Comparison between experimental and simulated data of a distillation column: evaluation of mass-heat balances and trays efficiency

A laboratory experience concerning a continuous distillation column for Industrial Chemistry and Chemical Engineering students is presented. The experience is based on practical exercise of the column running at infinite and finite reflux and on the elaboration of the collected data by both classical equations and computer simulation. The comparison between experimental and simulated data will help students to understand the theoretical basis of the distillation columns and the importance of a right representation of the phase equilibria representation. The mixture used as example in this work is a binary one of toluene and N-heptane.