Scaling-up Distillation Efficiencies
This paper describes a study of the possibility of using point efficiencies, measured in a small laboratory column, in the scale-up of distillation efficiencies. The conditions on a large rectangular tray were closely duplicated in a small glass Oldershaw column with one sieve tray having similar hole size and percent free area. Point efficiencies on the large rectangular sieve tray were deduced from the composition profiles and compared with the point efficiencies measured in the small column. A simple relationship between the two columns was found in terms of the froth heights and liquid holdups. The results demonstrate that the slightly lower point efficiencies measured in the Oldershaw column could be used in conjunction with a mathematical mass transfer model based on the eddy diffusion concept, to relate the point efficiencies to the tray efficiences, resulting in a conservative design provided either that allowance is made for other factors, such as nonuniform flow patterns and stagnant zones, or that these are eliminated. A wide range of composition was covered using the two systems MeOH-nPrOH and EtOH-nPrOH operating in the froth region.