Take a look at this example: How to determine the distillation process when multiple towers are connected?
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The light components in the material (accounting for about 10%) are easy to separate (one tower can meet the requirements), while the heavy components (accounting for about 15%) are difficult to separate (two towers are needed). Comprehensive considerations: It is necessary to ensure the purity of the required components, reduce energy consumption, and increase the yield. Question: Is it better to remove the light components first? Is it better to reorganize the components first?
Obviously, remove the light components first and then the heavy components. This principle applies no matter how many towers there are.
Thank you, can you give me more details and why? What if I remove the heavy components first and use a large reflux ratio to suppress the heavy components to prevent them from going up to the top of the tower or to the side lines? That would save one tower?
I also think we should remove the light components first to gain more energy. Moreover, it is easier to control the quality of materials discharged from the top of the tower.
Which master can help me solve this problem? Please! Thanks!
There is nothing wrong with it. This depends on the components and boiling points of the substances you are distilling and the ingredients of the required products. You can choose different distillation methods according to the volatility of the substances, such as: Extractive distillation, azeotropic distillation, and multi-effect distillation are all possible. However, these are the experiences summarized by experts and the working people and passed on to future generations. For example, the question of whether to remove light or heavy components first, for the current process, most distillation methods are used. How many towers basically remove the lightness first and then the weight? However, what you said makes sense, but at present, I think our technical level in China is not up to it, because we have to consider all aspects, including materials, parameters, etc. However, I agree with your opinion, but it cannot be realized!