A feed mixture containing 50 wt% n-heptane and 50 wt% methylcyclohexane (MCH) is to be separated by liquid-liquid extraction into one product containing 92.5 wt% methylcyclohexane and another containing 7.5 wt% methylcyclohexane, both on a solvent-free basis. Aniline will be used as the solvent. Using the equilibrium data given below and the graphical method of Maloney and Schubert:
(a) What is the minimum number of theoretical stages necessary to effect this separation?
(b) What is the minimum extract reflux ratio?
(c) If the reflux ratio is 7.0, how many theoretical contacts arerequired?
