Abstract
In this study, we extend the McCabe-Thiele method to a plate-to-plate heat-integrated distillation column, which can save substantial energy, for analyzing column design and performance. By using this procedure, the total number of stages, number of heat transfer stages and heat transfer area can be calculated when the specifications of feed and products are given and reflux ratios and operating pressures are set for the rectifying section and the stripping section. The total energy consumption, including compression work, can be also obtained by calculation.
As a calculation example, we apply this procedure to the benzene-toluene binary system in distillation and show how it can be useful in design.
