Stripping Section: Stage f+1

The stripping section begins with stage f+1 (f being the feed stage).

Fig. 3: Balance envelope for stage f+1

Here, the balance equations are similar with those written in the enriching section and the equilibrium relations are the same. Therefore, it will suffice to demonstrate only a general case (stage k); see next.

Stripping Section: Stage k

Fig. 4: Balance envelope for stage k (stripping section)

For any stage kof the stripping section we can write the exact same set of equations. Notice change in notation (overhead bar): the stream flow rates above (enriching section) and below (stripping section) are not equal since new material is added at the feed stage.

Stripping Section: Stage k

Mass and energy balances Mass balances: Overall:
Vk = Lk 1 B

(1) (2) (3) (4)

Most volatile component: Vk y k = Lk 1x k 1 Bx B Energy balance:

Vk H k = Lk 1h k 1 Bh B + Q R

Equilibrium relationship:

xk-1=xk-1(yk-1, P)

Finally, the enthalpies are calculated from:

h k 1 = h k 1 ( x k 1, P)

(5) (6)

H k = H k ( y k , P)

Stripping Section: Reboiler

Usually, the reboiler in a distillation column vaporises and circulates only part of the exiting liquid (partial reboiler). For a column with N stages, a partial reboiler acts as an additonal equilibrium stage (N+1). Exercise: Derive the balance equations around the reboiler.

Lewis Method
Previously we examined the Sorel method, which entails stage-by-stage simultaneous solution of the equilibrium relationships, enthalpy equations, mass & energy balances. Our stage-by-stage calculations can be simplified with the assumption of Constant Molal Overflow* (CMO), first introduced by Lewis (1922) Lewis method is based on these assumptions: - The column is adiabatic (no heat losses) - The latent heat of vaporisation () is constant, regardless of mixture composition! - The specific heat changes (~T) are negligible when compared to latent heat changes.

* Also known as Constant Molar Overflow

Lewis Method: Simplifications

or, in other words, CMO implies that the molar vapour and liquid flow rates in each stage are constant, i.e.: For the enriching section:

L1 = L 2 = ... = Lf 1 = L V1 = V2 = ... = Vf = V

For the stripping section:

Vf +1 = Vf + 2 = ... = VN +1 = V Lf = Lf +1 = ... = L N = L
Note that, in general, L

L, and V V

(the continuity is interrupted at the feed stage with the addition of new material).

Lewis Method: Operating Equations

The CMO assumption allows us to solve the equations in a sequential fashion. For any stage j in the enriching section we have:
V=L+D

(1) (2)

Vy j+1 = Lx j + Dx D

Combining (1) and (2) we obtain: L L y j+1 = x j + (1 ) x D (3) V V This is the operating equation in the enriching section. Similarly, for any k stage in the stripping section we can write: L L y k = x k 1 + (1 ) x B (4) V V Which is the operating equation in the stripping section. So, now we can solve first eqns. (3) and xj=xj(yj,P) together (enriching section), or eqs. (4) and xk-1=xk-1(yk-1,P) (stripping section).