Multicomponent efficiencies in two types of distillation column

Abstract

A study of the efficiencies of two plate distillation columns is reported. One column had three rectangular trays with a flow path length of about 1 m, the other was a modified glass Oldershaw column with one tray of 38 mm dia. Tray efficiencies were measured in both columns and point efficiencies were deduced for the rectangular column.The systems studied were ternary and quaternary mixtures of alcohols and water. The results showed that for thermodynamically nonideal systems significant differences existed among the individual component point efficiencies. In the case of an ideal system the component point efficiencies were effectively equal, but tray efficiencies were different due to differing volatilities and composition profiles across the large trays.This study illustrates the need to allow for the above effects in largecolumn designs for multicomponent systems. The possibility of using laboratory-scale point efficiencies in these designs is explored.

Influence of Tray Geometry on Scaling Up Distillation Efficiency from Laboratory Data

“…The Dribika and Biddulph 3 and Biddulph et al studies, which compare the results obtained in a small column with tray efficiencies in a large tray (with similar hole diameters, 1.8 and 1.1 mm for the large and small trays, respectively), demonstrate that the results obtained in small columns can be used by a flow model to predict the tray efficiency of large trays from laboratory data.…”

110th Anniversary: Column Efficiency: From Conception, through Complexity, to Simplicity

“…However, there is usually no impediment to using any of these models for noncircular trays. There is, however, little data that can be used to validate such an application of these models (see, however, Biddulph et al, 76 who measure the performance of a rectangular tray). These days, dividing wall columns (DWCs) are of significant interest.…”

Flow characteristics of a small‐hole sieve tray

“…First, this would help predict column efficiencies more accurately, reducing the number of extra trays added to allow for uncertainty. Secondly, and more important, it should lead to better tray designs and to achieving high efficiencies predicted and achieved for uniform flow conditions (Biddulph et al, 1988).…”