Batch Distillation Model

By: Jason Hixson

Jennifer Potter
Wayne Johnson
dddddd
Objective: To develop a batch distillation
model that can accurately adjust a batch
process to provide constant distillate
composition.

Problem: Batch distillation will have a

variable bottoms concentration and
minimum reflux ratio, therefore requiring a
variable system operating line.
 x, y Diagram
Shows Vapor Liquid
Equilibrium (VLE)
Van Laar Fit
Determines Perrys
Data
Theoretical Stages
Van Laar
Model
 x, y Diagram
xB = Bottoms
Composition

xD = Distillate
Composition

3 Theoretical
Stages
xB=0.24 xD=0.85
Required
 Effect of Bottoms Composition
Decreasing bottoms
composition with
time.

xB=0.05 xD=0.73
Influence of Operating Lines

xB=0.25
=0.35 xD=0.77 xB=0.13 xd=0.77
Method
Solve x, y Diagram for Binary Mixture
Determine minimum Reflux Ratio (RD)
Vary RD by:
Setting theoretical stages = Actual Stages
Setting Distillate composition = constant
Model Requirement
Input:
Binary Mixture
Heat
Volume
Pressure
Trays
D & B Composition

Output:
x, y Diagram
RD vs. BM
xB vs. BM
D vs. BM
 User Interface (UI)
12 previously
solved mixtures.
Van Laar Fit
available for any
binary mixture
data other.
 Other Model UI
Requirements:
x, y, T Data
Antoine Constants
Log Based
Physical Properties
Specific Volume
Heat of Vaporization
 Precautions
x vs. y
Propanol - Water

Requires 1.000

Accurate Fit
0.800

Azeotrope
Complications 0.600
y

0.400

0.200

0.000
0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1
x
Model Output
Model Verification
12 tray distillation column.
Power=2.7 kW
Reflux varies to keep reflux
temperature constant.
Model Results

Controller Gain = 1 %/C

Model Results

Controller Gain = 9 %/C

Conclusions
Model accurately predicts required
reflux ratio.
Useful for column design and
optimization.

Future work To vary column reflux

ratio based on model output.