Distillation Processes: Mass and Energy Balances

This lecture focuses on the principles of distillation, particularly the mass and energy balances involved in the operation of distillation columns. The instructor begins by discussing the limitations of single-stage flash columns and transitions into the key components of distillation columns. The learning outcomes include understanding the structural components, writing and solving mass and energy balances for binary distillation, and applying graphical methods like the McCabe-Thiele approach to determine the number of stages required for desired purity levels. The lecture emphasizes the importance of equilibrium relationships between liquid and vapor phases, and how operators can influence these through flow rates. The instructor also covers the design of distillation columns, including the roles of reboilers and condensers, and the significance of reflux ratios. Throughout the lecture, interactive quizzes engage students in applying the concepts discussed, reinforcing their understanding of how to achieve higher purity in distillation processes.