Project Work 1A

In a sugar producing factory, sucrose rich molasses is produced as a byproduct while

producing sugar. The company after realizing the sucrose rich by product can be

fermented in order to produce ethanol that can be used as an input for chemical

industries; the company has decided to install a fermentation plant and a distillation tower

that separates ethanol from the water. After the fermentation processes are completed, it

was observed that 12 wt% of ethanol was produced while the remaining percentage was

water. It is then desired to separate the above ethanol-water mixture into 88 wt% ethanol

as distillate product and 5 wt% as bottom product in a rectification tower. For a feed rate

of 30 000 kg/h feed at its saturation temperature, using enthalpy concentration method,

the tasks are given to a group of chemical engineers to determine

i. The amount of distillate and bottoms

ii. The number of theoretical trays needed

iii. The condenser and re-boiler duty

iv. The minimum reflux ration

v. The minimum number of plate

Thus, you as a group of chemical engineers, required to perform the above tasks and

report to the company.Based on company’s requirement and the task given to you, make

a complete report (Abstract, introduction (background), problem statement and objective,

project detail work, conclusion and recommendation) on the above tasks.

Note: Use a reflux ratio of 3.5:1 Use equilibrium and enthalpy data from Appendix A.3 of Text book The data are given in weight fraction and kJ/kg Use consistent units in plotting the enthalpy-concentration data and the equilibrium data

Note: Last date of Submission: 18th August 2014

Project Work 1B

In a petroleum refining company, it is desired to separate a mixture containing n-butane

of 35%, n-pentane of 25%, n-hexane of 25% and n-heptane of 15%. In a multicomponent

rectification tower, the fed is charged to the distillation unit at the rate of 250 mol/h

continuously. It is required by the company that 96% of n-pentane need to be recovered

in the distillate and 95% of n-hexane in the bottoms. You as a group of company’s design

and operation engineers’ team are given the task to determine and report,

a. Moles per hour and compositions of distillate and bottoms for the above

requirement.

b. Top and bottom temperature of the tower

c. Minimum stage for total reflux and distribution of other components (trace

components) in the distillate and bottoms, that is in mole and mole fractions.

d. Minimum reflux ratio

e. Number of theoretical stages at an operating reflux ratio 1.5 times the minimum

using the Erbar-Maddox correlation

f. Location of the feed tray using Kirkbride method

Based on company’s requirement and the task given to you, make a complete report on

the above tasks (Abstract, introduction (background), problem statement and objective,

project detail work, conclusion and recommendation).

Note: Last date of Submission: 18th August 2014