1.

0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Distillation is one of the separation processes that is used to separate various

components of a liquid solution which depends upon the distribution of these components
between a vapor phase and a liquid phase (Geankoplis, 2014). It can be defined as a process in
which a liquid or vapor mixture of two or more substances is separated into its component
fractions of desired purity, by the application and removal of heat (Wan Zakaria, 2010).

Distillation is the most widely used separation method in separating fluid mixtures on
a commercial scale, it is thus an important part of many processes in the chemical and
petrochemical industries. Wan Zakaria (2010) presented a list of examples of distillation
process in the industry such as to separate crude oil into more fractions for specific uses such
as transport, power generation and heating and water is distilled to remove impurities, such as
salt from seawater. Some environmental applications of distillation are the separation of
organic solvent/water mixtures and water removal for volume reduction prior to disposal of
hazardous waste mixtures

In this experiment, PIGNAT: DVI/100 Continuous Distillation Model was used to

separate a mixture of ethanol and water at two different values of reflux ratio. A schematic
diagram of the pilot plant setup is shown in Appendix. The reflux ratio was adjusted by
regulating the flowrates of the part of liquid flowing back to the column and the part of the
liquid drawn off from the system (production). The feed, distillate and residue were collected
at the end of the experiment.

1.2 Objective of Experiment

 To study the effect of reflux ratio to the density on the feeding mixture, residues, and
distillate in distillation unit.

1.3 Scope of Experiment

 To investigate the effect of reflux ratio to the density of the feeding mixture, residues,
and distillate.

1.4 Significance of Experiment

 To find out the best value of reflux ratio in order to obtain…..

REFERENCES

1. Geankoplis, C. J. (2014). Transport Processes and Separation Processes Principles

(Includes Unit Operations). (4th Edition). Essex, England: Pearson.
2. Wan Norazlinda binti Wan Zakaria (2010). Effect of Reflux Ratio on Separation of
Azeotropic Mixtures in Batch Distillation Column. Degree of Bachelor of Chemical
Engineering, Universiti Malaysia Pahang.