Interactive Self-Study Module: Multi-Stage Batch Distillation
Overview:
This module uses screencasts and interactive simulations to explain multi-stage batch distillation. It then provides example problems to allow the user to test themselves. Your retention of material in this module will increase if you write down reasons for your answers to ConcepTests, questions in screencasts, and questions to answer before using interactive simulations, and you try to solve the example problems before watching the screencast solutions. We suggest using the learning resources in the following order:
- Attempt to answer the multiple-choice ConcepTest and solve the example problem before watching the screencasts or working with the simulations.
- Watch the screencasts that describe multi-stage batch distillation and answer the questions within the screencasts.
- Review important equations for multi-stage batch distillation.
- Use the interactive simulations to further understand single-stage batch distillation.
- Try to solve the example problems before watching the solutions in the screencasts.
- Answer the ConcepTests.
- Look at the list of key points, but only after you try to list the key points yourself.
Motivation:
- The differences in compositions of liquid and vapor mixtures in equilibrium is the basis for the separation of mixtures by distillation.
- This module is intended for a separations course.
Before studying this module, you need to:
- Know how to apply material balances.
- Be familiar with T-x-y and x-y diagrams for binary mixtures and understand how to apply Raoult’s Law.
- Work through the module Single-Stage Batch Distillation.
After studying this module, you should be able to:
- Explain how the number of stages and the reflux ratio affect separations in multi-stage batch distillation.
- Represent batch distillation of a binary mixture on an x-y diagram.
- Solve the Rayleigh equation for batch distillation.