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Hello again, I am currently designing a distillation column with a partial condenser. The distillate coming off from the partial condenser is in a complete vapour phase (i.e. full reflux).

I have the molar and mass flows of all the streams around the condenser, and the condenser Temperature and Pressure. However I only know the composition of the distillate stream. Is it possible to work my way backwards to determine both the vapour feed and liquid reflux stream?

In my understanding, the partial condenser acts as another equlibrium stage (since pretty much the drum would have a liquid vapour interface).

[abhi_agrawa]

LeeFauxe,
The liquid and the vapor leaving the reflux drum will be in equilibrium @ drum temperature and pressure. Since you know the pressure, temperature and composition of the distillate, you can estimate the composition of the reflux by solving for the vapor-liquid equilibrium. Having estimated the reflux composition, with all the flows known, feed to condenser can be estimated.

Hope this helps,
Abhishek