Extractive Distillation for Azeotrope Breaking
Calculates minimum theoretical stages for main and recovery columns and solvent flow rate for an extractive distillation system breaking an ethanol-water azeotrope with glycerol entrainer.
📖 Need the theory? Read the methodology, assumptions, and equations in the full reference guide.
1. Define Input Parameters
2. Engineering Output
Minimum Stages Main Column (N_min_main)
- stages
- stages
Solvent Flow Rate (n_G)
- kmol/h
- kmol/h
Minimum Stages Recovery Column (N_min_rec)
- stages
- stages
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Download Offline Excel CalculationContext & Assumptions
Extractive distillation breaks azeotropes by adding a high-boiling entrainer that alters relative volatility. This calculator determines minimum theoretical stages for both the main separation column and the solvent recovery column using the Fenske equation, along with the required solvent flow rate based on a specified solvent-to-feed ratio. The method assumes constant relative volatility and total reflux conditions.
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