Distillation Processes: Energy and Mass Balances

This lecture covers the fundamentals of distillation, a key separation process in the chemical industry. It begins with historical insights into distillation, explaining its origins and significance in energy consumption, particularly in the chemical sector where it accounts for 25% of energy use. The instructor discusses the concept of reflux ratio and mass balances, detailing how to calculate the flow rates of distillate and bottoms in a distillation column. The lecture emphasizes the importance of understanding relative volatility, especially when separating components with close boiling points, such as propane and propylene. The instructor introduces energy balances, highlighting the energy inputs and outputs in the system, including the roles of the reboiler and condenser. The lecture also explores stage-by-stage calculations to predict composition changes within the column, using equilibrium relationships to establish operating lines. This comprehensive overview equips students with the necessary tools to analyze and design distillation processes effectively.