Example

Exercises

Exercise 1: Understanding Constant Relative Volatility Constant relative volatility (a) is a way to measure the degree of separation possible for a system. Change the value of a on the applet, and notice the following: As alpha decreases, the equilibrium line becomes closer to the x=y diagonal line Decreasing alpha shows that more stages are necessary to complete separation

Exercise 2: Understanding Minimum Reflux Minimum reflux is the limiting condition where the upper operating line and the q-line intersect on the equilibrium curve. Decrease the reflux ratio value of the on the applet, and notice the following: Infinite stages would be necessary to reach this condition Notice how the stages get infinitely smaller as they approach the intersection of the upper operating line, q-line, and equilibrium curve

Exercise 3: Understanding Total Reflux Total reflux is the limiting condition where the upper operating line and the lower operating line lie on the x=y diagonal line. Increase the reflux ratio value of the on the applet, and notice the following: Minimum stages would be necessary to reach this condition Notice how both operating lines lie on the x=y diagonal

Exercise 4: Understanding Feed Conditions The state of the inlet stream dictates the slope of the q-line. The above applet allows control over the q value, refer to the operating line page for more information. While changing this value on the applet, notice the these two conditions: Saturated Vapor Slope of the q-line is zero Direction of the q-line is horizontal Saturated Liquid Slope of the q-line is infinity Direction of the q-line is vertical