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Separation of liquids by thermal diffusion
Author(s) -
Powers John E.,
Wilke C. R.
Publication year - 1957
Publication title -
aiche journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.958
H-Index - 167
eISSN - 1547-5905
pISSN - 0001-1541
DOI - 10.1002/aic.690030216
Subject(s) - thermal , thermodynamics , diffusion , benzene , chemistry , volumetric flow rate , range (aeronautics) , flow (mathematics) , heptane , thermal diffusivity , mechanics , materials science , chromatography , analytical chemistry (journal) , organic chemistry , composite material , physics
Data were obtained in flat‐plate continuous‐flow thermogravitational columns to check the theory developed by Furry, Jones, and Onsaer and a modification of this theory proposed by the authors. Separations of ethyl alcohol–water and benzene– n ‐heptane mixtures were measured, flow rate, column length, temperature difference, spacing between plates, and inclination of the plates being varied in the experiments. Theory and data are in qualitative agreement for the range of variables studied. Quantitative agreement exists between theory and experiment in the region of practical design for liquid‐thermal‐diffusion plants. Equations to aid in the design of thermal‐diffusion plants are developed, and a plant to treat 1,000 bbl./day of a liquid aromatic‐aliphatic mixture is designed and costs are estimated.