Continuous Distillation 
Dr. Russell Chen

Objectives - Prelab - Hints

Objectives

Guidelines for Experimental Objectives

    Using the continuous distillation column, produce a distillate from a feed of 30 wt% methanol in water.  The column contains 12 real trays, a total condenser, a reboiler, and four possible feed locations.  Determine the steady state distillate composition at total reflux.  Reduce the reflux flow rate and study its effect on distillate composition.

    Specify the experimental conditions, carry out experiment and plot the trend for five variables.

Design Objective

     You are also asked to use the information obtained in the lab to design a continuous column using similar trays to produce a methanol 90 mole% and a water 99 mole% from a feed of 50 wt% methanol at a flow rate of 1000 cc/m.   Please specify the number of stages, reflux ratio, feed stage and feed temperature.

Question for prelab meeting:

     Can you use the McCabe-Thiele method for the analysis and why?
     Can you use Murphreee efficiency if the thermal couple error is 10 C?
     How do you determine the distillate composition at total reflux where no distillate is produced?
     What is the single most important information determined experimentally that must be used in your design?
 

Prelab Guidelines

These are in addition to the standard guidelines.

Experimental Methods: Obtain at least 4 estimates on efficiency.

Expected Data: Estimate the compositions at total reflux assuming 100% efficiency.
 

Hints
(1) McCabe-Thiele, Murphree, subcooled, total condenser, equimolar overflow, mass and energy balances.

  • Send mail to Dr. Chen: wchen@bobcat.ent.ohiou.edu.

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    Prelab Report Grade Breakdown

     

    Prelab Discussion 10% Experimental Methods/Operating Procedure 10%
    Experimental and Design Objectives 10% Experimental Methods/Safety Concerns 10%
    Introduction/Experimental Plan Overview 10% Expected Data and Results 10%
    Experimental Methods/Schematic and Description of Apparatus 10% Data Analysis/Sample Calculations 10%
    Experimental Methods/Test Matrix 10% Data Analysis/Statistical Methods 10%
    Postlab Report Grade Breakdown

     

    Report Overall/Experimental Uncertainty 10% Presentation of Results/ 
    Experimental Methodology
    10%
    Report Overall/Quantitative vs Qualitative 10% Presentation of Results/ 
    Sample Calculations
    10%
    Report Overall/Presentation style 10% Discussion/Statistical Analysis 10%
    Objective 10% Discussion/Analysis of Trends or Anomalies 10%
    Presentation of Results/ 
    Actual Results
    10% Conclusions 10%

     
     
     

    (Last modified on 9/7/04)