Process laboratories Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Process laboratories - Essay Example According to Humphrey (2008), the distillation process consumes much energy that may be very costly. There is, therefore, need to understand the types of columns that should be put in place as well as the factors that affect the distillation column operation. The equilibrium of the vapor that is in liquid form should also be determined to ensure that no vapor escapes from these chambers. Classification of distillation columns mainly depends on the composition of the mixture, the temperatures involved and the flow of the vapor in each chamber. These are the main variables that are used to describe the types of columns used during the distillation. During this process, the fractions of the mixtures are removed through boiling and condensation. These distillation columns are fed with these mixtures in a different manner and the sources used also differ. For instance if the feed is from a source at a pressure higher than the distillation column pressure, it is only piped into the column. Otherwise, the feed is pumped or compressed into the column. The feed may be a superheated vapor, a saturated vapor or liquid and in a case where the feed is a liquid at a much higher pressure than the column pressure, the valves will inflate and undergo a partial vaporization resulting in a liquid-vapor mixture as it enters the distillation column (Humphrey, 2008). Humphrey (2008) describes Rigorous modelling as the process by which chemical reactors are successfully separated to ensure that the end products are free from impurities. Rigorous modelling ensures that uniformity is maintained so at to come up with accurate results and that the end products can be used. Rigorous modelling facilitates the Distillation process by ensuring that all mixtures are successfully separated and it ensures that there are no disruptions during the distillation process. Humphrey (2008) outlines that distillation columns are very dynamic and this may