‘The Operating Line 335 intersection of the extended lines L4G, and A,F, in accordance with the Principle of the graphical addition of streams. It is clear that whether A, Hes above or below the triangle merely depends upon the relative positions of points Ls, Ga, F, and A,. Thus when A; lies above the diagram, equation 7.28 (together with equation 7.27) shows that 4\-F=~A). If Lo or L, contains no 4 or B, the corresponding point coincides with apex C. The operating line on the distribution diagram (¥4 versus x,) may now be obtained from the triangular diagram of Figure 7.18 in the following manner. Corresponding x, and y, values for the two phases at a given column cross section are obtained from the intersection of random lines from the appropriate difference point (A, or A.) with the upper and lower boundaries, respectively, of the two-phase region. The procedure is shown in detail in Illustration 7.4 for a column operating without teflux, in which Figures 7.13, 7.18, and 7.19, two difference Points are required, and a discontinuity will occur between the two operating curves representing the two sections of the column. The discontinuity appears’ at the point on the distribution diagram corresponding to the intersection of the line FA,A, with the upper and lower boundaries of the two-phase region on the triangular diagram. The procedure is sketched in Figure 7.19, which is not to scale, a “8516p .6, Figure 7.18. Representation of a continuous countercurrent column using reflux as ia Figure 7.13, showing location of difference points 4, and A on the triangular diagram. This Construction is used in locating operating lines on X4¥4 Coordinates for NTU evaluation.on: 336. Design of Continuous Columns from Rate Equations | Operating Curve Above Feed. Operating Curve « Below Jan Equiibeum (4, [Reed Tie Line Yao) Lo Equilibrium \ Curve | LBS, i 2 | | any f ‘ ua \y £65,55.55 Distribution Diagram * 4 2 Figure 7.19. Construction of the operating lines on the distribution (x,-y,) diagram for NTU evaluation, using random lines from difference points 4, and 4, om the triangular diagram. The operation represented is shown in Figure 7.13. The equilibrium curve on the distribution diagram may be obtained from the values of y, and x, read from the terminals of te lines on the triangular diagram. One such point, (L*,G"), is shown on the equilibrium curve in Figure 7.19. The distribution diagram is now ready for the evaluation of NTU, as described later. ‘As noted earlier, reflux will be of value in increasing the degree of separation between the feed components only when the transfer of 4 into the C-rich phase is accompanied by significant transfer of B. Consequently the single-phase region near the C apex of Figure 7.18 will always be present to a significant extent in such cases. (In other words, the upper boundary of the two-phase region does not coincide with line AC when reflux will enhance separation.) The construction is unchanged if the lower boundary of the two-phase region is indistinguishable from the AB axis of the triangle, as in absorption with a nonvolatile solvent. Evaluation of Terminal Stream Flow Rates In the general case, depicted in Figure 7.13, streams F, Ly, Ly, G,, and G2 each contain all three components (4, B, and C), and the compositions of these five streams are specified. Also given are the flow rate of F and the reflux ratio, Go/G,, to be used. It is then necessary to estimate the flow rates of streams G,, G,, L,, and Lo, the latter determining the size of the C remover needed for the operation. The estimation of these flow rates isThe Operating Line 337 fonveniently performed on the triangular diagram. An overall material balance on Figure 7.13 gives F+l,=G,+G,+L, Gta = (7.29) This enables the location of © and other relevant points in Figure 7.20, Application of the line-ratio principle then allows the evaluation of both L, and 3, since ct line SF ) \ line=Z, Next let so At) =5 where line iineG,S is known from Figure 7.20. Hence A, , and G, may be evaluated. From equation 7.22, Lo+G,=A, (known) linea,G, v ) oT =, ( T ;, ~ Time d,Z, ~¥2 (known) Ly= NG, ..G,(1+Ny) =A, Hence evaluate G, and Ly. Minimum Reflux Ratio Suppose that, on the distribution diagram of Figure 7.19, the operating curve intersects or becomes tangent to the equilibrium curve at some point between the terminals of the column. At such a point the two adjacent Phases have attained a state of equilibrium, and the driving force causing mass transfer (y,—y,,) has become zero. This, however, requires an infinitely tall column—borrowing from equation 7.54, developed later in this chapter, it follows that the NTUog needed to reach this condition is mo om