Question: Problem 2. A fractionation column operating at 1 bar is to separate 10,000kg/hr of a mixture of benzene and ethylbenzene containing 71.62 mass percent ethylbenzene

 Problem 2. A fractionation column operating at 1 bar is to

Problem 2. A fractionation column operating at 1 bar is to separate 10,000kg/hr of a mixture of benzene and ethylbenzene containing 71.62 mass percent ethylbenzene into an overhead product containing 94.63 mass percent benzene and a bottoms product containing 95.50 mass percent ethylbenzene. The feed is liquid at its boiling point, feed is on the optimum tray, and the reflux is at saturation temperature. The column has a total condenser and a partial reboiler. a. Determine the distillate and bottoms flow rates (in moles). b. Determine the number of equilibrium stages required when a reflux ratio of 1.5 is used. Determine the slope and intercept for the top operating line. c. Determine the minimum number of stages required for the desired separation. d. Determine the minimum reflux. It is not necessary to determine the number of fractional stages in parts b and c. Must plot the equilibrium curve using a spreadsheet for parts b and c, but can step off the stages by hand on the printed graph

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