Problem

The feed to a distillation column is a 45.0 mole % n-pentane-55-mole % n-hexane liquid mixture. The vapor stream
leaving the column, which contains 98.0 mole % pentane and the balance hexane goes to a total condenser. Half of
the liquid condensate is returned to the top of the column and the rest is withdrawn as product at a rate of 85
Kmol/hr. The overhead product contains 95% of the pentane fed to the column. The liquid stream leaving the
bottom of the column goes to a reboiler. Part of the stream is vaporized. The vapor is recycled to the bottom of the
column and the liquid is taken off as a product as well 1.

What is the molar flow rate of the feed stream and the molar flow rate and composition of bottom liquid
stream?

Solution:
n-Hexane= H
n-Pentane=P
6

98mol% p & 2mol% H 5 98mol% P & 2mol% H

T.condensa…
1 Dist. 2 n(P)=95% P in feed
colum
n
.45mol% P 7

.55mol H 4 reboiler liquid

vapor

Molar composition of stream 2=molar composition of stream 5 (condensation does not change mole %)
Pentane in overhead stream equals 95% pentane in feed (to find n₁)
n(P)₅ = 0.95n(P)₁
85*0.98=0.95(0.45)n₁
n₁=(85*0.98)/0.95*0.45
=194.85 Kmol/hr
Therefore the molar flow rate of the feed stream is 194.85Kmol/hr

Overall balance: ( to find n₇)

n₁ = n₇ + n₅
n₇ = n₁ - n₅
1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iT1S_6o4kAg
 =194.5Kmol/hr -85Kmol/hr
=109.85Kmol/hr
Therefore the molar flow rate of the bottom liquid stream is 109.85Kmol/hr

Overall pentane balance: ( to find composition of the bottom liquid stream)

n₁(P) = n₇(P) + n₅(P)
0.45(194.85Kmol/hr) = Y(P)*(109.85Kmol/hr) + 0.98(85Kmol/hr)
Y(P) = 0.040
=4%
Y(H)=1-0.040
=0.96
=96%
Therefore in the bottom liquid stream there is 4% Pentane and 96% Hexane