Hi, I am currently working on simulating a toluene extraction process which is based on the different phase distribution (water and toluene) exhibited by Lactam and the accompanying impurities. This operation is carried out in the T-429-6 tower, a rotating disc column divided into 67 stages.
In this process, lactam oil (carolactam+water), from which lactam (solute) is to be recovered, flows through the tower by density difference, countercurrently with toluene as the extracting agent (solvent). The solute concentration difference between the inorganic phase (oil) and the organic phase (toluene) drives the diffusion of lactam into the organic phase.
I have performed a basic simulation with seems to work fine without ammonium suIfate, however, when this component is included the system fails to converge. Could this problem be related to the component or the thermodynamic package being used?
I appreciate any insights on this matter or even a correct version whitout this issue. Thanks in advance!