Separation Science and Technology, Vol.44, No.16, 3937-3949, 2009
Development of a Simple Model for the Prediction of Tie-Lines for Ternary Systems
A novel, semi-analytic, and numerically convenient algorithm has been proposed for predicting the equilibrium tie-line composition with the given overall feed composition and binary interaction parameters of established models (UNIQUAC and modified UNIQUAC) for ternary liquid-liquid systems. The merit of the proposed model rests on the selection of the distribution coefficient of each component as unknown variables instead of the mole fraction. Moreover, the model relies on the analytical solution of the extract fraction instead of adopting any numerical schemes that are commonly practiced to solve the same. Its veracity has been successfully tested with the experimental results for standard ternary systems reported in literature. The calculation procedure renders a distinct advantage over the accepted existing methods from the utilitarian view point.