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Lewis-Sorel Method in Distillation

The Lewis-Sorel method is used to solve multicomponent distillation problems by assuming constant molar overflow and solving material and equilibrium balances stage-by-stage from the top and bottom of the column toward the feed point. The number of stages is determined when the compositions calculated from the top and bottom matches the feed composition. An example problem involves separating a benzene-toluene mixture to produce a 90% benzene top product and less than 10% benzene bottom product with a reflux ratio of 3.

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MUHAMMAD LUQMAN HAKIMI MOHD ZAMRI
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408 views8 pages

Lewis-Sorel Method in Distillation

The Lewis-Sorel method is used to solve multicomponent distillation problems by assuming constant molar overflow and solving material and equilibrium balances stage-by-stage from the top and bottom of the column toward the feed point. The number of stages is determined when the compositions calculated from the top and bottom matches the feed composition. An example problem involves separating a benzene-toluene mixture to produce a 90% benzene top product and less than 10% benzene bottom product with a reflux ratio of 3.

Uploaded by

MUHAMMAD LUQMAN HAKIMI MOHD ZAMRI
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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LEWIS

SOREL
METHOD
IR SYAFIZA ABD HASHIB
Introduction
The method proposed by Lewis and Matheson is essentially the
application of the Lewis-Sorel method to the solution of
multicomponent problems.

Constant molar overflow is assumed,


Material balance and equilibrium relationship equations are
solved stage by stage starting at the top or bottom of the column.
Determining number of stages
1. The usual procedure is to start the calculation at the top
and bottom of the column and proceed toward the feed
point.
2. The initial estimations of component distributions in the
products are then corrected
3. Computations are repeated until the compositions
calculated from the top and bottom starts match the feed
at the feed point.
NUMBER OF PLATES BY LEWIS – SOREL METHOD

Binary feed F is distilled to give a top


product D and a bottom product W, with
xf , xd , and xw as the corresponding mole
fraction of more volatile component.

The vapor Vt rising from top plate is


condensed, and part is run back as
liquid at its boiling point to the column
as reflux, the remain withdrawn as
product.
NUMBER OF PLATES BY LEWIS – SOREL METHOD
A material balance M.V.C balance
above plate n gives:

𝑉 𝐿 𝐷 𝑦 𝑉 𝐿 𝑥 𝐷𝑥

𝐿 𝐷
𝑦 𝑥 𝑥
𝑉 𝑉

Since moles of liquid overflow are constant,


Ln+1 may be replaced by Ln :
top operating lines.
𝐿 𝐷
𝑦 𝑥 𝑥 → Eq. 6
𝑉 𝑉
NUMBER OF PLATES BY LEWIS – SOREL METHOD
A material balance for bottom to above plate m
(indicated by loop II) and note that Lm = Lm+1.
𝐿 𝑉 𝑊
𝑦 𝑉 =𝐿 𝑥 𝑊𝑥

Eq. 6 (above feed point) and Eq. 7 (below feed point)


– bottom operating lines.
𝐿 𝑊
𝑦 𝑥 𝑥 → 𝐸𝑞𝑛 7
𝑉 𝑉
Equilibrium data are used to find the composition
of the vapor above the liquid, and the enrichment
line to calculate the composition of liquid on the
next plate.
EXAMPLE

A mixture of benzene and toluene containing 40 mole% benzene


is to be separated to give a product of 90 mole% of benzene at
the top, and a bottom product with not more than 10 mole% of
benzene.

The feed is heated so that it enters the column at its boiling


point, and the vapor leaving the column is condensed but not
cooled and provides reflux and product. It is proposed to operate
the unit with a reflux ratio of 3 kmol/kmol product.

1. Determine the number of theoretical plates and


2. Location of the feed plate
Thank you

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