What is the effect of Reflux Ratio on Distillation Operation?
Distillation process is done to achieve a specific level of enrichment. To achieve this enrichment level, one must specify a reflux ratio. Decreasing that reflux ratio (i.e, increasing D), has an advantage that the duty of condenser and reboiler decreases, since the load in distillation column decreases (more mass goes out as D increases) . In other sense, the operating cost of distillation column decreases. However, it would be at expense of less enrichment achieved than required. Increasing reflux ratio would act in reverse i.e, it would have a disadvantage of increase in duty of condenser and reboiler as load increases. This increases the operation cost of distillation column; however, more enrichment is achieved.
How to Calculate Internal Reflux Ratio?
Internal Reflux Ratio calculator uses Internal Reflux Ratio = Internal Reflux Flowrate to Distillation Column/Distillate Flowrate from Distillation Column to calculate the Internal Reflux Ratio, The Internal Reflux Ratio formula is defined as the ratio of liquid flowing down to the distillation column to the distillate taken out as a product. Internal Reflux Ratio is denoted by RInternal symbol.
How to calculate Internal Reflux Ratio using this online calculator? To use this online calculator for Internal Reflux Ratio, enter Internal Reflux Flowrate to Distillation Column (L) & Distillate Flowrate from Distillation Column (D) and hit the calculate button. Here is how the Internal Reflux Ratio calculation can be explained with given input values -> 2.5 = 10.5/4.2.