Major Equations

Major Equation Used in models

Important Equation used in Distillation [Continuous Fractionating Column]:

1) Net system:

Total Material Balance:

F=D+B

F = Molar flow rate of Feed. Moles/hr.

D = Molar flow rate of Distillate. Moles/hr.
B = Molar flow rate of Bottom product. Moles/hr.

Component A (Benzene) balance:

FXF = DXD + BXB

XD = Mole fraction of A in Distillate

XB = Mole fraction of A in Bottoms

2) Equation of Operating Lines:

a) Equation of operating line of rectifying section:

Ln DXD

Yn+1 = ---- Xn + -------

Vn+1 Vn+1

Yn+1 = Mole fraction of more component [MVC] in vapour phase on Yn+1 plate.

Xn = Mole fraction of MVC in liquid phase on nth plate in rectifying section.

Ln = Molar flow rate of liquid from n plate in rectifying section Mole/n1

Vn+1 = Molar flow rate of vapour from n+1 plate in stripping section Mole/n1
 b) Equation of operating line of rectifying section:

Lm BXB

Ym+1 = ------ Xm + --------

Vm+1 Vm+1

Ym+1 = Mole fraction of MVC in vapour in stripping section.

Lm = Molar flow rate of liquid from m plate in stripping section.
Vm+1= Molar flow rate of vapour from
Xm = Mole fraction of MVC in liquid phase on mth plate in stripping section.

3) Calculation Reflux Ratio:

Reflux Ratio [R]

Moles of liquid return to column

Reflux Ratio = --------------------------------------------------------------
Moles of liquid withdraw from the column as Distillate

R=L/D

L = Moles of liquid. Returned to the column Mol/hr.

D = Mole of liquid withdrawn as Product

R = Reflux Ratio

Equation of operating in Rectifying section based Reflux Ratio:

R XD

Yn+1 = ------ Xn + ------

R+1 R+1
4) Analysis of Fractionating Column by McCabe - Thiele Method:

a) Preparation of Equilibrium Diagram

1) Calculation of mole fraction of MVC in liquid phase at different Partial Pressure using

Roult’s Law.

PA = pA XA
PA = Partial pressure of component A in liquid in atm.
pA = Vapour pressure or component A in liquid in atm.
XA = Mole fraction of component A in liquid.

2) Calculation of mole fraction of MVC in vapour phase according to Dalton’s Law

P = PA + PB

P = Total pressure in atm.

PA = Partial pressure of comp. A in atm.
PB = Partial pressure of comp. B in atm.

PA pA XA

YA = ----- = --------

P P

Using the above equation vapor liquid equilibrium diagram can be drawn
Xf = Mole fraction of MVC in liquid phase
Note: - Assuming the feed is at its boiling point.