Multicomponent rectification: a new method of calculation

Abstract

This paper presents a series of calculation procedures for computer design of ternary distillation columns overcoming the iterative equilibrium calculations necessary in these kind of problems and, thus, reducing the calculation time. The proposed procedures include different interpolation (simple interpolation with distances, interpolation by intercepting lines from the three or four nearest points and interpolation using linear fitting of compositions or compositions and enthalpies) and intersection methods to solve the equilibrium equations and the mass and energy balances (intersection the operative line and the enthalpy-composition surface). The calculation programs proposed also include the possibility of rigorous solution of mass and energy balances and equilibrium relations, and can be easily generalized for multicomponent mixtures.