Effect of variable reflux ratio on binary distillation in a laboratory scale distillation column

This paper investigates the effect of variable reflux ratio on final product composition in a laboratory scale distillation column. The findings of this study include a minimum reflux ratio at which the highest purity of the product could be achieved. The experimental setup is a Technovate Distillation Column with five sieve plates, a feed tank, a reboiler, and a condenser. The feed and reflux ratio was varied with the help of flow meters associated with two centrifugal pumps. The feed composition was set to 45 percent ethanol-water mixture. The final composition obtained was 95% ethanol in the distillate. The minimum reflux ratio was found to be 60 percent of maximum flow.