This simulates how the reflux ratio, reboiler (still) composition and number of equilibrium stages (all of which can be changed with sliders) affect the distillate composition (displayed above the graph) in a multistage batch distillation (or continuous rectification) for binary mixtures with and without an azeotrope. Each black dot on the y-x equilibrium curve denotes the composition at that equilibrium stage. Hover the mouse over a composition stage label (still, 1, 2, etc.) to display the composition at that stage. Select among a binary mixture with no azeotrope, a minimum-temperature azeotrope or a maximum-temperature azeotrope. Stage 1 is defined as the first stage above the reboiler. Constant molar overflow, 100% stage efficiency and a complete condenser are assumed.

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About:

This simulation was made at the University of Colorado Boulder, Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering.  Author: Neil Hendren

View the source code for this simulation