Comparison of rectification columns PLC controlled continuous rectification with packed and sieve tray column Features - continuous rectification - packed column and sieve tray column - supply of process heat in the form of steam - plant control with PLC via touch panel - more than 40 measured quantities and 12 control loops Learning objectives/experiments - investigation and comparison of a sieve tray column and a packed column -- in continuous operation -- with different pressures -- with different reflux ratios -- with different feed levels - determination of the proportion of ethanol in the feed and in the products - determination of the tray efficiency of the sieve trays - evaluation using the McCabe-Thiele Diagram - evaluation using the HTU-NTU concept Specification [1] continuous rectification with packed column or sieve tray column [2] variable reflux ratio [3] packed column with pall rings with 10 feed levels and temperature measurement [4] sieve tray column with 10 trays; each tray with feed and temperature measurement [5] tanks for feed, bottom and top product made of DURAN glass and stainless steel [6] operation at up to 115°C and 1,5bar [7] recording of all relevant variables with more than 40 sensors [8] PLC with touch panel for control of the plant [9] GUNT software for data acquisition via USB under Windows 10 Technical data Packed column - inner diameter: 100mm - packing height: 3000mm Sieve tray column - inner diameter: 100mm - number of sieve trays: 10 Feed pump - max. flow rate: 19L/h Tank - feed: 20L Measuring ranges - temperature: 31x 0...150°C - flow rate: 1x 1,5...20L/h (feed) - flow rate: 1x 0,3...105L/h (distillate) - flow rate: 1x 24...720L/h (cooling water) - pressure: -- 5x 0...2,5bar (abs.) -- 1x 0...5bar -- 1x 0...10bar 230V, 50Hz, 1 phase 230V, 60Hz, 1 phase, 120V, 60Hz, 1 phase UL/CSA optional LxWxH: 2030x850x4000mm Weight: approx. 480kg