Note: Chemical engineering case, question 7, second day afternoon, 2012

Thread Content

7. Separation of an ideal solution containing components A and B in a continuous distillation column at atmospheric pressure: the concentration of component A in the feed is 0.40 (mole fraction), the concentration of A in the overhead distillate is 0.95 (mole fraction), and the concentration of A in the bottom stream is 0.05 (mole fraction). A degasifier is used at the top of the column, and the feed is a saturated liquid. If under the operating conditions, the relative volatility between the components at the top of the tower is 2.72 and the relative volatility between the components at the bottom of the tower is 2.24, which of the following values is closest to the minimum number of theoretical plates required for this tower? A 7 B 6 C 5 D 8 I just want to ask whether the minimum number of theoretical plates calculated using the Fenske equation includes the reboiler or not Which option is the correct answer for this question?