Concentration Maxima in Ternary Distillation at Total Reflux

Abstract

For a ternary fractionation system at total reflux, a procedure has been developed which predicts whether or not the component of intermediate volatility will achieve a concentration maximum at an intermediate location in the column rather than in the top or bottom product stream. Further, the value and location of any such maxima are analytically defined for a fixed feed and separation. Finally, the maximum value of the concentration maximum and its location are given for a fixed feed and column.