Binary Vapour Liquid Equiibrum

Theory :
Equilibrium is a static condition in which no changes occur in the macroscopic properties of a system with
time.Vapor liquid Equilibrium is a condition where a liquid and its vapor are in equilibrium with each other, a
condition or state where the rate of evaporation is equal to the rate of condensation one a molecular level such
that there is no overall vapor liquid inter-conversion.
In theory equilibrium takes forever to reach, such an equilibrium is practically reached in a relatively closed
location if a liquid and its vapor are allowed to stand in contact with each other long enough with no
interference or only gradual interference from the outside.
Relative volatility ( a ) is a measure comparing the vapor pressures of the components in a liquid mixture of
chemicals. When the volatilities of both key components are equal, a = 1 and separation would be impossible
under the given conditions because the compositions of the liquid and the vapor phase are the same
(azeotrope).As the value of a increases above 1, separation becomes progressively easier.
VLE EXPERIMENTAL SETUP:
1. The setup consists of a round bottom flask, a condenser, a thermocouple ,two water streams, a heater and a conical
flask.
2. A mixture of benzene and toluene is prepared and put into the flask. Then the power is supplied and the mixture begins
to boil.
3. After some time equilibrium is reached, this is marked by steady temperature in both the phases.
4. Samples of condensed vapor and liquid are taken. To calculate the composition we need to measure the refractive
index of the sample.
In an experiment since vapor and liquid composition changes dynamically we need to measure until they reach
vapor liquid equilibrium. For such a measurement, physical properties (such as refractive index) can be explored
and related to the composition of a liquid.
Now we first prepare a calibration chart that depicts the variation of refractive index with

PROCEDURE :
1. Cleaning the Setup : The setup is cleaned to start a new Experiment.
2. Mixing in given ratios : A mixture of benzene and toluene is prepared and put into the flask.
3. Power is Supplied : Then the power is supplied and the mixture begins to boil.
4. Equilibrium is Reached: After some time equilibrium is reached, this is marked by steady temperature in both the
phases.
5. Measuring RI : Samples of condensed vapor and liquid are taken. To calculate the composition we need to measure the
refractive index of the sample and look into the chart.
 Fig : 1.3 Mole fraction Vs Temperature plot

x* equilibrium composition of benzene in liquid phase

y* equilibrium composition of benzene in vapor phase

Teq equilibrium temperature

Tt, boil Boiling temperature of pure Toluene

Tb, boil Boiling temperature of pure Benzene

a Relative Volatility
LABVIEW CALCULATIONS :
STEP 1 : This step includes the calibration part where the user input is volume fraction and the output is the
corresponding refractive index.

STEP 2 :This step includes the experiment part where the input is volume fraction and the output which you virtually get
are the temperatures and the refractive index.

STEP 3 :In this step we basically calculate the equilibrium compositions from the refractive
index which we got in step 2.

STEP 4 :In this step the user has to calculate the relative volatility by using their equilibrium
composition values which they have calculated in step 3.Finally they need to give an average
relative volatility value.
STEP 5 :This step basically gives parity plots between user's equilibrim composition and virtual equilibrium
composition .

STEP 6 :This is the last step which gives the user all possible reasons of deviating from the standard value of
relative volatility.