Chapter 7

Approximate Shortcut Methods

for Multicomponent Distillation

MCD Short-Cut Methods

Because of the non-trivial nature of multi-component distillation

problems, short-cut methods and correlations have been
developed.

Commonly used in the past until the advent of numerical

computer packages, these were the methods of choice to enable
the estimation of distillation column design for multi-component
systems.

Even so, they are still used in numerical computer packages to

provide initial first estimates for the design of multi-component
distillation systems.

The DSTWU distillation package in Aspen Plus uses the

Winn-Underwood-Gilliland short-cut methods and correlation.
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MCD Short-Cut Methods

Limiting Conditions

MCD short-cut methods are based upon the limiting

conditions for a distillation column:
Reflux Ratio
L/V
L/D
N
Total
Actual
Minimum

(L/V)max = 1

Nmin
L/V
L/D
N
(L/V)min (L/D)min
Nmax =

The actual or operating reflux ratio will lie between the total
and minimum reflux ratios (L/V)min < L/V < 1.

The operating reflux ratio, L/D, is often specified as a multiple

of the minimum reflux ratio, (L/D)min, e.g.,
L/D = 2 (L/D)min.
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MCD Short-Cut Methods

Fenske Equation (Winn) determines the minimum
number of stages, Nmin, and the optimum feed
location, NF, min, at total reflux.
Underwood Equations determines the minimum the
reflux ratio, (L/D)min.
Gilliland Correlation determines the actual number
of stages, N, and the optimum feed location, NF, at
the actual L/D.

Fenske (Winn) Equation Nmin

While at times we cannot obtain a rigorous
solution for complex systems, one can
often obtain rigorous solutions for complex
systems at limiting conditions.
One such limiting condition for multicomponent systems is the solution for Nmin
at total reflux. This solution is known as
the Fenske equation or Fenske method.
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Fenske (Winn) Equation Derivation

Fenske (Winn) Equation

Derivation

Figure 7.1
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Fenske (Winn) Equation Derivation

yi

x i

i -ref
y
x
ref

ref

Fenske (Winn) Equation Derivation

yi

x i
i -ref bot

y ref bot
x ref

yi , bot xi ,

y ref, bot xref,

bot

Fenske (Winn) Equation Derivation

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Fenske (Winn) Equation Derivation

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MCD Fenske (Winn) Equation Nmin

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MCD Fenske (Winn) Equation FRs and xis

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MCD Fenske (Winn) Equation Optimal Feed, NF,min

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Binary Fenske (Winn) Equation Nmin

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MCD Relative Volatilities

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Binary System Relative Volatilities

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Fenske Equation Methodology

The ease with which one can use the Fenske equation
to determine Nmin depends upon what is defined in the
problem.
If two fractional recoveries are specified, one can
solve Eq. (7-15) and all of the ancillary equations
directly.
If one is given two compositions, xi and xj, then one
needs to make some assumptions

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Fenske Equation Methodology

Non-Distributing Non-Keys

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Fenske Equation
Some Final Notes

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Underwood Equations (L/D)min

We have looked at one limiting condition, Nmin,
determined using the Fenske method at total reflux
conditions.
The other limiting condition for multi-component
systems is the solution for the minimum reflux ratio,
(L/D)min, which gives us an infinite number of stages.
This method is known as the Underwood method or
the Underwood equations.

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Underwood Equations (L/D)min

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Short derivation of Underwood Equations

Underwood Equations

Minimum Reflux Ratio

Nondistributing HNKs and LNKs present

Pinch
points
of
constant
compositions in both the stripping
and enriching sections
nondistributing HNKs present, a pinch point of constant composition
will occur at minimum reflux in the enriching section
nondistributing LNKs present, a pinch point in the stripping section
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Mass balance

Figure 7-2. Distillation column

Pinch point
Equilibrium relationship
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Relative volatility

Solving for the component vapor flow rate, VMin yi,j+1, and rearranging

Summation rule
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Above Eq. can be summed over all components to give the total vapor flow
rate in the enriching section at minimum reflux.

A similar analysis for the stripping section gives:

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Assume CMO and constant relative volatilities:

Underwood shows that

can have common values

First Underwood equation

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First Underwood equation

Vfeed is the change in vapor flow

rate at the feed stage. If q is known

Second Underwood equation

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Minimum reflux ratio

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1st Underwood Equation Roots

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Underwood Equations Cases

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Underwood Equations
Case A Methodology

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Underwood Equations
Case A Methodology (continued)

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Underwood Equations
Case A Methodology (continued)

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Underwood Equations
Case B Methodology

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Underwood Equations
Case B Methodology (continued)

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Underwood Equations
Case B Methodology (continued)

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Underwood Equations
Case C Methodology

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Underwood Equations
Case C Methodology (continued)

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Underwood Equations
Case C Methodology (continued)

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Gilliland Correlation N and NF

Empirical relationship which relates the
number of stages, N, at finite reflux ratio,
(L/D)actual to the Nmin and (L/D)min.
Nmin is determined from the Fenske
equation.
(L/D)min is determined from the Underwood
equations.
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Gilliland Correlation

Figure 7.3

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Gilliland Correlation Curve Fits

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Gilliland Correlation NF

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