Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium

Abstract:

Introduce the subject matter, summarise what was done, summarise selected results, brief
recommendations

Table of Contents:

Introduction/Background:

The distribution of components between vapour and liquid phases in equilibrium is quintessential to the
distillation process. Vapour-liquid equilibrium (VLE) data can be found by either keeping temperature or
pressure constant. It is simpler to produce and do calculations with isobaric data.

The reliability of the data obtained can be established either by comparison with previously published
data or comparison with thermodynamic theory.

Liquid and vapour samples are taken once some vapour has been recycled into feed reservoir. Then we
are certain system has reached equilibrium. A constant temp is not a reliable indication that equilibrium
has been reached as thermometer may not be sensitive enough to detect small temp0erature changes
due to changing solution compositions.

To obtain vapour-liquid equilibrium data for the methanol-ethanol binary system

1. To apply a thermodynamic consistency test to check the reliability of data.

Equipment and Method:

http://www.s-ohe.com/still.gif

Five data points are required for the methanol-ethanol binary system.
 1. 0mL methanol, 200mL ethanol
2. 50mL methanol, 150mL ethanol
3. 100mL methanol, 100mL ethanol
4. 150mL methanol, 50mL ethanol
5. 200mL methanol, 0mL ethanol

X1 Y1 T
0
0.25
0.5
0.75
1

Boil solution, wait till thermometer is @ constant temp, allow liquid to be distilled, condensed and run
into condensate reservoir.

Published data:

Results:

Discussion and Conclusion:

Main risk of experiment is exposure to liquid solvents. Appropriate safety glasses should be worn when
handling the solvents. Both methanol and ethanol are poisonous and should be ingested. Ingestion may
be fatal or cause blindness. Avoid inhaling the vapours. Both solvents are flammable and should be kept
away from heat, sparks or flames.

Gibbs/Duhem equation/Barker’s method/Margueles’ equation

1. Ln(activity coefficient) vs liquid fraction (x1). And Ge/(x1x2RT) both derived and experimental
2. Plot the residuals of experimental Ge/RT and ln(y1/y2) (difference between calculated and
experiment) and see scatter around zero. <0.03 is good, <0.1 is acceptable.

It could vaporize whilst measurement is happening.

References: