Heat and mass transfer models of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga distillation column

Author

Simon Maina Irungu, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Committee Chair

Henry, Jim

Committee Member

Thomas, Tricia; Jones, Michael

Department

Dept. of Engineering

College

College of Engineering and Computer Science

Publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Place of Publication

Chattanooga (Tenn.)

Abstract

The distillation column in the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is a Pyrex glass unit with 12 separation stages, overhead receiver and a reboiler as shown on figure 8. In this thesis, mathematical models that relate to heat and mass transfer during a binary distillation of methanol-water mixture are developed and simulated through analytical and numerical methods [1]. Collections of these models were generated from theoretical correlations which yielded algebraic and differential equations that were solvable simultaneously. [2]. Thermal transfer due to temperature gradient caused heat flux through conduction, convection, and radiation respectively [3]. These heat transfer equations facilitated approximations of the reboiler surface temperature during heating and cooling processes. Mass transfer was considered during the binary distillation process; where dynamic and steady state mass transfer models were derived from methanol component’s mole balance. An average relative volatility of 4.0 for the methanol water mixture promoted reparability and mass transfer during the experimental and modeling processes. [3].

Degree

M. S.; A thesis submitted to the faculty of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Science.

Date

8-2012

Subject

Distillation apparatus; Heat -- Transmission; Heat -- Transmission -- Mathematical models; Mass transfer; Mass transfer -- Mathematical models

Keyword

Heat and mass transfer; Mathematical models

Discipline

Engineering

Document Type

Masters theses

DCMI Type

Text

Extent

viii, 53 leaves

Language

English

Rights

https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en

License

http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/

Recommended Citation

Irungu, Simon Maina, "Heat and mass transfer models of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga distillation column" (2012). Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations.
https://scholar.utc.edu/theses/31