Abstract
Batch rectification of an aqueous solution of ethanol containing 0.3 wt % furfural was carried out in a glass laboratory packed tower or an Oldershaw-type column. The distillation curves of ethanol and furfural were obtained under several conditions. The curves of the minor component (furfural) were found to show a sharp peak. The ratio of mole fraction of furfural in distillate to that in charge goes up to over 160.
With some assumptions, a set of equations governing the behavior of ethanol and a minor component has been derived from the mass balances around a still, a typical stage and a condenser.
It is shown that the results of numerical calculation are similar in shape and magnitude to the observed distillation curves.
