Ponchon-Savarit Method

We have seen that Distillation is used to separate the liquid components having difference boiling
points. Continuous distillation is more effective than batch distillation. Using the method McCabe
Thiele, we can determine the number of theoretical stages required for a given separation.
This section deals with another method called “Ponchon-Savarit Method “to find the number of
theoretical stages required for a given separation.
This method was developed by Ponchon and Savarit in 1922

Limitations of McCabe Thile method

 It is not used when relative volatility is less than 1.3 or greater than 5
 It is not used when more than 25 theoretical plates are required.
 It is not used when the operating reflux ratio is less than 1.1 times of
the minimum reflux
Comparison with Mc Cabe Thiele method

Ponchon-Savarit Method McCabe Thiele method

1.Rigorous and can handle all 1.Less rigorous and adequate for many
distillations applications

2.Requires detailed enthalpy data 2.Enthalpy data is not required

3.More accurate but difficult to use 3.Less accurate but simple to use

4.Graphical method involves material 4.Graphical method involves material

and energy balances balances

5.Slope of the operating lines L/G 5.Slope of the operating lines L/G is
varies because L and G varies from constant because of the assumption of
tray to tray constant molar flow of the phases.
Analysis of binary distillation by Ponchon-Savarit Method Background
Principle: The method is concerned with the graphical analysis of calculating the theoretical stages by enthalpy
balance required for desired separation by distillation process (Hines and Maddox, 1984).
• In this method, the enthalpy balances are incorporated as an integral part of the calculation however it is not
considered in the analysis separation by distillation process by McCabe-Thiele method. This procedure combines
the material balance calculations with enthalpy balance calculations.
• This method also provides the information on the condenser and reboiler duties. The overall material balance for
the distillation column is:
B
 B

B
 Ln-1

Vn+1
 Q' (or R )  H D  QC / D

Q' ' (or S )  H B  QR / B

Minimum number of trays….. Total reflux
 In this method, if D approaches zero, the enthalpy coordinate (HD +QC/D) of the
difference point approaches infinity. Other way it can be said that Qc becomes large
if L becomes very large with respect to D.
 Similarly enthalpy coordinate for stripping section becomes negative infinity as B
approaches zero or liquid loading in the column becomes very large with respect to
B. Then the difference points will locate at infinity.
 In such conditions, the trays required for the desired separation is referred as
minimum number of trays.
 The thermal state of the feed has no effect on the minimum number of trays
required for desired separation.
 Thus minimum number of trays can be obtained from Equilibrium diagram.
Minimum reflux ratio:
 The minimum reflux for the process normally occurs at the feed tray.
 The minimum reflux rate for a specified separation can be obtained by extending the
tie line through the feed composition to intersect a vertical line drawn through xD.
 Tie line can be obtained by locating yF corresponding to xF from the equilibrium
diagram.
 Extend the line to intersect the xB composition line determines the boil-up rate and the
reboiler heat duty at minimum reflux.
Q’ = ∆R and Q" = ∆S
Vapor--- G or V can be used.

refluxratio, R  ( R  H V 1 ) /( H V 1  H L 0 )

At minimum reflux ratio, the tie-line passing through F determines Q’ and Q".
HV1 can be obtained from graph
HL0 = HD at minimum reflux.
Example:
1000 kg/hr of a mixture containing 42 mole percent heptane and 58 mole percent ethyl
benzene is to be fractionated to a distillate containing 97 mole percent heptane and a
residue containing 99 mole percent ethyl benzene using a total condenser and feed at its
saturated liquid condition. The enthalpy-concentration data for the heptane-ethyl
benzene at 1 atm pressure are as follows:
a) Minimum Reflux ratio:
b) Minimum number of stages at total Reflux:
c) Number of stages at R=2.5, Qc, QR
Example:
In a total condenser, all of the vapor leaving the top
of the column is condensed. Consequently, the
composition of the vapor leaving the top tray y1 is
the same as that of the liquid distillate product and
reflux, xD.

In a partial condenser, the vapor is only partially liquefied. The

liquid produced is returned to the column as liquid, and a vapor
product stream is removed. The compositions of these three
streams (V1, D, and R) are different. Normally, D (composition
yD) is in equilibrium with R (composition xD).
A partial condenser functions as an equilibrium separation stage,
so columns with a partial condenser effectively have an extra
ideal stage