The density of mixture in liquid phase is denser as the composition of component in
the liquid stream is different.

Modelling Equation

Exercise 1

Flash Separator
Conclusion
In conclusion, flash separator is an effective device to separate vapor liquid mixture
especially in oil and gas industry. Flash distillation is a single stage separation technique. In
general, a liquid mixture feed is pumped through a heater to raise the temperature and enthalpy
of the mixture. It then flows through a valve and the pressure is reduced, causing the liquid to
partially vaporize. Once the mixture enters the desired conditions such as pressure, temperature
and big enough volume, the liquid and vapor separate. Because the vapor and liquid are in such
close contact up until the "flash" occurs, the product liquid and vapor phases approach
equilibrium. Thus, the separator can fail if either the mixed inlet is overwhelmed with supply
material, or the liquid drain is unable to handle the volume of liquid being collected. Therefore,
the flash separator system designer must consider the volume of separator, fluid properties and
determine environmental conditions in order to avoid the failure of separator during operation.

Reference
Libretexts. (2019, June 5). Boiling. Retrieved from
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry_Textbook_M
aps/Supplemental_Modules_(Physical_and_Theoretical_Chemistry)/Physical_Properties_of_
Matter/States_of_Matter/Phase_Transitions/Boiling.
Separator. (n.d.). Retrieved from
https://processdesign.mccormick.northwestern.edu/index.php/Separator.