The effect of column length on separation in thermogravitational thermal diffusion columns

✍ Scribed by Carl F. Crownover; John E. Powers

• Publisher: American Institute of Chemical Engineers
• Year: 1962
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 563 KB
• Volume: 8
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0001-1541
• DOI: 10.1002/aic.690080208

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

A series of experiments was designed to test the phenomenological theory of thermogravitational thermal diffusion columns by obtaining data on the steady state separation and approach to equilibrium in a batch column as a function of column length. Data were obtained on the separation of an equimolar n‐heptane‐benzene solution at five different values of column length varying from 14.5 in. to 6 ft. All measurements were made in one concentric cylinder column in which the effective length was varied by controlling the liquid level in the annulus. Helium gas was used to displace the air in the annulus above the liquid in order to provide even temperature distribution throughout the column. The data were found to substantiate the effect of length predicted by application of the phenomenological theory and to be in very good agreement with other aspects of the theory.