Fenske equation;

𝑑𝑖 𝑏𝑗
log⁡( )
𝑑𝑗 𝑏𝑖
𝑁𝑚𝑖𝑛 =
log 𝛼𝑚
where; d = the distillate flow rate
b = the bottom flow rate
i = light key
j = heavy key
Mean (average) relative volatility;

𝛼𝑚 = √𝛼𝑑 𝛼𝑏

where; αd = relative volatility of light key to heavy key at top of column (distillate)
αb = relative volatility of light key to heavy key at bottom of column
Relative volatility;
𝑦𝑖
⁄𝑥 𝐾𝑖
𝛼=𝑦 𝑖=
𝑗
⁄𝑥𝑗 𝐾𝑗

where; yi = the vapour–liquid equilibrium concentration of component i (light key) in

the vapour phase
xi = the vapour–liquid equilibrium concentration of component i in the liquid phase
yj = the vapour–liquid equilibrium concentration of component j (heavy key) in the
vapour phase
xj = the vapour–liquid equilibrium concentration of component j in the liquid phase
y/x = K = Henry's law constant (vapour-liquid distribution ratio) of a component
K value is temperature dependent, which can be obtained from Depriester’s chart or utilising
Raoult’s law.
Raoult’s Law;

𝑦𝑖 𝑃 = 𝑥𝑖 𝑃𝑖°
𝑦𝑖 𝑃𝑖°
=𝐾=
𝑥𝑖 𝑃
where; P = pressure of the system
Pi° = vapour pressure of pure component i
Pi° at any temperatures can be obtained using Antoine equation;
𝐵
𝑙𝑜𝑔10 𝑃𝑖° = 𝐴 − 𝐶+𝑇 ; where temperature, T is in Kelvin and vapour pressure, Pi° in Pa.

1. http://pillars.che.pitt.edu/student/slide.cgi?course_id=12&slide_id=72.0
2. Separation process principles J.D Seader.