Continuous Distillation

Multi Components System

Multi component
Distillation
Vapor-liquid equilibrium is governed by :
Relative volatility, "ij, is defined by:
The distillation column separates two components
from each other. We call these the key components.
Key components appear in both products (key component
recoveries are less than 100%).
The light key component is recovered mainly in the distillate.
The heavy key component is recovered mainly in the bottom
product.

Light and Heavy Key Components

Light key component: we wish to keep it out of the bottom product to some
specification.
Heavy key component: we wish to keep it out of the top product to some
specification.
< Intermediate boiling components will distribute between the distillate and
bottom

Light and Heavy Key Components

Non-key components
< Lighter than light key components - tend to go
with overhead product
< Heavier than heavier key components - tend to
go with the bottom product
< Intermediate boiling components - distribute
between the products
In preliminary design,
< The recovery of light key in the overhead
product ,and heavy key in the bottom must be
specified
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Bubble and Dew Point Calculation

For the bubble point
The equilibrium vapor composition can be calculated
For the dew point
The equilibrium liquid composition can be calculated

Minimum Number of Stages

Estimate minimum number of stages, Nmin at total reflux for the
flows of lk and hK components

Fenske Equation
.

Extreme conditions for

distillation
Total reflux from the Fenske Equation

10

Shiras et al Equation
Components distribution at
minimum reflux

11

Underwood Equation
Minimum reflux ratio from the Underwood Equation

12

The Gilliland Correlation (1940)

Used to calculate the number of stages, given reflux
ratio, Rmin and Nmin.
Gilliland presented a correlation relating X and Y, using
experimental data covering a wide range of values of,
R/Rmin, pressure, etc.
Several other equations have been developed to relate X
and Y.

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The Gilliland Correlation

Liddle (1940)

Eduljee (1975)

Molokonov (1972)

Rusche (1999)

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The Erbar-Maddox Correlation (1961)

This correlation also relates the required number of stages to the
actual ratio, Rmin and Nmin

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The Kirkbride Equation

(1944)
This equation allows the most appropriate feed point to be
estimated.

where:
Nr: number of stages in rectifying section (above feed stage).
Ns: number of stages in stripping section (above feed stage).
zHmole fraction of heavy key component in feed.
zLmole fraction of light key component in feed.
.

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Actual Number of Stages

Actual number of stages =
Estimation of overall stage efficiency (typically 0.7< E < 0.9)

Where
E = overall stage efficiency (o<E<1)
L,H = relative volatility between the key components
L= liquid viscosity (mNsm-2)
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19

Trays Columns Design for

Distillation Process

Column Types
1.

Tray columns:
Bubble Cap Trays.
Sieve Trays.
Valve Trays

2.Packed bed
columns.

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25

Tower design
A distillation tower design is made in two steps:
1.Process design :calculate the required stream
flows and number of theoretical stages. Reflux
rate, side draws, and the heat duties (number
of pump around and the condenser and
reboiler).

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Design of Trays Column

2.Mechanical design
Size the column.
< Determine the actual number of stages or
height of packing needed and column
diameter.
Design the column internals.
< plates, packing, distributors, etc.

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Design of Trays Column

Design of Trays Column

For binary or multi components
systems :
1. R min, R ,Nmin, Nth,E, N actual
2.Column diameter (column area, net
area, active area)
3.Column height
4.Pressure drop
5.Tray design
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Tray Hydraulic Design

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Flooding velocity

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Column Diameter
Flooding velocity:
Active area of Column (A)=An-Ad.
Ad: Area of down comer , An: Net area of mass transfer,
C :12-36 in
Ad=(10-20%)*A~12% A.
Volumetric flow (Q m3/s)=velocity*area

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Liquid Entertainments

33

Weeping Point
The minimum design vapor velocity is given by:

Uh = minimum vapor velocity through the holes , m/s,

dh = hole diameter, mm,
K2 = a constant, dependent on the depth of clear liquid
on the plate

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35

Weir liquid crest

The height of the liquid crest over the weir can be estimated

where lw weir length, m,

how = weir crest, mm liquid,
Lw = liquid flow-rate, kg/s.
hw: weir height: hw: weir height = not to exceed 100 mm or
15% of tray spacing, and 40 to 50 mm is suggested , except
vacuum columns 12mm are used
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Weir Length

37

Tray design
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Ah=0.1 Aa.
Ah=pi do2\4.
Aa=Ac-2Ad
Hole pitch :(2.5-5)dh( mm).
Tray thickness=(0.65-1.5)dh (mm).

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Height of Column
Height of column=Ht:
(Na-1)C+o.1 (Na*C) [Manholes]+o.1*
Ht (Top)+ o.1 Ht (Bottom)

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Pressure Drop
There are two main components to the
pressure drop:
1."dry tray" drop caused by
restrictions to vapor flow imposed by
the holes and slots.
2. Head of the liquid that the vapor
must flow through.

40

Dry Losses

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42

Liquid Losses

; aeration factor =0.6

*hw: weir height = not to exceed 100 mm or 15% of tray spacing,
and 50 to 75 mm is suggested for all services except vacuum
services.
how: height of liquid over the weir.
*how=0.48*(Q\Lw)2/3.
*Weir length,Lw:0.6-0.8 D (m)

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Pressure Drop
pt

p (/ tray)

35mmhg

3mmHg

atm 1

0.07-0.12
psi

atm 2<

0.15psi
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Tray Rauls
1.Maintain 1.2 meters at the top for vapor
disengagement
2. Maintain 2 meters at the bottom for liquid
level and reboiler return,
3. Limit tower heights to 60 meters because of
wind load and foundation concerns.
4. The height to diameter ratio should be less
than 30
5. Choose materials of construction to reduce
corrosion issues
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Operating Pressure of Distillation

High pressure
< Separation becomes more difficult (relative volatility
decreases)
- more plates or reflux are required.
< Latent heat of vaporization decreases - reboiler and condenser
duties become lower.
< Vapor density increases - small column diameter
< Reboiler and condenser temperature increases : thermal
decomposition of the material being vaporized .
Low pressure condition is often set by the desire to avoid:
< Vacuum operation *Complex design
< Refrigeration in the condenser
Set distillation pressure to low pressure above ambient
< Allows cooling water or air cooling to be used in the condenser
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Thanks

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