Key operational points for ethanol recovery
Thread Content
We have a tower used for ethanol recovery; the main feed materials are ethanol and water, with an ethanol concentration of around 80%, and the concentration after recovery is not less than 87%. Due to intermittent operation, in order to achieve adequate recovery, the bottom liquid is returned to the feed tank; the reflux ratio is 0.3, the tower pressure is 400 mmHg, and the top temperature is 81 degrees Celsius. The operation manual states that the sensitivity board temperature should not exceed 93°C. The experienced worker, however, said that as long as the temperature at the top of the tower did not exceed 81°C, steam could be added without having to worry about the temperature of the sensitive plate. Is this the correct way to do it?
The control of a distillation tower is primarily based on the temperature at the bottom of the tower, the temperature at the top of the tower, and the temperature of the sensitive plate. However, the position of the sensitive plate can change; the key parameters are still the temperature at the bottom and top of the tower. As long as these two values are within acceptable ranges, everything should be fine. Since the experienced workers say so, there’s definitely no problem.