Simulation software for batch binary distillation with Mathematica© code

Abstract

The distillation process is studied in this assignment, which is one of the most utilized unit operations in all the chemical industry. With this intention, a simulation is carried out that explains the behaviour of a batch distillation column with a feed consisting of monoethylene glycol (MEG) and diethylene glycol (DEG). The computer programme used for this purpose is named Wolfram Mathematica©. Nonetheless, the ultimate aim of this assignment constitutes the creation of an interface that allows a non-expert user to execute the simulation of any binary distillation without possessing programming knowledge. The obtention of said simulation is due to applying the McCabe-Thiele method which enables to calculate, among others, the number of theoretical trays required by the distillation column. However, it was necessary to carry out some previous calculations such as finding out the equilibrium curve or the relationship between pressure and the volatility of the mixture, to just give a pair of examples. Finally, a similar distillation was carried out in the laboratory to evaluate how the already mentioned programme performs in a real situation. In both cases it has been concluded that the programme used is totally capable of meeting the requirements obtaining highly accurate results without saturating the kernel