Study of thermal rectification in a column with low mass transfer on the steps

Abstract

The thermal rectification method, which comprises the condensing of vapors on steps and subsequent exposure of the heat flow on condensate before it is introduced into the falling reflux, has been studied. The results of the study of strengthening ethanol–water mixture upon the condensation of vapors on the heat-transfer surface have been presented. The basic parameters of the process have been revealed, which ensure the strengthening of the mixture on the stage upon condensate evaporation, and the empirical relationship for determining the effectiveness has been obtained. The studies of the thermal rectification of the ethanol–water mixture have been performed in a column with 24 contact stages made of horizontal plates, and conditions have been established that provide the greatest efficiency. The evaluation of thermal rectification contribution to the overall efficiency of the stage is performed that allows one to intensify the process by up to four times.