B40EA Unit Operations A

Advanced Distillation
Topic 3 –Methods for Multicomponent Distillation

Semester 1 2018-19

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Multicomponent Distillation
 Rarely are distillations simple binary systems.
 It is far more common to see multicomponent systems, which
are, chemical and thermodynamically, more complicated to
separate.
 Key issues with multicomponent systems include:
 Ideal systems – no interaction between components
 Systems where one component is in excess
 Non-ideal systems – some interaction between components
 Close boiling point components – difficult to separate
 There are two common approaches to hand-based calculations
for multicomponent distillation:
 Pseudo-Binary Method (based on McCabe-Thiele)
 Short Cut Design Method

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Pseudo-Binary (Hengstebeck) Method
 In dealing with multicomponent systems, the use of two KEY
components helps to create a pseudo-binary system that can be
solved via a McCabe-Thiele type method.
 The most commonly method used was that proposed by
Hengstebeck, although it largely superceded by the short cut design
method.
 However, as a graphically-based method, it remains useful for visualising the
separation.

 Firstly, the equilibrium relationship between the two keys needs to

be defined.
 The equilibrium constants and relative volatility of the light key are:
𝑦𝐿𝐾 = 𝐾𝐿𝐾 𝑥𝐿𝐾 𝑦𝐻𝐾 = 𝐾𝐻𝐾 𝑥𝐻𝐾

𝐾𝐿𝐾
𝛼𝐿𝐾,𝐻𝐾 =
𝐾𝐻𝐾
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Pseudo-Binary (Hengstebeck) Method
 The relative volatility can then be expanded to give:
𝑦𝐿𝐾 𝑦𝐿𝐾
𝐾𝐿𝐾 𝑥𝐿𝐾 𝑥𝐿𝐾 𝑦𝐿𝐾 1 − 𝑥𝐿𝐾
𝛼𝐿𝐾,𝐻𝐾 = = = =
𝐾𝐻𝐾 𝑦𝐻𝐾 𝑥 1 − 𝑦𝐿𝐾 𝑥𝐿𝐾 1 − 𝑦𝐿𝐾
𝐻𝐾 1 − 𝑥𝐿𝐾

and re-arrange to give:

𝛼𝐿𝐾,𝐻𝐾 𝑥𝐿𝐾
𝑦𝐿𝐾 =
1 + 𝑥𝐿𝐾 𝛼𝐿𝐾,𝐻𝐾 − 1

 An x-y diagram can then be drawn for the light key relative to the
heavy key.
 If the concentration of non-keys is small, say < 10%, then they can be
lumped with the keys and the normal McCabe-Thiele method used.

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Pseudo-Binary (Hengstebeck) Method
 However, if the concentration of non-keys is significant, say >
10%, consideration must be made of the non-key flowrates.
 Going back to the basic material balance equations and
assuming constant molar overflow:
Rectifying Section Stripping Section
′ ′
𝑣𝑛+1,𝑖 = 𝑙𝑛,𝑖 + 𝑑𝑖 𝑙𝑛+1,𝑖 = 𝑣𝑛+1 + 𝑏𝑖
𝑉 ′
𝑉 ′
′
𝑣𝑛,𝑖 = 𝐾𝑛,𝑖 𝑙𝑛,𝑖 𝑣𝑛+1 = 𝐾𝑛,𝑖 ′ 𝑙𝑛,𝑖
𝐿 𝐿
where:
ln,i = liquid flowrate of component i from stage n
vn,i = vapour flowrate of component i from stage n
di = flowrate of component i in the distillate
bi = flowrate of component i in the bottoms
Kn,i = equilibrium constant of component i at stage n
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Pseudo-Binary (Hengstebeck) Method
 In the rectifying section, the flowrate of each of the light non-key
components approaches a constant, limiting rate.
 Similarly, in the stripping section, the flowrate of each of the heavy
non-key components approaches a constant, limiting rate.
 The limited flowrates are based on a method proposed by Jenny:
Rectifying Section Stripping Section
𝑑𝑖 𝛼𝑖,𝐻𝐾 𝑏𝑖
𝑙𝑖 = 𝑣𝑖′ =
𝛼𝑖,𝐻𝐾 − 1 𝑎𝐿𝐾,𝐻𝐾 − 𝑎𝑖,𝐻𝐾

𝑣𝑖 = 𝑙𝑖 + 𝑑𝑖 𝑙𝑖′ = 𝑣𝑖′ + 𝑏𝑖

where:
𝑙𝑖 and 𝑣𝑖 = limiting flowrates of the components lighter than the keys in the
rectifying section
𝑙𝑖′ and 𝑣𝑖′ = limiting flowrates of the components heavier than the keys in the
stripping section
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 Pseudo-Binary (Hengstebeck) Method
 Hengstebeck then defines the estimated flowrates of the
combined keys as:
Rectifying Section Stripping Section
𝐿𝑒 = 𝐿 − 𝑙𝑖 𝐿′𝑒 = 𝐿′ − 𝑙𝑖′

𝑉𝑒 = 𝑉 − 𝑣𝑖 𝑉𝑒′ = 𝑉 ′ − 𝑣𝑖′

where:
Le and Le’ = estimated liquid flowrates of the combined keys
Ve and Ve’ = estimated liquid flowrates of the combined keys

 Le & Ve and Le’ & Ve’ are then used to calculate the rectifying and stripping
section operating lines respectively

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Pseudo-Binary (Hengstebeck) Method
Worked Example
 Estimate the number of ideal stages needed in a depropaniser
column operating with a total condenser at 10 bar and a reflux
ratio of 2. The saturated liquid feed and product streams for
the column have the following compositions:
Component fi di bi
(kmol/hr) (kmol/hr) (kmol/hr)
C2 2 2 0
C3 43 42 1
iC4 20 1 19
nC4 35 1 34
S 46 54

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Pseudo-Binary (Hengstebeck) Method
Worked Example
 Firstly, determine the condenser and reboiler temperatures;.
 Both are bubble point calculations.
 For the condenser and using De Priester charts, the
temperature is 23 oC:
Component xi Ki yi
C2 0.043 3.1 0.135
C3 0.913 0.98 0.895
iC4 0.022 0.42 0.009
nC4 0.022 0.27 0.006
S 1.000 - 1.045

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Pseudo-Binary (Hengstebeck) Method
Worked Example
 For the reboiler and using De Priester charts, the temperature
is 74 oC:

Component xi Ki yi
C2 0.000 5.7 0.000
C3 0.019 2.39 0.044
iC4 0.352 1.2 0.42
nC4 0.630 0.89 0.560
S 1.000 - 1.027

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Pseudo-Binary (Hengstebeck) Method
Worked Example
 Assuming C3 is the light key and iC4 is the heavy key, the
relative volatilities are:

Component Condenser Reboiler Average

ai,HK ai,HK ai,HK
C2 7.381 4.750 5.921
C3 (LK) 2.333 1.992 2.156
iC4 (HK) 1 1 1
nC4 0.643 0.742 0.690

 Note: geometric average use for ai

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Pseudo-Binary (Hengstebeck) Method
Worked Example
 Now calculate the flows of the non-key components:
 Rectifying section:
Component Average di 𝒍𝒊 𝒗𝒊
ai,HK (kmol/hr) (kmol/hr) (kmol/hr)

C2 5.921 2 0.406 2.406

S 0.406 2.406
 Stripping section:
Component Average bi 𝒗′𝒊 𝒍′𝒊
ai,HK (kmol/hr) (kmol/hr) (kmol/hr)

nC4 0.690 34 16.023 50.023

S 16.023 50.023
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 Pseudo-Binary (Hengstebeck) Method
Worked Example
 Now calculate the flows of the combined keys:
 Rectifying section:

𝐿𝑒 = 𝐿 − 𝑙𝑖 = 𝑅𝐷 − 𝑙𝑖 = 2 ∗ 46 − 0.406 = 91.6

𝑉𝑒 = 𝑉 − 𝑣𝑖 = 𝑅 + 1 𝐷 − 𝑣𝑖 = 2 + 1 ∗ 46 − 2.406 = 135.6

 Stripping section:

𝐿′𝑒 = 𝐿′ − 𝑙𝑖′ = 𝑅 + 1 𝐷 + 𝐵 − 𝑙𝑖′ = 2 + 1 ∗ 46 + 54 − 50.023 = 142.0

𝑉𝑒′ = 𝑉 ′ − 𝑣𝑖′ = 𝑅 + 1 𝐷 − 𝑣𝑖′ = 2 + 1 ∗ 46 − 16.023 = 122.0

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Pseudo-Binary (Hengstebeck) Method
Worked Example
 Now calculate the slopes of the operating lines:

Rectifying section Stripping section

𝐿𝑒 91.6 𝐿′𝑒 142.0

= = 0.676 = = 1.164
𝑉𝑒 135.6 𝑉𝑒′ 122.0

 And the determine the liquid fractions at various points:

𝑏𝐿𝐾 1
𝑥𝑏,𝐿𝐾 = = = 0.050
𝑏𝐿𝐾 + 𝑏𝐻𝐾 1 + 19
𝑑𝐿𝐾 42
𝑥𝑑,𝐿𝐾 = = = 0.977
𝑑𝐿𝐾 + 𝑑𝐻𝐾 42 + 1
𝑓𝐿𝐾 43
𝑥𝑓,𝐿𝐾 = = = 0.683
𝑓𝐿𝐾 + 𝑓𝐻𝐾 43 + 20
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Pseudo-Binary (Hengstebeck) Method
Worked Example
 Finally, calculate points along the equilibrium line:
𝛼𝐿𝐾,𝐻𝐾 𝑥𝐿𝐾
𝑦𝐿𝐾 =
1 + 𝑥𝐿𝐾 𝛼𝐿𝐾,𝐻𝐾 − 1

xLK 0.1 0.3 0.5 0.7 0.9

yLK 0.193 0.480 0.683 0.834 0.951

 And then plot the x-y diagram, operating lines, q-line and
step-off the stages as per the McCabe –Thiele method
(see next slide).
 Number of theoretical stages is therefore 13 + reboiler
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Pseudo-Binary (Hengstebeck) Method
Worked Example

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Short Cut Design Method
 Using key components, there is a short cut design procedure that is
a significant improvement over the McCabe-Thiele method and
pseudo-binary method for handling multicomponent systems.

 The procedure is to:

1. Find the temperatures of the distillate, feed and bottoms.
2. Calculate the average volatilities for the column.
3. Determine the minimum number of stages (Fenske Equation).
4. Determine the minimum reflux ratio (Underwood Equations).
5. Determine the actual number of stages (Gilliland Correlation).
6. Determine the feed location (Kirkbride Correlation).
7. Distribute the non-key components (modified Fenske Equation).
8. Confirm the energy balance around the column and determine the duties
of the condenser and reboiler.
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Key Assumptions
 Some key assumptions for the following procedure:
 Pressure is constant across the column.
 System is ideal.

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Short Cut Design
1. Column Temperatures
 Firstly, we determine the temperatures of the distillate and
bottoms.
Partial Condenser Total Condenser

Dew Point å åxi =

y di
Ki Bubble Point å y =åK x
i i di

Partial Reboiler Total Reboiler

Bubble Point å y =åK x

i i bi Bubble Point å y =åK x
i i bi
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Short Cut Design
1. Column Temperatures
 Relative volatility calculations can be performed
without the feed temperature, however more
accurate results will be obtained if it is determined.
 If the temperature of the feed is not given:
 If the feed is single phase, determine the dew point or
bubble point of the feed.
 If the feed is two-phase, perform an isothermal
multicomponent flash or Rashford-Rice calculation
 As a first pass guess, use the average of the
condenser and reboiler temperatures.

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Short Cut Design
2. Average Relative Volatilities
 Determine Ki for each component in the distillate,
bottoms and, preferably, the feed.
 Determine the ‘heavy key’, HK.
 Calculate the relative volatility for each
component relative to the ‘heavy key’, ai,HK
𝐾𝑖
𝛼𝑖,𝐻𝐾 =
𝐾𝐻𝐾
 Calculate the geometric average relative volatility
across the column for each component, aavg i,HK
1
3
𝛼𝑎𝑣𝑔 𝑖,𝐻𝐾 = 𝛼𝑖,𝐷 𝛼𝑖,𝐹 𝛼𝑖,𝐵
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Short Cut Design
3. Minimum Number of Stages
 To determine the minimum number of stages for the
column, use the Fenske Equation:

𝑧𝐿𝐾 𝑧𝐻𝐾
𝑙𝑜𝑔10
𝑧𝐻𝐾 𝐷 𝑧𝐿𝐾 𝐵
𝑁𝑚𝑖𝑛 =
𝑙𝑜𝑔10 𝛼𝑎𝑣𝑔 𝐿𝐾,𝐻𝐾

 Note: the equation is shown with mole fraction in

terms of zi – this should be xi or yi depending on the
distillate and bottoms phases.

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Short Cut Design
3. Minimum Number of Stages
 If there is a large difference between the relative
volatilities at the top and bottom of the column, use of an
average relative volatility in the Fenske Equation will
underestimate the number of stages.
 In this case, the number of stages for the rectifying and
stripping sections should be determined separately:
 Use the feed composition as the base composition for the
rectifying section.
 Use the feed composition as the top composition for the
stripping section.
 Determine average relative volatilities separately for each
section.
 This procedure will therefore also give an estimate of the
feed location.

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Short Cut Design
4. Minimum Reflux Ratio
 To determine the minimum reflux ratio for the
column, use the Underwood Equations:

 Equation 1 applies to the feed

 ‘q’ is determines from the q-line.
 q lies between the average relative volatilities of the light
key and the heavy key and must be found iteratively.

𝑛
𝛼𝑖,𝐻𝐾 𝑥𝐹𝑖
=1−𝑞
𝑎𝑖,𝐻𝐾 − 𝜃
𝑖=0

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Short Cut Design
4. Minimum Reflux Ratio
 To determine the minimum reflux ratio for the
column, use the Underwood Equations:

 Equation 2 applies to the distillate

 Rmin can be calculated explicitly.
 If using a partial condenser, replace xDi with yDi.

𝑛
𝛼𝑖,𝐻𝐾 𝑥𝐷𝑖
𝑅𝑚𝑖𝑛 + 1 =
𝑎𝑖,𝐻𝐾 − 𝜃
𝑖=0

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Short Cut Design
5. Actual Number of Stages
 To determine the number of stages, use the Gilliland
Correlation, which is a relationship between:

𝑁−𝑁𝑚𝑖𝑛 𝑅−𝑅𝑚𝑖𝑛
and
𝑁+1 𝑅+1

 Firstly, determine R, the actual reflux ratio.

 R is normally a given multiplier of the minimum reflux
ratio:

𝑅 = 𝑓𝑅𝑚𝑖𝑛
where f is typically between 1.1 and 1.5 but may be as high as 2.0

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Short Cut Design
5. Actual Number of Stages
 Then, using the
Gilliland Chart,
𝑁−𝑁𝑚𝑖𝑛
determine
𝑁+1
and solve for N.
 Round N to the
nearest whole
number.

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Short Cut Design
5. Actual Number of Stages
 The original Gilliland plot
used normal-normal axis
but the log-log version is
more commonly used.

 Its validity range is:

 2 < components < 11
 0.28 < q < 1.42
 3.4 < Nmin < 60.3
 1.11 < a < 4.05
 0.53 < Rmin < 9.09
 Vacuum < P < 42.2 bar

which should be suitable for

most scenarios encountered.

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Short Cut Design
5. Actual Number of Stages
 The Gilliland Correlation has been mapped to
equations to make computer calculations possible.
 A common one is the Molokanov Equation:

𝑁 − 𝑁𝑚𝑖𝑛 1 + 54.4𝑋 𝑋−1

= 1 − 𝑒𝑥𝑝
𝑁+1 11 + 117.2𝑋 𝑋 0.5

𝑅−𝑅𝑚𝑖𝑛
where X =
𝑅+1

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Short Cut Design
5. Actual Number of Stages
 The Erbar-Maddox
Correlation (as used in
Chemical Engineering
Design) is based on
Gilliland and is viewed
as being more
accurate.
 However, it is only valid
if q=1 (i.e. saturated
liquid) and requires an
energy calculation to
correct for other feed
conditions.

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Short Cut Design
6. Feed Location
 To determine the feed location, use the Kirkbride
Correlation:

2 0.206
𝑁𝑟 𝐵 𝑧𝐻𝐾 𝑧𝐵,𝐿𝐾
=
𝑁𝑠 𝐷 𝑧𝐿𝐾 𝐹
𝑧𝐷,𝐻𝐾

where
Nr = number of stages in the rectifying section
Ns = number of stages in the stripping section

 Remember that partial condenser and partial reboiler

each count as a theoretical stage.

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Short Cut Design
6. Feed Location
 Time permitting, the location of the feed determined
using the Kirkbride Correlation can be compared
with that determined using the Fenske Equation over
two sections.
 Ideally, the feed location determined empirically
should be compared to that determined through a
stage-by-stage calculation.
 The feed should enter the column at the stage where its
composition is as close as possible to that of the streams
in the column:
 for example, if the feed is saturated liquid, it should enter below
the stage where the liquid in the downcomer has a similar
composition.
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Short Cut Design
7. Distribution of Non-Keys
 So far, the design of distillation columns has been round the known
split of key components , assuming that the non-keys are 100%
recovered in either distillate or bottoms product.
 This is not physically possible, so how are the non-keys distributed
to the distillate and bottoms?

 The Fenske Equation can be rewritten in the form:

𝑑𝑖
𝑙𝑜𝑔10 = 𝐴 + 𝐶𝑙𝑜𝑔10 𝛼𝑖,𝑅
𝑏𝑖
where
𝑑𝐿𝐾 𝑑𝐻𝐾
A = 𝑙𝑜𝑔10 or 𝑙𝑜𝑔10
𝑏𝐿𝐾 𝑏𝐻𝐾
C = Nmin, if known
ai,R = relative volatility of component i to the reference component R (either
HK or LK) used to calculate A

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Short Cut Design
7. Distribution of Non-Keys
 This method allows for
distribution of non-
keys to be estimated
but it is not as
accurate as stage-by-
stage modelling as it
assumes:
 Total reflux
 Distribution of
components is
independent of reflux

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Short Cut Design
8. Energy Considerations
 To date, we have only concerned ourselves with the
material balance aspect of distillation.
 However, the energy balance is just as important.
 There are two approaches to considering energy:
 Simple energy balance
 Rigorous design

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Short Cut Design
8. Simple Energy Balance
 For columns with saturated liquid feeds and are modelled using
McCabe-Thiele, the reboiler and condenser duties are
approximately equal.
 For all other situations, heat duties need to be determined from the
overall energy balance:

𝐹ℎ𝐹 + 𝑄𝑅 = 𝐷ℎ𝐷 + 𝐵ℎ𝐵 + 𝑄𝐶 + 𝑄𝑙𝑜𝑠𝑠

where:
F = total feed rate
D = distillate rate
B = bottoms rate
h = enthalpy of stream
Q = heat
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Short Cut Design
8. Simple Energy Balance: Condenser & Reboiler Duties
 Qloss can generally be ignored, except for small or uninsulated
columns.
 For a total condenser:
𝑄𝐶 = 𝐷 𝑅 + 1 ∆𝐻 𝑣𝑎𝑝
 For a partial condenser:
𝑄𝐶 = 𝐷𝑅∆𝐻 𝑣𝑎𝑝
 For a partial reboiler:
𝑄𝑅 = 𝐵𝑉𝐵 ∆𝐻 𝑣𝑎𝑝
 For a two-phase feed and a total condenser, the reboiler duty
is less than that of the condenser:
𝑉𝐹
𝑄𝑅 = 𝑄𝐶 1 −
𝐷 𝑅+1

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Short Cut Design
8. Simple Energy Balance: Utility Rates
 Where steam is the reboiler heating medium, the required
steam rate is:
18𝑄𝑅
𝑚𝑠 = 𝑣𝑎𝑝
∆𝐻𝑠
 The cooling water rate for the condenser is:
𝑄𝐶
𝑚𝑐𝑤 =
𝐶𝑃(𝐻2𝑂) 𝑇𝑜𝑢𝑡 − 𝑇𝑖𝑛
 As the cost of steam is usually an order of magnitude higher
than the cost of cooling water, the feed may be partially
vaporised to help reduce QR in comparison to QC

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Short Cut Design
Worked Example
 A debutaniser operates at 8 bar(a) with a total condenser.
 The reflux is 1.5 times the minimum reflux.
 For the following saturated liquid feed and distillate recovery,
determine the number of theoretical stages required for the
separation.

Component fi Recovery in
(kmol/hr) Distillate
C3 45 100%
nC4 105 95%
nC5 90 5%
nC6 60 0%

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Short Cut Design
Worked Example
 Firstly, complete the mass balance around the column and then
determine the feed, condenser and reboiler temperatures.
 Mass balance:
Comp. fi Recovery di bi zi xDi xBi
(kmol/hr) in (kmol/hr) (kmol/hr)
Distillate
C3 45 100% 45.00 - 0.15 0.302 -
nC4 105 95% 99.75 5.25 0.35 0.668 0.035
nC5 90 5% 4.50 85.50 0.30 0.030 0.567
nC6 60 0% - 60.00 0.20 - 0.398
S 300 149.25 150.75 1.00 1.000 1.000

© Heriot-Watt University 2018 B40EA Units Operations A: Advanced Distillation

Short Cut Design
Worked Example
 Feed:

Component fi zi Ki @ 75 oC yi
(kmol/hr)
C3 45 0.15 2.95 0.443
nC4 105 0.35 1.1 0.385
nC5 90 0.30 0.45 0.135
nC6 60 0.20 0.2 0.040
S 300 1.00 - 1.003

© Heriot-Watt University 2018 B40EA Units Operations A: Advanced Distillation

Short Cut Design
Worked Example
 Condenser:
Component xDi Ki @ 47 oC yi
C3 0.302 1.93 0.582
nC4 0.668 0.65 0.434
nC5 0.030 0.235 0.007
nC6 0.000 0.094 0.000
S 1.000 - 1.023

 Reboiler:
Component xBi Ki @ 130 oC yi
C3 0.000 5.4 0.000
nC4 0.035 2.55 0.089
nC5 0.567 1.2 0.681
nC6 0.398 0.63 0.251
S 1.000 - 1.020
© Heriot-Watt University 2018 B40EA Units Operations A: Advanced Distillation
 Short Cut Design
Worked Example
 Determine the average volatilities.
 nC5 is the heavy key.
Distillate Bottoms Distillate Bottoms Average
Feed Feed
Comp. Ki Ki ai,HK ai,HK ai,HK
Ki ai,HK

C3 2.95 1.93 5.4 6.556 8.213 4.500 6.234

nC4 1.1 0.65 2.55 2.444 2.766 2.125 2.431
nC5 0.45 0.235 1.2 1.000 1.000 1.000 1.000
nC6 0.2 0.094 0.63 0.444 0.400 0.525 0.454

© Heriot-Watt University 2018 B40EA Units Operations A: Advanced Distillation

Short Cut Design
Worked Example
 Determine the minimum number of stages using the Fenske
equation:

𝑧𝐿𝐾 𝑧𝐻𝐾
𝑙𝑜𝑔10
𝑧𝐻𝐾 𝐷 𝑧𝐿𝐾 𝐵
𝑁𝑚𝑖𝑛 =
𝑙𝑜𝑔10 𝛼𝑎𝑣𝑔 𝐿𝐾,𝐻𝐾

0.668 0.567
𝑙𝑜𝑔10 .
0.030 0.035
𝑁𝑚𝑖𝑛 = = 𝟔. 𝟔𝟑
𝑙𝑜𝑔10 2.431

© Heriot-Watt University 2018 B40EA Units Operations A: Advanced Distillation

Short Cut Design
Worked Example
 Determine q using the first Underwood equation.
 As the feed is saturated liquid, q = 1, therefore 1 - q =0.
 q must lie between 1.00 and 2.431
𝑛
𝛼𝑖,𝐻𝐾 𝑥𝐹𝑖
=1−𝑞
𝑎𝑖,𝐻𝐾 − 𝜃
𝑖=0
Feed Average
Component q = 1.1 q = 1.5 q = 1.344
xFi ai,HK
C3 0.15 6.234 0.182 0.198 0.191
nC4 0.35 2.431 0.639 0.914 0.783
nC5 0.30 1.000 -3.000 -0.600 -0.873
nC6 0.20 0.454 -0.140 -0.087 -0.102
Total 1.00 - -2.319 0.425 -0.001

© Heriot-Watt University 2018 B40EA Units Operations A: Advanced Distillation

Short Cut Design
Worked Example
 Then determine Rmin using the second Underwood equation.

Distillate Average
Component q = 1.344
xDi ai,HK
C3 0.302 6.234 0.384 𝑛
nC4 0.668 2.431 1.495
𝛼𝑖,𝐻𝐾 𝑥𝐷𝑖
nC5 0.030 1.000 -0.088 𝑎𝑖,𝐻𝐾 − 𝜃
nC6 - 0.454 𝑖=0
0.000
Total 1.000 - 1.791

 Rmin + 1 = 1.791, therefore Rmin = 0.791

 Therefore, R = 1.5 Rmin = 1.5* 0.791 = 1.187

© Heriot-Watt University 2018 B40EA Units Operations A: Advanced Distillation

Short Cut Design
Worked Example
 Then determine Nmin using the Gilliland chart.
 Note: the Rmin is slightly below the lower validity level of the chart,
but it will be assumed to be OK for the purposes of this example.

𝑅−𝑅𝑚𝑖𝑛 1.187−0.791
 = = 0.181
𝑅+1 1.187+1
𝑁−𝑁𝑚𝑖𝑛
 =0.50
𝑁+1

 As Nmin = 6.63, N = 14.26 = 14

© Heriot-Watt University 2018 B40EA Units Operations A: Advanced Distillation

Short Cut Design
Worked Example
 Now use the Kirkbride equation to determine the feed
location.
2 0.206
𝑁𝑟 𝐵 𝑧𝐻𝐾 𝑧𝐵,𝐿𝐾
=
𝑁𝑠 𝐷 𝑧𝐿𝐾 𝐹
𝑧𝐷,𝐻𝐾

2 0.206
𝑁𝑟 150.75 0.3 0.035
= = 1.03
𝑁𝑠 149.25 0.35 0.03

𝑁𝑟 + 𝑁𝑠 = 14
𝑁𝑠 = 6.897 = 7
𝑁𝑟 = 14 − 7 = 7

© Heriot-Watt University 2018 B40EA Units Operations A: Advanced Distillation

Short Cut Design
Worked Example
 Finally, use the modified Fenske equation to allocate the non-
key components in the distillate and bottoms.
 Assume the heavy key is the reference component and do not
re-allocate the key components.

di bi Average di bi
Comp di/bi
(kmol/hr) (kmol/hr) ai,HK (kmol/hr) (kmol/hr)
C3 45.00 - 6.234 9785 44.995 0.005
nC4 99.75 5.25 2.431 19.014 99.750 5.250
nC5 4.50 85.50 1.000 0.0526 4.500 85.500
nC6 - 60.00 0.454 2.79x10-4 0.017 59.983
Total 149.25 150.75 - 149.262 150.738

© Heriot-Watt University 2018 B40EA Units Operations A: Advanced Distillation