4 replies to this topic

[NoobMi]

Hi all,

 

I have a question on the operations of a minimum reflux ratio in distillation column.

Currently i have a 10 tray tower with inlet feed at the 5th tray.

 

1st question:

If i were to fully reduced the reflux ratio to 0, does it means that my effective distillation trays will only become 5 trays?

Also what will happen if dry trays were to occur? Will it have higher chances of fouling / mechanical failure, etc?

 

Or is there any minimum reflux ratio / wetting volume required in tray towers?

[Bobby Strain]

Your query makes no sense at all. Why would you consider such an operation?

 

Bobby

[PhilippM]

The "dry trays" would simply not be involved in any separation process and are therefore completely useless. Instead you would just design the tower with 5 trays and have the feed at the top. Every tray needs both a vapor and liquid phase in order to work at all, and most process simulators will not converge otherwise, so you either need the feed at the top or a reflux. Maybe you should provide a sketch in order to explain what you want to achieve.

[breizh]

Hi NoobMi ,

Like others I 've difficulty to understand your query . Are you a chemical engineer ?

Are your questions related to particular steps in your operation , let say start up for example ?

 

I've attached links where you can find information about Separation  processes , Rmin in distillation process , etc 

 

http://www.separatio...om/Mainmenu.htm

https://escholarship...96n0xv#page-489

 

Good luck

Breizh 

Edited by breizh, 12 January 2020 - 08:35 AM.

[horatorres]

It has no sense to do that...

 

 

 

Why you would like to operate wihtout reflux, if i undestand you¨???

 

horacio