From batch to continuous extractive distillation using thermodynamic insight: Class 1.0–2 with a heavy entrainer

A systematic feasibility analysis is presented for the separation azeotropic mixtures by batch and continuous extractive distillation. Based on batch feasibility knowledge, batch and continuous separation feasibility is studied under reflux ratio and entrainer flow-rate for the ternary system chloroform-vinyl acetate-butyl acetate, which belongs to the class 1.0-2 separating maximum boiling temperature azeotropes using a heavy entrainer. How information on feasibility of batch mode could be extended to the feasibility of continuous mode is then studied, possible feasible regions are determined by finding the feasible points based on continuous methodology, they show minimum and maximum feed ratio as a function of the reflux, and a lower bound for the reflux ratio. Results are validated by simulation.