Scribd
Upload
69 views6 pages

DISTILLATION

The document discusses distillation column concepts like minimum reflux ratio, entrainment, flooding, azeotropes, and methods for determining the number of theoretical stages required for separation. It also discusses potential causes for decreased product purity and troubleshooting steps.

Uploaded by

Avinash Kulkarni
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
69 views6 pages

DISTILLATION

The document discusses distillation column concepts like minimum reflux ratio, entrainment, flooding, azeotropes, and methods for determining the number of theoretical stages required for separation. It also discusses potential causes for decreased product purity and troubleshooting steps.

Uploaded by

Avinash Kulkarni
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 6

2024

ADVANCED
DISTILLATION INTERVIEW

QUESTIONS WITH ANSWER


Conceptual Understanding:
Explain the concept of Minimum Reflux Ratio (MRR) and
its role in determining the minimum amount of reflux
required for complete separation in a binary distillation.
Discuss how to calculate MRR using different methods
(e.g., McCabe-Thiele, Pontrelli diagram).

Answer:

The Minimum Reflux Ratio (MRR) is the lowest reflux ratio


at which a specified separation between two
components can be achieved in a distillation column.
Below the MRR, complete separation is not possible,
regardless of the number of theoretical stages.

Calculation methods:

McCabe-Thiele: Graphical method using q-x diagram.


MRR determined by operating line slope touching pinch
point.
Pontrelli diagram: P-H diagram to find MRR. Minimum
external reflux heat duty corresponds to MRR.

[email protected] +91 92650 77576


Explain the phenomena of entrainment and flooding in
distillation columns. Discuss their impact on column
performance and strategies to mitigate them.

Answer:

Entrainment: Occurs when small droplets of liquid are


carried upwards by the vapor stream due to high vapor
velocity. This reduces separation efficiency as entrained
liquid carries some of the desired product in the wrong
direction.
Flooding: Occurs when the vapor velocity becomes too
high, overwhelming the packing material in the column
and causing liquid to back up. This completely disrupts
the countercurrent flow of vapor and liquid, hindering
separation.

Mitigation strategies:

Adjust vapor velocity: Reduce feed rate, increase


diameter, or use different packing.

[email protected] +91 92650 77576


Explain the concept of azeotropes and how azeotropic
distillation techniques (e.g., extractive distillation,
pressure swing distillation) are employed to separate
azeotropic mixtures.

Answer:

Azeotrope: A mixture with a constant boiling point


composition, where separation by simple distillation is
not possible.
Extractive distillation: Introduces a third component
(entrainer) that alters the relative volatilities of the
original components, allowing separation through
distillation.
Pressure swing distillation (PSD): Utilizes the effect of
pressure on azeotropic composition. By manipulating
pressure in different stages of the distillation process,
separation can be achieved.

[email protected] +91 92650 77576


Problem-Solving and Analysis:
A multi-component distillation column is designed to
separate three components. Explain how to determine
the number of theoretical stages required for a desired
separation.

Answer:

Several methods can be employed, including:

Shortcut design methods: Utilize simplified correlations


based on feed composition, relative volatilities, and
desired product purities.
Rigorous simulations: Utilize software packages to
model the distillation process with a high degree of
accuracy, accounting for non-idealities and complex
thermodynamics.

A continuous distillation column experiences a decrease


in product purity. Analyze potential causes and suggest
troubleshooting steps.

[email protected] +91 92650 77576


Answer:

Potential causes:

Insufficient reflux ratio: Operating below the MRR can


lead to incomplete separation.
Entrainment or flooding: Reduced efficiency due to
liquid carryover or flooding can affect product purity.
Packing material degradation: Loss of packing
efficiency due to fouling or damage can hinder
separation.

Troubleshooting steps:
Verify operating conditions: Ensure reflux ratio is
adequate for the desired separation.
Check for entrainment or flooding: Inspect the column
for signs of excessive liquid carryover or flooding.
Analyze packing material: Evaluate the condition of the
packing and replace if necessary.

[email protected] +91 92650 77576

You might also like