Minimum reflux conditions,part I: Theory

This paper presents a new formulation of the infinite plate or minimum reflux limit of a multicomponent distillation column. Based on this model, two new calculation methods are developed. The first is a short-cut method which extends Underwood's classic minimum reflux treatment to variable molar overflow situations. The second is a rigorous method which is similar to a multicomponent flash calculation and represents a significant computational advance over other rigorous methods.