Seeking a solution – sensitivity analysis on the minimum number of theoretical plates; in the results, the number of theoretical plates does not change with the reflux ratio
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I’m encountering issues with ASPEN sensitivity analysis and would like to ask the engineers for help: Sensitivity analysis to optimize the minimum reboiler load based on the feed tray number (successful); sensitivity analysis to determine the minimum reflux ratio by changing the number of theoretical trays (successful); sensitivity analysis to determine the minimum number of theoretical trays by changing the reflux ratio (failed – no solution has worked)； I would like to ask the experts in this field: are there any specific requirements for determining the minimum number of theoretical plates based on the reflux ratio? Where is the problem? I would be very grateful if you could help provide a solution.
Isn’t the minimum number of theoretical plates achieved at full reflux? Then why is it still necessary to adjust the reflux ratio?
Hi, Hcer, you’re right; the minimum theoretical half-value is achieved at full reflux. I just wanted to try a new approach, using sensitivity analysis. The maximum reflux ratio was set at 200 (which can also be considered the maximum value). Logically, with such a high reflux ratio, the corresponding number of theoretical plates should be close to half of the minimum theoretical value. As a result, the number of theoretical plates determined through sensitivity analysis did not change with the reflux ratio
The number of plates is fixed and cannot be used as a dependent variable; the only values that can serve as dependent variables are those related to the two parameters specified in the design.