CASE STUDY ON MULTICOMPONENT DISTILLATION AND DISTILLATION COLUMN SEQUENCING

The objective of this work is to design a multi - component distillation column for the given organic mixture, sequencing of a multi - component distillation column to choose the best sequence. Fractionation of multi - component mixtures into top and side stream products depends on the relative volatility of the organic mixture under consideration. As the mixture consists of more than one component with specific true boiling point (TBP), its relative volatility can be calculated using Antoine’s equation. In this method the component with the lowest relative volatility at the top above the feed tray was designated as a light key component (LK) and the highest volatility at the bottom, below the feed plate are designated as the heavy key component (HK). Based on the se data, the column is designed. Short cut methods involving Fenske’s equation, Underwood equation and Gilliland equations, popularly known as the FUG method are employed for the calculations. A simple heuristic method for the systematic synthesis of ini tial sequences for Multi - component separations is employed here to determine the best sequence. Therefore the sequence with the least vapour load in turn results in low energy demand, thereby forming the best sequence for the designing of a distillation co lumn for a given organic mixture keeping in mind the economic conditions