A fundamental model for the prediction of distillation sieve tray efficiency. 2. Model development and validation

Citation
Ja. Garcia et Jr. Fair, A fundamental model for the prediction of distillation sieve tray efficiency. 2. Model development and validation, IND ENG RES, 39(6), 2000, pp. 1818-1825
Citations number
32
Categorie Soggetti
Chemical Engineering
Journal title
INDUSTRIAL & ENGINEERING CHEMISTRY RESEARCH
ISSN journal
08885885 → ACNP
Volume
39
Issue
6
Year of publication
2000
Pages
1818 - 1825
Database
ISI
SICI code
0888-5885(200006)39:6<1818:AFMFTP>2.0.ZU;2-X
Abstract
A mechanistic model has been developed for the prediction of sieve tray poi nt efficiency for both aqueous and hydrocarbon systems. A forerunner of the model was developed from fundamental relationships by Prado and Fair in 19 90 and was based on gas-liquid transfer in systems of predominantly air and water. The earlier model has now been modified and extended. Contacting on a sieve tray is considered analogous to gas-liquid contacting in a mechani cally agitated vessel? and supporting research has been adapted to the tray -contacting case. Studies in bubble columns have provided information on bu bble size distribution and bubble stability at high pressure; these studies coupled with isotropic flow theory have formed the basis for correlating b ubble size distribution as well as the fraction of small bubbles in the sie ve tray froth. New tray efficiency data taken on a semi-industrial scale ha ve been combined with published data as well as new data released by Fracti onation Research, Inc. to form a large database suitable for model testing. The development of the database is described in part 1 of this series. In part 2, details of the new model are presented along with a comparison of p redicted and measured efficiencies. Predicted efficiencies were found to be within +/-25% of the measured (or deduced) values of the same efficiency. Comparisons are included, showing the fit of the same data bank to the mode l of Chan and Fair published in 1984.