Mass Transfer - Engineering

Q1:

Entrainer used in azeotropic distillation should

A form a low boiling azeotrope with one of the constituents of the mixture.

B form a new azeotrope of low relative volatility with one of the constituents of the mixture.

C have high latent heat of vaporisation.

D have high viscosity to provide high tray efficiency.

ANS:A - form a low boiling azeotrope with one of the constituents of the mixture.

The entrainer used in azeotropic distillation should: Form a new azeotrope of low relative volatility with one of the constituents of the mixture. Explanation:

  • Azeotropic distillation is a process used to break azeotropic mixtures, which are mixtures that boil at a constant temperature, making separation difficult by simple distillation.
  • The entrainer is added to the mixture to form a new azeotrope with one of the components of the original mixture. This new azeotrope should have a lower relative volatility compared to the original components.
  • By forming a new azeotrope with lower relative volatility, the entrainer helps to create a separation between the components of the original mixture during distillation.
  • While the entrainer should ideally have properties such as a low boiling point and compatibility with the components of the mixture, the critical aspect for its effectiveness in azeotropic distillation is its ability to form a new azeotrope with one of the constituents of the mixture, leading to improved separation efficiency. Therefore, the correct option is that the entrainer should form a new azeotrope of low relative volatility with one of the constituents of the mixture.