Experiment-2

Verification of Rayleigh’s Equation for Batch Distillation

Introduction:
When all the components in a solution are volatile to some extent, distillation helps in separating
the components, based on their distribution between solution and its adjoining vapor phase.
Batch distillation involves slow boiling of solution and immediate withdraw of vapor. Upon
condensation of vapor, a distillate that mostly comprises of volatile species is obtained. As the
process continues, the distillate becomes leaner with more volatile species. The results represent
the limiting case as standard for comparison.

Objectives:
1) To perform batch distillation for a binary liquid mixture.
2) To verify Rayleigh’s equation for batch distillation.
Theory: The batch distillation is also known as differential or simple distillation. In this
distillation, a batch of liquid is charged to a kettle fitted with heating device. The charge is
slowly boiled and the vapors are condensed and collected as distillate. If this distillation proceeds
infinitely slowly, then the vapor issuing from the liquid would be in equilibrium with the liquid,
If the heating is rapid, the later condition would never be achieved. For a binary liquid mixture,
Lord Rayleigh first derived the following equation for batch distillation:
F xF dx
ln *
-------------- (1)
xW y x
W

Where, F = moles of feed of composition, xf

W = moles of residual liquid of composition, xw
x, y* = mole fraction of more volatile component in liquid and vapour, respectively.
The composition of the more volatile component in the distillate yDav can be determined
from component material balance,
F xF = D yD,avg + W xW -------------- (2)
xf
F and y dx
The value of ln D avg can be obtained from experimental data. The integral can
*
W x y x
w

be evaluated from vapour-liquid equilibrium relationship.

Experimental Set-up: The set-up consists of a round bottomed flask, a condenser, distillate
receiver and other accessories like thermometer, heating mantle, etc.

Mass Transfer Lab IIT Kgp 
Procedure:
A binary liquid mixture in certain proportions is put in the round-bottomed flask, which
is slowly heated. When one-third of the liquid in the flask is distilled over, the distillation
is discontinued. The distillate and residue are analyzed to determine their compositions.
The volumes of the distillate and residue are also measured for the material balance equation.
Using the experimental value of xD,avg for the final distillate, W and xW are calculated.

Data analysis:
Tabulate all observations. Report the equilibrium data and calibration curve prepared for
the given system. Using the experimental results verify Rayleigh’s equation. Discuss the sources
of discrepancy and the factors associated with it.

Mass Transfer Lab IIT Kgp 
Mass Transfer Lab IIT Kgp