1 reply to this topic

[ChemEng16]

How does the composition of the  distillate and the bottoms product depend on the Gibbs free energy of the individual components?

Edited by SPGr500, 01 May 2015 - 09:25 AM.

[MrShorty]

This seems like it could be a test/homework question, and we generally do not just "answer" test/homework questions. Generally, I think that we learn better by struggling through these kind of questions to come up with our own answer. I also think it helps us help you if you describe the "context" for these kind of questions -- where you are at in your studies, what course and unit this applies to, and so on.

 

As a thought to prompt you to further study, I usually see the concept of "Gibbs free energy" discussed in the context of vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE). I expect that this question's purpose is to try and measure how well you understand the relationships between distillation and VLE and how well you understand the mathematical models we use to describe VLE.

 

That should suggest some topics to research and understand. If you have specific questions or concerns, or diffculties understanding some of these concepts, let us know what you get stuck on and we'll see if we can help clarify.