In Aspen and HYSYS, the top condenser in distillation column simulations is categorized into full reflux, partial reflux, and full condensation – I would like some guidance on this
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As learned from practical operations as well as textbooks, full reflux results in no output, while partial reflux means there is a reflux ratio! But there are three scenarios during simulation: Total, Partial, and Full Rflx, which correspond to full condensation, full reflux, and partial reflux. Could someone explain in detail the differences between these three? Full reflux should not mean no overhead product, but why does the software still show an overhead pipeline?
In Aspen, “Total” refers to complete condensation; under normal conditions, there are many cases where complete condensation occurs at the tower top. “Partial” denotes partial condensation, with non-condensable components present in the material at the tower top – partial condensation is more common because complete condensation requires very low temperatures, which is equivalent to one theoretical plate. What about “Full Rflx”? Haven’t seen it in Aspen