The McCabe-Thiele method, a chapter in all chemical engineering courses, is widely used to determine the number of theoretical stages required to separate a binary mixture by distillation
Applying this method is easy, if the thermodynamic properties of the system are available.
A MS-Excel spreadsheet was built with calls to the Simulis Thermodynamics functions embedded in MS-Excel.
It enables to easily determine the operating conditions required for the separation of any binary mixture.
In the provided example, the method is applied to the separation of an acetone-water mixture.
The user sets inlet flow characteristics, pressure as well as purity required at the distillate and the residue.
Results of the calculation include the total number of theoretical plates required to reach the specifications.
The equilibrium curve and the operating curves for both stripping and rectification sections allow the graphical representation in the spreadsheet.
The reboiler and condenser heat duties are also calculated with rigorous enthalpy models and the feed position is graphically vizualised.
This spreadsheet can be freely downloaded along with other examples (double pipe heat exchanger length, two phase flow pressure relief valve, steam electric boiler water input flowrate, pumping system head and cost, power generation from a steam expander) and a free ten days evaluation license of Simulis Thermodynamics.
These examples illustrate the numerous applications for which Simulis Thermodynamics functions added in MS-Excel can be used to perform more or less complex engineering calculations.
Simulis Thermodynamics can also be used in Matlab or directly in your in-house software.
It is one of the most complete tool available on the market for mixture properties and phase equilibrium calculations:.
Over 300 functions, for calculation of any type of transport properties (specific heat, viscosity_), of thermodynamic properties (enthalpy, compressibility factor) or of phase equilibria (VLE, LLE, VLLE, salt formation) on multi-components mixtures.
Reliable and accurate thermophysical properties and an extensive set of models (equations of state, NRTL, Unifac, electrolytes).
Wide set of services (flash, data regression, phase envelope, pretroleum cuts properties).
Comprehensive pure component properties and binary interaction parameters databases (based on AIChE's Dippr).
Easy plug in any application thanks to an architecture based on the Com/DCom technology.
Cape-Open compliance (plug and socket) that allows you to continue working with your usual applications while integrating Simulis Thermodynamics.
Simulis Thermodynamics is available as a MS-Excel add-in, a toolbox in Matlab or as a software component which can be easily plugged in any other application requiring reliable and accurate thermophysical properties.
The full permanent license can be purchased online for only euro1450 (local license, including one year of maintenance, updates and technical support services).
