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[ETCOM]

I am part of team trying to solve a flow chart problem about a DME production process from methanol dehydration. During the distillation phase, we phase a problem.I am enquiring on how the diameter of a distillation column changes from top to bottom. Does it have to get bigger? We are currently using the Aspen Plus programme of chemical engineering to simulate the process. Thank you very much.

[Art Montemayor]

Please don't use acronyms without defining what they mean.  Do not assume that everyone besides yourself knows what you are thinking and what you mean.  Correct communications are the first priority in chemical engineering.

 

The diameter of a distillation column is determined by the Brown-Souders equation.  This equation is something you should not only be familiar with, but you should know how it was derived and what factors it takes into consideration.  Searching this equation in Google will lead you to the answer to your query.

 

On a practical engineering note, the diameter of a distillation column will change as the vapor load changes.  Whether it is worthwhile to vary the diameter of a column involves an economic evaluation as to whether the change in diameter is cost effective.  Sometimes, it is not worthwhile to vary the diameter of a column for economic, practical, and structural reasons.  This requires a detailed, practical study.