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Chemical Engineering Communications, Vol.184, 1-21, 2001
Calculating distillation efficiencies of multicomponent i-butane/n-butane column
This paper presents experimental data and estimated distillation efficiencies of an industrial scale distillation column separating i-butane and n-butane. The data gathered from plant instruments and laboratory analysis were reconciled and compared to distillation simulations. The simulations were performed with a number of real plates using the point and the Murphree plate efficiency calculation model. This matrix modal of efficiency at first estimates the point efficiencies using the two-film and multicomponent mass transfer theory. The point efficiencies are then converted into Murphree plate efficiencies using a liquid mixing model. The whole method is implemented in a computer program to simulate an industrial distillation column with real plates. Finally the calculated product compositions are compared with reconciled measurements. The values of overall. section, point and Murphree plate efficiencies of multicomponent i-butane/n-butane system are also calculated. The results show that point efficiencies are not adequate for large industrial scale columns. The results also imply that the plate efficiency calculation method can be utilized and employed in the design and simulation of industrial scale columns.