Module 9003

Assignment 1

Distillation Group Project

Group 4 – Ethyl Acetate-Acetic Acid System

Background

An Acetic Acid recovery plant has an Ethyl Acetate distillation column which is run on a continuous basis. A mixture of Acetic Acid and Ethyl Acetate is fed to the column. Flowrates are shown in the following diagram:

Task

You are required to design the column and investigate the following:

· Justify the use of a continuous column in this situation.

· What size will the distillation column be? (Height and footprint)

· What will be the composition of the bottom and distillate streams?

· How will the feed be supplied to the distillation unit?

· What will be the capital cost? (A rough estimate).

· What will be the operating cost?

· What is the approximate payback time on capital cost?

Your report should include the following:

· Details on the column internals.

· A process flow diagram for the system.

· For the batch option, how long will a distillation take.

· An energy balance.

· Details on the reboiler and condenser (size, material of construction, etc.).

· Operating conditions (stream temperatures and pressures, reflux ratio, etc.)

Prepare a report to address all of the above issues. State clearly any assumptions made and reference all information sources used.