Performance of Tilted Thermal Separation Column of Double Cylinder Type Used for a Separation of Binary Gas Mixture

Abstract

Performance of double cylinder type thermal separation column has been studied with regard to the effect of inclination of column setting. Three columns of different radial size and length were constructed to compare the performance. Equimolar mixture of Ar-N₂ was used as the test gas. It was ascertained, in accordance with theory, that when K_d was greater than K_c a larger equilibrium separation was attainable and that when K_c was much greater than K_d only a small separation was attained. The rate of approach to equilibrium was, however, inversely related to the extent of equilibrium separation. Inclination of the column was effec tive for columns having greater K_c than K_d. When K_dexceeds K_c the effect of tilting was always negative regardless of angle of inclination. The effect of tilting was attributed, at least qualitatively, to the depression of convectional velocity caused by the decrease in effective gravitational force. An attempt to visualize the flow patterns in th e inclined cylinder was also described.