A continuous distillation column with a partial reboiler and total condenser produces a distillate of 97 wt% benzene and
Posted: Thu Jul 14, 2022 3:32 pm
A continuous distillation column with a partial reboiler andtotal condenser produces a distillate of 97 wt% benzene and abottom product of 98wt% toluene with a reflux ratio of 3.5. Ten(10) plates in the bottom section of the column are ruined and arenot usable because of failure of some welds. Fourteen (14) platesin the upper section of the column however are intact and perfectlygood. The plate efficiency remains unchanged at 50%. The chemicalengineer responsible has suggested that the column could still beused with a feed of saturated vapour at dew point with flow rate of13, 400 kg/h containing 40wt% benzene and 60wt% toluene. a)Evaluate if the column can still produce a distillate of 97wt%benzene b) Suggest how changing R can affect theprocess The molecular weight of chemicals and equilibriumvapour-liquid data at 101 kPa from any reliable sources areacceptable.