Mass Transfer - Engineering

Q1:

If a1 and a2 are the relative volatilities when the pressure in the distillation column is 1 and 2 atm respectively. Pick out the correct statement.

A a1 = a2

B a1 = 2a2

C a1 = 0.5 a2

D none of these

ANS:D - none of these

The relative volatility (𝛼α) in a distillation column depends on the composition of the feed, temperature, and pressure. However, the relative volatility is typically independent of pressure changes if the system is ideal. Therefore, the correct statement is: 𝑎1=𝑎2a1​=a2​, meaning that the relative volatilities at different pressures remain the same. Pressure changes do not generally alter the relative volatility in an ideal system. So, the relative volatility at 1 atm (𝑎1a1​) is equal to the relative volatility at 2 atm (𝑎2a2​).