A distillation column is separating methanol from water at a pressure of \(1 \mathrm{~atm}\). The column has a total condenser and a partial reboiler. In addition, a saturated vapor stream of pure steam is input on the second stage above the partial reboiler (see the following figure).

The feed flow rate is \(2000 \mathrm{kmol} /\) day. Feed is \(48 \mathrm{~mol} \%\) methanol and \(52 \mathrm{~mol} \%\) water and is a subcooled liquid. For every 4 moles of feed, 1 mole of vapor must condense inside the column. Distillate is \(92.0 \mathrm{~mol} \%\) methanol. Reflux is a saturated liquid, and \(\mathrm{L}_{0} / \mathrm{D}=1.0\). Bottoms is \(8.0 \mathrm{~mol} \%\) methanol. Boilup ratio is \(\mathrm{v}\) \(/ \mathrm{B}=0.5\). Assume that CMO is valid. VLE data are in Table 2-8.

a. Find the optimum feed plate location and total number of equilibrium stages required.

b. What is the steam flow rate input on stage 2 in \(\mathrm{kmol} /\) day?

Transcribed Image Text:

F Steam Ys =O V' L' 2 B D