PACKED DISTILLATION COLUMN Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

PACKED DISTILLATION COLUMN - Essay Example In order to achieve the initial heat loss rate of the system, there was fixing of the output voltage to its maximum value and setting the reflux divider to total reflux. Once the measurement is achieved, there was changing of the reflux values to 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 with the help of reflux divider situate on the control panel and the rate of feed flow altered to a maximum value of 70 cc/min. Waiting period of 20 minutes was recommended upon the change of reflux ratios and system reaching its steady state. It was then possible to identify the time at which the system reached its steady state by checking at the temperature indicators with the help of a thermocouple selectors. To obtain the heat loss rate of the initial experiment for every reflux ratio specific values, it was recommended to obtain the feed samples and to identify the top products with respect to the namesake valves. These parameters were obtained in the cylinders used for measuring and cooling in the refrigerator finally followed to temperatures of 15-16oC. Once the required temperature was achieved, the solutions specific gravity was measured by use of a hydrometer. Matching the reading obtained followed to a closer figure of the charts specific gravity giving approximate alcohol percentage in the solution. In addition, the amount of fluid passing through a given time interval was measured to obtain top product flow rates. A constant feed rate supply is maintained by channelling the supply from a head tank and backing it up with the help of feed tank as indicated in the start-up procedure. The other pipes are used to supply the liquid from top product tank to bottom product tank and finally to feed tank. To constitute the feed, return the products collected from the top, the bottom, and any sample that had been taken for measurements back to the feed tank (McKeown and Chalfant, 2000).   The interlock of the system are used to protect condenser coils of the glass from thermal shock when water