An analysis of the relative errors in measuring the number of theoretical plates in a continuous distillation column

Abstract

A general error function is derived which permits an examination of the accuracy of the heat of evaporation, the relative volatility, the analysis of the samples and the internal reflux ratio on the estimate of the number of theoretical trays required for a given change of the composition in a continuous rectification column. The error function published by Peacock can be derived as a special case. The examination shows that the accuracy of the estimate is mainly determined by the accuracy of the internal reflux ratio and especially the analysis of the samples. The best range for experiments is situated around an internal reflux ratio of one. An increase in relative volatility narrows this experimental range.