What is the difference between total condenser and partial condenser?

In a total condenser, all of the vapor leaving the top of the column is condensed. In a partial condenser, the vapor is only partially liquefied. The liquid produced is returned to the column as liquid, and a vapor product stream is removed.

When a partial condenser instead of a total condenser is more conveniently used?

9. When a partial condenser instead of a total condenser is more conveniently used? The use of a partial or a total condenser depends on the amount of cooling liquid available. When the distillate stream is very large and can not be cooled down in just one step by a total condenser.

What is a reflux ratio?

The reflux ratio is defined as the ratio of the liquid returned to the column divided by the liquid removed as product, i.e., R = Lc/D. A theoretical plate is defined as a vapor-liquid contacting device such that the vapor leaves it in equilibrium with the liquid which leaves it.

How do you calculate minimum reflux ratio?

The minimum reflux rate can be determined mathematically from the endpoints of the rectifying line at minimum reflux — the overhead product composition point (xD,xD) and the point of intersection of the feed line and equilibrium curve (x’, y’). The derivation of this formula is given later.

How is the reflux ratio of a condenser defined?

Some of the liquid from the condenser at the top of the column, L c, is returned as reflux. The reflux ratio is defined as the ratio of the liquid returned to the column divided by the liquid removed as product, i.e., R = L c /D. Figure 2 also shows the column as a series of theoretical plates.

How are partial condensers controlled in a reflux drum?

The control of partial condenser columns is more complex because of the interaction among the pressure, reflux drum level, and tray temperature control loops. Both pressure and level in the reflux drum need to be controlled, and there are several manipulated variables available.

How are partial condensers used in a distillation column?

All the distillation columns considered up to this point in the book have used total condensers, where the distillate product is a liquid. However, many industrial columns have partial condensers in which the distillate product is removed as a vapor stream.

When to use a partial or total condenser?

When vapor leaving from the top contain non condensable components & when required final form of distillate is gaseous then partial condenser can be used. When vapor leaving from top have no non condesable components & when required form of product is liquid then total condenser is used. Total condenser condenses all the vapors.