Modelling Multicomponent Separation Processes

目前，涉及许多组分（例如蒸馏和吸收）的大量分离过程的计算机辅助设计和模拟是在假设设备的每个部分的各种组分始终处于精确的热力学平衡状态的情况下进行的。这并不总是正确的，通常分离是由组分从一种流体转移到另一种流体的速率控制的。然而，目前基于传质的模型还不能用于设计和仿真。本提案概述了一项研究计划，以开发和测试这种依赖于利率的模型。如果成功，其结果将对大量的多组分分离操作产生潜在影响。此外，这项研究的结果将有助于评估基于速率控制分离过程的设计概念的现状，并确定当前可用的实验数据是否足以继续开发设计程序，如本提案中建议的设计程序。

Computer aided design and simulation of a large class of separation processes involving many components (e.g., distillation and absorption) is currently carried out under the assumption that the various components are always at exact thermodynamic equilibrium at every part of the equipment. This is not always true, and frequently the separation is controlled by the rate of transfer of components from one fluid to another. Yet, presently, models based on mass transfer are not available for use in design and simulation. This proposal outlines a research program to develop and test such rate-dependent models. If successful, the results will have a potential impact on a large number of multicomponent separation operations. Further, the results of this study will be useful in evaluating the current status of design concepts based on rate-controlled separation processes and in determining whether currently available experimental data are sufficient to proceed with the development of design procedures such as the ones suggested in this proposal.