CHE 509 Plant Design

Fall 2002

Distillation

This is an individual problem.  You should clearly explain what you did and what you found. 
 

It is desired to separate ethylbenzene from a stream of mixed xylenes in a distillation column. Estimate the condenser and reboiler temperatures and pressures, the reflux ratio, the number of stages, the feed stage, the condenser duty and the total heat duty (Q_c + Q_r). Comment on and explain if possible any unusual or unexpected results.
 

The feed is at 30C and 1 bar, and consists of 60 kmol/h of ethylbenzene, 20 kmol/h of m-xylene, 10 kmol/h of o-xylene and 10 kmol/h of p-xylene.