Chapter 5 Development of Flowsheet Alternatives

Question 1

Why is it useful to produce a second phase if a mixture is homogeneous?

Answer 1

To enable an easier seperation

Question 2

Whats the most important degree of freedom in a distillation column?

Answer 2

Operating pressure. Should operate at atmospheric pressure unless it leads to requiring refrigeration.

Question 3

List some of the seperation sequence heuristics:

Answer 3

Carry out most difficult seperation last.
Remove the highest quantity component first
Remove hazardous components first
Try to carry out an equimolar split

Question 4

Advantages of hybrid seperation units:

Answer 4

Lower capital costs
Reaction equilibrium can be increased
If reaction is exothermic, operating costs can be reduced