Periodic cycling of distillation columns using a new tray design

Journal Article · Tue Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985 · A.E.Ch.E. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/aic.690311013· OSTI ID:6314498

Szonyi, L; Furzer, I A

Computer simulations of periodically cycled columns predicted improvements in column performance of greater than 200% for systems with nonlinear equilibrium curves. Experiments distilling methanol-water mixtures have verified those predictions for periodic cycling with a single plate. The extension of the theory to multiple-plate columns fails in usual distillation apparatus due to liquid mixing during the liquid flow period. To overcome this problem a new tray design consisting of a sieve plate and inclined surfaces has introduced an effective liquid time delay. Although the predicted efficiencies of 200% were not realized due to vapor movement hindering the tray action, a wide range of operating conditions provided good overall column efficiencies of 140%.

• Research Organization: Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Sydney, NSW
• OSTI ID: 6314498
• Journal Information: A.E.Ch.E. J.; (United States), Journal Name: A.E.Ch.E. J.; (United States) Vol. 31:11; ISSN AICEA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

090200* -- Alcohol Fuels-- (-1989)
10 SYNTHETIC FUELS
ALCOHOLS
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION
DESIGN
DISPERSIONS
DISTILLATION
DISTILLATION EQUIPMENT
EFFICIENCY
EQUILIBRIUM
EQUIPMENT
EXTRACTION APPARATUSES
EXTRACTION COLUMNS
FLUID FLOW
FLUID MECHANICS
HYDRODYNAMICS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
HYDROXY COMPOUNDS
LIQUID FLOW
MECHANICS
METHANOL
MIXTURES
NONLINEAR PROBLEMS
OPERATION
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PERFORMANCE
SEPARATION EQUIPMENT
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SIMULATION
THERMAL CYCLING
WATER