A continuous distillation column containing plates is required to distil a 46% w/w ethanol (C2H5OH) in water solution. The overhead product must contain 91 % w/w ethanol and the bottom product 5 % w/w ethanol.
(b) Using the VLE diagram provided (figure 1, please attach to answer book), calculate the minimum reflux ratio required with a feed at its boiling point.
(c) Using a reflux ratio of twice the minimum reflux, calculate the minimum number of plates using a total condenser and reboiler and a Murphree plate efficiency of 65%.
(d) Under the same column conditions what is the minimum number of plates when the feed enters as a saturated vapour? Atomic weights: Carbon=12 Hydrogen=1 Oxygen =16