HACETTEPE UNIVERSITY

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

KMU 402-23
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING LABORATORY II

3- DISTILLATION

ADVISOR: Assoc. Prof. Dr Hülya YAVUZ ERSAN

ASSISTANTS: Aslıhan BAYRAKTAR-Dicle DEMIR

REPORT SUBMISSION DATE: 09.05.2011

REPORT RUN DATE : 17.05.2011

GROUP: P4
EBRU DOĞANGÜN 20622627
DUYGU GÖKÇE 20622665
NEŞE KAYNAK 20622737
VİCDAN PINARBAŞI 20622847

1
 17/05/2011

Dear Assoc.Prof. Dr. Hülya YAVUZ ERSAN,

The experiment which is named as ‘Distillation was completed on 9th of May, 2011 by group P4
within the scope of ‘Basic Measurements Laboratory’. These group’s members who are Duygu
Gökçe, Ebru Doğangün, Neşe Kaynak and Vicdan Pınarbaşı performed the experiment.

The goals of the experiment were to have knowledge about distillation processes, to learn types of
distillation such as batch and continuous, to understand the working principle of distillation methods
in practice for both batch and continuous processes and to observe the effect of power and reflux
ratio on efficiency of distillation tower. And also it was aimed to understand review basic concepts
of distillation such as reflux, reflux ratio, sections of a distillation column, deriving operating lines
for these sections and finding theoretical number of trays by using McCabe-Thiele Method. For these
purposes the experiment was performed at three section. In the first part of the experiment, it was
aimed that to find optimum power corresponding to maximum efficiency of distillation tower in
batch operation. So that, the amounts of ethanol were determined ay bottom and overhead stream by
using refractometer.

The aim of the second part of the experiment was to observe the effect of reflux ratio on the
efficiency of tower in continuous operation. Reflux ratios were adjusted as 2, 10 and 15 respectively.
Finally the third part of the experiment was purposed that to observe the effect of time the amount of
ethanol at bottom and overhead stream at same reflux ratio and power in continuous operation.

In the batch distillation part, firstly the optimum power was determined 1 kW and then by using the
optimum power rate at continuous distillation, the efficiency of the column was calculated around 9
%. In continuous distillation part, the column efficiency was calculated as approximately 37.5 % and
experimental plates of enriching section was determined as 3 by using Mc-Cabe Thiele Diagram.

The assistants of the experiment who are Aslıhan Bayraktar and Gökçe Dicle Demir contributed to
our work and we as a group spent totally twenty hours to write our report.

Yours faithfully,

Duygu GÖKÇE Ebru DOĞANGÜN Neşe KAYNAK Vicdan PINARBAŞI

2
Contents
1 THEORY ........................................................................................................................................ 6
1.1 DISTILLATION ..................................................................................................................... 6
1.1.1 Types of Distillation ........................................................................................................ 7
1.1.2 Main Components of Distillation Columns ..................................................................... 9
1.2 BASIC OPERATION AND TERMINOLOGY ................................................................... 10
1.2.1 McCabe-Thiele Design Method ..................................................................................... 10
1.2.2 Vapour Flow Conditions ................................................................................................ 15
2 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE ............................................................................................... 17
2.1 Aim of the Experiment .......................................................................................................... 17
2.2 Description of Apparatus ...................................................................................................... 17
2.3 Experimental Procedure ........................................................................................................ 18
2.3.1 Continuous Operation .................................................................................................... 18
2.3.2 Batch Operation ............................................................................................................. 18
3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION ................................................................................................... 20
3.1 RESULTS FOR BATCH DISTILLATION .......................................................................... 20
3.1.1 Weeping and Flooding Point ......................................................................................... 20
3.1.2 Calculation of the Number of Theoretical Plates ........................................................... 21
3.1.3 Determination of the Variation of Top and Bottom Composition with Time ............... 23
3.2 Continuous Distillation ......................................................................................................... 25
4 CONCLUSION ............................................................................................................................ 27
5 NOMENCLATURE ..................................................................................................................... 28
6 REFERENCES ............................................................................................................................. 29

3
 LIST of TABLES

Table3.1 Pressure As A Function Of Boil-Up Point........................................................................... 20

Table3.2 Minimum Number of Plates and Column Efficiency........................................................... 21

Table3.3 Vapor Densities, Liquid Densities, Linear Gas Velocities and F factors............................. 22

Table3.4 The Change Of The Mole Fractions With Time.................................................................. 23

Table3.5 Calculated values of number of plates and % efficiencies by using Mc-Cabe Thiele
Method.................................................................................................................................................26

LIST of FIGURES

Figure1. 1 A Simple Distillation Apparatus.......................................................................................... 7

Figure1. 2 Fractional Distillation Apparatus....................................................................................... ..8

Figure1. 3 Distillation column ................................ ............................................................................9

Figure1. 4 McCabe-Thiele Diagram with an enriching section.......................................................... 11

Figure1. 5 McCabe-Thiele Diagram with an stripping section........................................................... 12

Figure1. 6 McCabe-Thiele Diagram with operating and equilibrium section.................................... 13

Figure1. 7 McCabe-Thiele Diagram with Number Of Stages......................................................... ... 14

Figure1. 8 Feed Lines.......................................................................................................................... 15

Figure2. 1 Experimental Set-Up Of Distillation Process.................................................................... 17

Figure2. 2 Refractometer.....................................................................................................................18

Figure3. 1 Effect Of Boil-Up Rate On Pressure Drop For Batch Distillation..................................... 21

Figure3. 2%Column Efficiency versus F Factor................................................................................. 23

Figure3. 3 Mole Fractions (XB) Versus Time.................................................................................... 24

Figure3. 4 Mole fractions (XD) versus time....................................................................................... 24

4
SUMMARY

The objectives of the experiment are;

 to have information about distillation processes such as batch and continuous distillation,
 to understand the difference between batch and continuous distillation,
 to be informed of Raoults’ law and their usage,
 to learn the working principle of distillation column,
 to study on operating charecteristics of sieve trays,
 to observe foaming at different power values,
 to learn how we use McCabe-Thiele Method and to find the number of trays needed by using
McCabe-Thiele Method.
 to observe the effect of power and reflux ratio on the distillation and system efficiency.

For these purposes, a mixture containing ethanol & water was distilled in a distillation column both
by continuous and batch processes. In the batch part, for a batch distillation bottom and overhead
mole fractions were obtained for various power values. Then optimum power which is at the highest
mole fraction of distillate product was determined. In the second part of continuous part, system was
fixed in this optimum power value and reflux ratio. Then, from data effect of reflux ratio is observed.
In the continuous part, time dependency of a continuous system and the effect of the reflux ratio on
the products were investigated. During the experiment, refractive index of each sample which was
taken from the overhead and bottom products was measured.

Distillation experiment was performed at 25 0C, 690 mmHg. The system includes a distillation
column and a computer connected to it. The computer was used to set reflux ratio and to measure
temperature values of the system. The same equipment were used for batch and continuous
operation of experiment.

To sum up, maximum mole fraction of ethanol in distilled stream was determined when the heater
value was run as 1.00 kW. So this value was accepted as the optimum power for the batch system.
Moreover, for continuous system number of tray numbers were found as 3, 2 and 3 for reflux ratios
2, 10 and 15 with using McCabe-Thiele Method. The efficiency of the column was calculated as
27,5% and 37,5% .

5
1 THEORY
1.1 DISTILLATION

Distillation is a physical method of assorting mixtures depending upon the difference in the boiling
point of the component substances. The working principal of distillation is to heat a mixture at a
specific temperature, collect the hot vapors and condense to separate the component substance. In
simpler terms, a highly volatile compound is separated from a less-volatile or non-volatile compound
by using distillation. As per evidences, the principle of distillation has been used since ancient
times.[1]

The successful application of distillation techniques depends on several factors. These include the
difference in vapor pressure (related to the difference in the boiling points) of the components
present, the size of the sample, and the distillation apparatus. Distillation relies on the fact that the
vapor above a liquid mixture is richer in the more volatile component in the liquid, the composition
being controlled by Raoult’s law: [2]

In an ideal solution the partial pressure (PA) of component A at a given temperature is equal to the
vapor pressure PoA of pure A multiplied by the mole fraction of A (xA) in solution. [2]

Consider an ideal solution of A and B: [2]

(1) (2)

(3)

[2]
nA and nB represent the number of moles of components A and B.

(4) (5)

(total vapor pressure) (6)

This relationship, derived from Raoult’s law, is capable of describing the boiling point behavior of
compound A in a mixture of compounds under a variety of different circumstances. The boiling point
of the solution is reached when PT is equal to the pressure applied to the surface of the solution. [2]

6
1.1.1 Types of Distillation

There are several types of distillation depending on the procedure and the instrument setup. Each of
the distillation type is used for the purification of compounds having different properties. Following
are the common types of distillation:[3]

 Simple Distillation: Simple distillation is practiced for a mixture in which the boiling point
of the components differ by at least 70°C. It is also followed for the mixtures contaminated
with involatile particles (solid or oil) and those that are nearly pure with less than 10 percent
contamination. Double distillation is the process of repeating distillation on the collected
liquid in order to enhance the purity of the separated compounds. [3]

Figure1. 1 A Simple Distillation Apparatus [4]

 Fractional Distillation: Those mixtures, in which the volatility of the components is nearly
similar or differs by 25°C (at 1 atmosphere pressure), cannot be separated by simple
distillation. In such cases, fractional distillation is used whereby the constituents are separated
by a fractionating column. In the fractionating column, the plates are arranged and the
compound with the least boiling point are collected at the top while those with higher boiling
point are present at the bottom. A series of compounds are separated simultaneously one after
another.

7
 [4]
Figure1. 2 Fractional Distillation Apparatus

 Vacuum Distillation: Vacuum distillation is a special method of separating compounds at

pressure lower than the standard atmospheric pressure. Under this condition, the compounds
boil below their normal boiling temperature. Hence, vacuum distillation is best suited for
separation of compounds with higher boiling points (more than 200°C), which tend to
decompose at their boiling temperature. Vacuum distillation can be conducted without
heating the mixture, as usually followed in other distillation types.[3]
 Batch Distillation: The column is charged with a 'batch' and then the distillation process is
carried out. When the desired task is achieved, a next batch of feed is introduced. A
condenser to turns the vapors back to a liquid so they can be easily collected. Batch
distillation comprises of tall column that is desirable to improve the separation. Finally, by
using different collection vessels, the original mixture can be separated into fractions. Batch
distillation is labor intensive [5]

Continuous Distillation :Continuous columns process a continuous feed stream. No interruptions

occur unless there is a problem with the column or surrounding process units. They are capable of
handling high throughputs. A continuous column operates under steady conditions where the
composition at a given location does not change over time. The composition only depends upon the
position in the column and so additional product steams can be easily tapped at different heights and

8
each tray will have a different composition of compounds. [5]

1.1.2 Main Components of Distillation Columns

Distillation columns are made up of several components, each of which is used either to tranfer heat
energy or enhance materail transfer. A typical distillation contains several major components:[6]

a vertical shell where the separation of liquid components is carried out

column internals such as trays/plates and/or packings which are used to enhance
component separations

a reboiler to provide the necessary vaporisation for the distillation process

a condenser to cool and condense the vapour leaving the top of the column

a reflux drum to hold the condensed vapour from the top of the column so that liquid
(reflux) can be recycled back to the column

The vertical shell houses the column internals and together with the condenser and reboiler,
constitute a distillation column. A schematic of a typical distillation unit with a single feed and two
product streams is shown below: [6]

[6]
Figure1. 3 Distillation column

9
1.2 BASIC OPERATION AND TERMINOLOGY
The liquid mixture that is to be processed is known as the feed and this is introduced usually
somewhere near the middle of the column to a tray known as the feed tray. The feed tray divides the
column into a top (enriching or rectification) section and a bottom (stripping) section. The feed flows
down the column where it is collected at the bottom in the reboiler.

Heat is supplied to the reboiler to generate vapour. The source of heat

input can be any suitable fluid, although in most chemical plants this
is normally steam. In refineries, the heating source may be the output
streams of other columns. The vapour raised in the reboiler is re-
introduced into the unit at the bottom of the column. The liquid
removed from the reboiler is known as the bottoms product or simply, bottoms.

The vapour moves up the column, and as it exits the

top of the unit, it is cooled by a condenser. The
condensed liquid is stored in a holding vessel known
as thereflux drum. Some of this liquid is recycled
back to the top of the column and this is called
the reflux. The condensed liquid that is removed from the system is known as the distillate or top
product.

Thus, there are internal flows of vapour and liquid within the column as well as external flows of
feeds and product streams, into and out of the column.

1.2.1 McCabe-Thiele Design Method

The McCabe-Thiele approach is a graphical one, and uses the VLE plot to determine the theoretical
number of stages required to effect the separation of a binary mixture. It assumes constant molar
overflow and this implies that:

molal heats of vaporisation of the components are roughly the same

heat effects (heats of solution, heat losses to and from column, etc.) are negligible

for every mole of vapour condensed, 1 mole of liquid is vaporised

10
1.2.1.1 Operating Line for the Rectification Section

The operating line for the rectification section is constructed as follows. First the desired top product
composition is located on the VLE diagram, and a vertical line produced until it intersects the
diagonal line that splits the VLE plot in half. A line with slope R/(R+1) is then drawn from this
intersection point as shown in the diagram below.

Figure1. 4 McCabe-Thiele Diagram with an enriching section [6]

R is the ratio of reflux flow (L) to distillate flow (D) and is called the reflux ratio and is a measure of
how much of the material going up the top of the column is returned back to the column as reflux. [6]

11
1.2.1.2 Operating Line for Stripping system

The operating line for the stripping section is constructed in a similar manner. However, the
starting point is the desired bottom product composition. A vertical line is drawn from this
point to the diagonal line, and a line of slope Ls/Vs is drawn as illustrated in the diagram
below. [6]

[4]
Figure1. 5 McCabe-Thiele Diagram with an stripping section

Ls is the liquid rate down the stripping section of the column, while Vs is the vapour rate up
the stripping section of the column. Thus the slope of the operating line for the stripping
section is a ratio between the liquid and vapour flows in that part of the column. [6]

1.2.1.3 Equilibrium and Operating Lines

The McCabe-Thiele method assumes that the liquid on a tray and the vapour above it are in
equilibrium. How this is related to the VLE plot and the operating lines is depicted
graphically in the diagram on the right. [6]

12
 Figure1. 6 McCabe-Thiele Diagram with operating and equilibrium section [6]

A magnified section of the operating line for the stripping section is shown in relation to the
corresponding n'th stage in the column. L's are the liquid flows while V's are the vapour
flows. x and y denote liquid and vapour compositions and the subscripts denote the origin of
the flows or compositions. That is 'n-1' will mean from the stage below stage 'n'
while 'n+1' will mean from the stage 'n' while 'n+1' will mean from the stage above stage 'n'.
The liquid in stage 'n' and the vapour above it are in equilibrium, therefore, x n and yn lie on
the equilibrium line. Since the vapour is carried to the tray above without changing
composition, this is depicted as a horizontal line on the VLE plot. Its intersection with
the operating line will give the composition of the liquid on tray 'n+1' as the operating line
defines the material balance on the trays. The composition of the vapour above the 'n+1' tray
is obtained from the intersection of the vertical line from this point to the equilibrium line. [6]

1.2.1.4 Number of Stages and Trays

Doing the graphical construction repeatedly will give rise to a number of 'corner' sections,
and each section will be equivalent to a stage of the distillation. This is the basis of sizing
distillation columns using the McCabe-Thiele graphical design methodology as shown in the
following example. [6]

13
 Given the operating lines for both stripping and rectification sections, the graphical
construction described above was applied. This particular example shows that 7 theoretical
stages are required to achieve the desired
separation. The required number of trays (as
opposed to stages) is one less than the number
of stages since the graphical construction
includes the contribution of the reboiler in
carrying out the separation.

Figure1. 7 McCabe-Thiele Diagram with

Number Of Stages [4]

The actual number of trays required is given by the formula:

Actual number of trays=(number of theoretical trays)/(tray efficiency) (7)

Typical values for tray efficiency range from 0.5 to 0.7 and depend on a number of factors,
such as the type of trays being used, and internal liquid and vapour flow conditions.
Sometimes, additional trays are added (up to 10%) to accommodate the possibility that the
column may be under-designed.

1.2.1.5 The Feed Line (q line)

The diagram above also shows that the binary feed should be introduced at the 4'th stage.
However, if the feed composition is such that it does not coincide with the intersection of the
operating lines, this means that the feed is not a saturated liquid. The condition of the feed
can be deduced by the slope of the feed line or q-line. The q-line is that drawn between the
intersection of the operating lines, and where the feed composition lies on the diagonal line.

Depending on the state of the feed, the feed lines will have different slopes. For example

14
 q = 0 (saturated vapour)

q = 1 (saturated liquid)

0 < q < 1 (mix of liquid and vapour)

q > 1 (subcooled liquid)

q < 0 (superheated vapour

[4]
Figure1. 8 Feed Lines

1.2.2 Vapour Flow Conditions

Adverse vapour flow conditions can cause

 foaming
 entrainment
 weeping/dumping
 flooding

Foaming: Foaming refers to the expansion of liquid due to passage of vapour or gas.
Although it provides high interfacial liquid-vapour contact, excessive foaming often leads to
liquid buildup on trays. In some cases, foaming may be so bad that the foam mixes with
liquid on the tray above. Whether foaming will occur depends primarily on physical
properties of the liquid mixtures, but is sometimes due to tray designs and condition.
Whatever the cause, separation efficiency is always reduced

Entrainment: Entrainment refers to the liquid carried by vapour up to the tray above and is
again caused by high vapour flow rates. It is detrimental because tray efficiency is reduced:
lower volatile material is carried to a plate holding liquid of higher volatility. It could also
contaminate high purity distillate. Excessive entrainment can lead to flooding.

Weeping/Dumping: This phenomenon is caused by low vapour flow. The pressure exerted

15
by the vapour is insufficient to hold up the liquid on the tray. Therefore, liquid starts to leak
through perforations. Excessive weeping will lead to dumping. That is the liquid on all trays
will crash (dump) through to the base of the column (via a domino effect) and the column
will have to be re-started. Weeping is indicated by a sharp pressure drop in the column and
reduced separation efficiency.

Flooding: Flooding is brought about by excessive vapour flow, causing liquid to be

entrained in the vapour up the column. The increased pressure from excessive vapour also
backs up the liquid in the downcomer, causing an increase in liquid holdup on the plate
above. Depending on the degree of flooding, the maximum capacity of the column may be
severely reduced. Flooding is detected by sharp increases in column differential pressure and
significant decrease in separation efficiency.

16
2 EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE
2.1 Aim of the Experiment

The aim of the experiment was to learn working principles of distillation column and to have
knowledge about distillation methods such as continuous and batch distillation. To learn how we use
McCabe-Thiele Method and to find the number of trays needed by using McCabe-Thiele Method.
Additionally, to observe the effect of power and reflux ratio on distillation and system efficiency.

2.2 Description of Apparatus

 Distillation column

Figure2.1 Experimental Set-Up Of Distillation Process [7]

17
  Refractometer: A refractometer is a laboratory or field device for the measurement of an
index of refraction. [8]

Figure2. 2 Refractometer [8]

2.3 Experimental Procedure

In the experiment a mixture containing ethanol & water was distilled in a distillation column both by
continuous and batch processes.

2.3.1 Continuous Operation

At continuous section of the experiment, feed rate was adjusted 20 cm3/min and the power was
adjusted 1 kW. Reflux ratio was adjusted 2 by using computer program. Then system was run and
system was waited as 10 min for the steady state conditions. After 10 min, samples were taken from
overhead and bottom products. Sample taken from overhead was diluted by half (2 mL sample+2mL
water). Refractive index of samples was analyzed using refractometer. Also temperature values (T1,
T2, T3) were read on computer screen. After waited 5 min, the same procedure was performed with
same reflux ratio. The same procedures were applied as reflux ratio 10 and 15, respectively. For this
part, nB(refractive index of bottom product), nD(refractive index of distillate product), T1 (at reboiler
section), T2 (at distillation column), T3 (at condensate section) values were recorded on appropriate
table.

2.3.2 Batch Operation

At batch section of the experiment, to obtain optimum power, different power values were adjusted
as 0,25kW, 0,5kW, 0,75kW, 1kW, 1,25kW, respectively. Firstly, system was run while power value

18
is 0,25kW and 10 min was waited to reach steady state conditions. After 10 min, boil up rate
(ml/min)(at top product tank and for filling 10 mL), pressure drop(cm H2O), degree of foaming,
temperature of column at different section(oC) and the refractive index of overhead and bottom
products were taken. To obtain the refractive index of samples, the refractometer method was used.
Sample taken from overhead was diluted by half, again. Every 5 min interval, all of these data was
taken. Each increment of power, same procedures was performed and values were recorded on
appropriate table. Second part of batch distillation, reflux ratio was adjusted as 0,01 and optimum
power value which is 1 kW was set. To reach steady state conditions, 10 min was waited. For this
part, nB(composition of bottom product), nD(composition of distillate product), T1 (at reboiler
section), T2 (at distillation column), T3 (at condensate section) values were recorded on appropriate
table at every 5 min intervals.

19
3 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
3.1 RESULTS FOR BATCH DISTILLATION
3.1.1 Weeping and Flooding Point

In first part of the experiment distillation of ethanol-water mixture was performed. Power applied to
the system from 0.25 Kw to 1.25 Kw with 0.25 increments and then change of pressure was
measured by using the manometer in cm H2O. Temperature measurements were obtained for three
different points and samples were taken from the top and bottom and refractive indexes were
measured for each sample in refractometer. Finally, Measured and calculated values were used to
form Table 3.1.

Table 3.1 Pressure Drop as a Function of Boil-up Rate

Power(kW) Boil-up Rate log(Boil-up Rate) ∆P(cm H2O) log ∆P

(mL/min)

0.25 1.7900 0.253 43 1.633

0.50 38.625 1.586 46 1.663
0.75 74.516 1.872 51 1.707
1.00 86.957 1.939 61 1.785
1.25 84.530 1.927 82 1.914

As seen in Table 3.1, as applied power increases, pressure difference increases, too. Depending on
this increment, we expect an increase in boil-up rate because the energy in system increases. This
increment was observed for first 5 power values; however there was a decrease when power was
1.25 kW. The reason of this may be a time measurement error due to increasing speed of filling the
tank with increasing power.

Relation between change of pressure drop and change in boil-up rate in log-log graph in addition the
weeping and flooding points are shown in Figure 3.1.

20
 Figure 3.1 Effect of boil-up rate on pressure drop for batch distillation

As seen in Figure 3.1, pressure difference (∆P) increases with the increment of boil-up rate. As
mentioned earlier, there is a deviation in our final data due to an experimental error. Flooding was
observed at high boil-up rate and ∆P. This behavior was observed during the experiment, too.

3.1.2 Calculation of the Number of Theoretical Plates

Power applied to the system, mole fractions of liquid and gas phase which were calculated by using
refractivity and equilibrium diagram of ethanol-water system, minimum number of plates which
were calculated by using Frenske’s equation and column efficiency are shown in Table 3.2.

Table 3.2 Minimum Number of Plates and Column Efficiency

Power XB YB XD YD αAB Frenske %

(kw) (Nmin+1) Column
Efficiency
0.25 0.0444 0.320 0.210 0.670 8.837 0.805 8.944
0.50 0.0286 0.220 0.210 0.670 8.554 0.932 10.356
0.75 0.0570 0.790 0.430 0.760 6.584 0.818 9.088
1.00 0.0570 0.790 0.472 0.790 6.591 0.819 9.100
1.25 0.0570 0.790 0.469 0.785 6.533 0.815 9.056

21
As seen in Table 3.2, xD values are higher than xB values, as expected. The reason of this is ethanol is
more volatile than water and ethanol was distillated in our system. For the same reason, bottom
products have to include in large fractions of least volatile product.

Maximum mole fraction of ethanol in distilled stream was obtained when heater power was run with
1.00 kW so this value was accepted as the optimum power for the system and this power value was
used in the other parts of experiment.

The lowest efficiency was obtained when the column was worked with the 0, 25 kW. Efficiency
increases with increasing power up to a point then begin to decline. The reason of this is boiling-rate
increases with in increasing power and tower begins flooding. Realization of flooding prevents the
distillation and the efficiency of column decrease.

Average of three temperature values, which were obtained from three different locations of the
column, were calculated and water densities at these temperatures were found from the tables.
Ethanol-water vapor was assumed to be ideal and density of gas for every average temperature
values were calculated by using distilled ethanol mole fractions. Then, by using water and gas
densities, boil up rate and diameter of column, linear gas velocity was computed. Finally, F-factor
calculation was done and Table 3.3 , which shows all these data, was formed.

Table 3.3 Calculated Values of Vapor Densities, Liquid Densities, Linear Gas Velocities and F
factors

Power (kw) Tav( °C) ρgas (g/L) ρliquid (g/L) Ut(m/min) Fgt
(m/min)(kg/m3)0,5
0.25 82.73 0.743 970.23 1.190 1.030
0.50 79.33 0.750 972.38 25.20 21.82
0.75 78.50 0.946 972.96 45.54 42.29
1.00 82.90 0.971 969.90 69.12 68.11
1.25 82.20 0.970 970.39 44.60 43.92

As seen in Table 3.3, as power increases, boiling-rate increases and according to this rising linear gas
velocity increases too. As mentioned above, this behavior is not seen in recent data because of the
experimental error. Increasing in linear gas velocity causes increase in gas phase kinetic energy
correlation factor (Fgt).

22
The relationship between % column efficiency and F-factor is indicated in Figure 3.2.

% Column Efficiency versus F factor

10,500
Column Efficiency %

10,000

9,500

9,000

8,500

8,000
1,03 21,82 42,29 68,11 43,92
Fgt(m/min)(kg/m3)0.5

Figure 3.2 % Column Efficiency versus F-factor

As seen in Figure 3.2, at high rates of boil up causes a loss of efficiency.

3.1.3 Determination of the Variation of Top and Bottom Composition with Time

In this part of the experiment, column was worked at minimum reflux ratio which is 0,01 and
optimum heater power. The change of the mole fractions of bottom and overhead products were
observed with the time and Table 3.4 is formed by using these data.

Table 3.4.The Change of Mole Fractions with Time

t(time) XB (mole %) XD (mole %)

0 0.0552 0.472
5 0.0444 0.344
10 0.0396 0.344
15 0.0396 0.336
20 0.0396 0.336

As seen in Table 3.4, when compared the variation with time in each value, x B decreases by the time
as expected but xD decreases as not expected. Because, distillated product should have richer volatile

23
component than bottom product. The reason of this error may be experimental. For example, system
steady state might not work or the measurements might be wrong.

Variation of xB value is shown in Figure 3.3.

Mole Fractions (XB) versus time

0,06
0,05
0,04
XB 0,03
0,02 Mole Fractions (XB) versus
time
0,01
0
0 5 10 15 20 25
t(min)

Figure 3.3 Mole Fractions (XB) Versus Time

As seen in Figure 3.3, bottom product fraction decreases by the time as expected. The reason of this
is amount of distilled ethanol increases. The amount of methanol away from the water increases and
mole fraction of methanol in water decreases with time.

Variation of xD value is shown in Figure 3.3.

Mole Fractions (XD) versus time

0,5
0,4
0,3
XD
0,2 Mole Fractions (XD) versus
0,1 time

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
t(min)

Figure 3.4 Mole Fractions (XD) Versus Time

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As seen in Figure 3.4, ethanol fraction in overhead product decreases by the time. It is unexpected
result for our system because distillation increases with time and amount of distillated ethanol should
increase with decreasing bottom product fraction. The reason of this error may be experimental as
mentioned above. For example, system steady state might not work or the measurements might be
wrong.

3.2 Continuous Distillation

The aim of this part changing reflux ratio how affects the column performance in continuous
distillation that’s why three different reflux ratios was adjusted (2, 10 and 15). Then, mole fractions
of top and bottom which are XB and XD were calculated with helping of the refractive indexes of
samples. Firstly, refractivity of the samples were found and these values were converted to weight
percent from refractivity table. Mole fraction was required for finding number of plates and
efficiencies so that weight percentages were divided to molecular weights of ethanol and water. With
using Mc-Cabe Thiele Diagram for ethanol-water system, number of plates was obtained for three
different reflux ratio when feed rate was 20 cm3/min and power was 1 kW in short optimum
conditions.

Actual number of plates were 8 plates and when efficiencies were calculated for each reflux ratio,
minimum number of plates which were calculated from Mc-Cabe Thiele Diagram, were divided to
actual number of plates.

There was a trick when measuring refractivity of the distillate that was the concentration of distillate
was not low enough to measure. Therefore, the distillate was diluted with water then its refractivity
could be measured during the calculation weight percent of distillate was multiply with two because
of 1:1 dilution.

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Table 3.5. Calculated values of number of plates and % efficiencies by using Mc-Cabe Thiele
Method

RD XB (mole%) XD (mole%) Number of plates Efficiency %

2 0,054 0,41 3 37,5
10 0,057 0,369 2 25
15 0,054 0,42 3 37,5

Reflux ratio which can affect the separation efficiency, is too important for distillation columns.
Increasing reflux ratio increases up to a certain degree the quality of the distillation. High rate of the
reflux ratio causes to reduce the temperature and reduces amount of distillate. During the experiment
efficiency of the column was not increase with increasing reflux ratio and normally, increasing reflux
ratio results less number of theoretical stages required. However, it could not be obtained from data.

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4 CONCLUSION

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5 NOMENCLATURE

B : Flow rate of heavy or bottom product, mol/h

D : Flow rate of light or overhead product, mol/h

F : Feed rate, mol/h

Fgt :F-factor, (m/sec)(kg/m3)0.5

L : Flow rate of liquid, in general or in rectifying section, mol/h

N : Number of ideal plates; Nmin, minimum number at total reflux

RD :Reflux ratio, L/D

T : Temperature, °C

V: Flow rate of vapor, in general or in rectifying section, mol/h; Vn, from plate n

x :Mole fraction of more volatile component in liquid phase; x B, in bottoms; xD, in overhead; xF, in
feed; xm, xn, on plates m and n

y :Mole fraction of more volatile component in vapor phase; ym, yn, from plates m and n

αAB :Relative volatility, dimensionless; αAB, of component A relative to component B in binary

system

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6 REFERENCES

[1] http://www.buzzle.com/articles/types-of-distillation.html

[2] http://swc2.hccs.edu/pahlavan/2423L7.pdf

[3] http://www.buzzle.com/articles/types-of-distillation.html

[4] http://swc2.hccs.edu/pahlavan/2423L7.pdf

[5] http://www.satyamindustries.com/distillation_column%20.html

[6] http://lorien.ncl.ac.uk/ming/distil/distil0.htm

[7] Hacettepe University Basic Measurement Laboratory‟s Handbook

[8] http://www.bs-ltd.com/ltd/refractometers.html

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