Distillation Column Simulation with DWSIM

What is the first step after locating the Shortcut Column block in the Unit Operation tab?

What action is required to confirm that all connections in the Shortcut Column block are correct?

Which button must be clicked to run the simulation after setting up the flow sheet?

What should be done to modify the Master property table after selecting the icon from the tool bar?

What specific result is mentioned for simulating the column at a reflux ratio of 2?

What is the desired composition of benzene in the distillate?

What is the flow rate of the feed stream in the distillation process?

What is the reflux ratio used in the distillation column for this experiment?

Which two components are used in the distillation simulation?

What is the target composition of toluene in the bottoms product?

What type of condenser is used in this distillation simulation?

What is the initial temperature of the feed in degrees Celsius?

What is the purpose of the reboiler in the distillation process?

Simulation of a Distillation Column

Objective: Develop a process flowsheet to estimate distillate and bottom composition of a distillation column.
Problem Statement: Separate an equimolar mixture of benzene and toluene using staged distillation with a reflux ratio of 3. Aim for a 99% (mol) benzene composition in the distillate and 99% (mol) toluene in the bottom.
Key Components:
- Benzene and toluene mixture (feed)
- Distillate (output stream)
- Bottoms (output stream)
- Condenser duty (energy stream)
- Reboiler duty (energy stream)
Software Used: DWSIM (version 5.1, Classic UI)
Procedure:
- Create a new steady-state simulation in DWSIM.
- Add benzene and toluene from the same property package (e.g., Chemsep database).
- Select and add the property package.
- Add a default flash algorithm.
- Add a material stream called "Feed" for input.
- Specify the following for the "Feed" stream:
  - Temperature: 70°C
  - Pressure: 1 atm
  - Molar flow rate: 100 kmol/h
  - Composition: 0.5 mol fraction benzene, 0.5 mol fraction toluene
- Add material streams named "Distillate" and "Bottoms" for outputs.
- Add energy streams: C-Duty (condenser) and R-Duty (reboiler).
- Add a "Shortcut Column" block called "DC" from the unit operation tab.
- Configure the "DC" block with appropriate calculation parameters.
- Connect the streams to the "DC" block.
- Run the simulation by pressing "Solve Flow Sheet."
- Analyze results using the "Master Property Table" icon.

Self-Learning Exercises:

Exercise 1: Simulate the column with feed at:
- Stage 5
- Stage 15
- Draw inferences based on the resulting compositions and understand the impact of feed stage location on the separation process.
Exercise 2: Simulate the column at a reflux ratio of 2.
- Discuss the impact of reflux ratio on distillate purity, bottoms purity, and column efficiency.

This quiz focuses on developing a process flowsheet for simulating a distillation column that separates a mixture of benzene and toluene. Participants will learn to estimate distillate and bottom compositions, targeting a 99% benzene composition in the distillate and 99% toluene in the bottoms using DWSIM software.