Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium: Molecular Separation Techniques

This lecture focuses on the principles of vapor-liquid equilibrium and its application in molecular separation processes. The instructor begins by outlining the intended learning outcomes, which include plotting and utilizing various phase diagrams such as x-y, T-x-y, and H-x-y diagrams. The lecture emphasizes the importance of understanding the relationships between composition, temperature, pressure, and enthalpy during phase changes. The concept of the flash drum is introduced as a method for binary separation, highlighting mass and energy balances involved in the process. The instructor explains how to apply constant volatility simplifications to reduce mathematical complexity in flash column problems. The lecture also covers multicomponent flash problems and the limitations of single-stage flash columns. Throughout the session, the instructor engages students with polling questions to reinforce understanding of the material. By the end of the lecture, students are expected to grasp the fundamental concepts of vapor-liquid equilibrium and its practical applications in chemical engineering.