A feed of 1000 Kmols/hr of a four component mixture is fed to a distillation train. The feed composition is :-
n-Butane 43% Mol basis
n-Hexane 30% Mol basis
n-Heptane 27% Mol basis
You are required to :-
1) Use the heuristic rules to determine the best column arrangement to separate the pure components
2) Determine the heavy key and light key components for each column separation.
3) Determine the K values and appropriate relative volatilities for the first column given the feed is at 6 bar and 90°C.
4) Use Lewis-Matheson method to determine the true outlet compositions and number of ideal stages in the first column given:-
a. The feed is at its boiling point
b. The relative volatilities are constant across the whole column
c. The reflux rate is 1.2
d. 99 % of the butane is recovered in the top product
e. 99.1% of the hexane is recovered in the bottom product
f. 99.9 % of the heptane is recovered in the bottom product
