(195a) Quantification of the Effect of Viscosity on Point Efficiency of Sieve Trays in Distillation Columns

Though many physical properties govern the design and performance of distillation columns, the effect of viscosity is critical as it influences both mass transfer and hydrodynamic aspects of distillation columns. While there has been research to analyze the effect of viscosity on distillation, the majority of the research was conducted with liquid viscosities less than 1.0 cP. The distillation efficiency correlations based on low viscosity data may not be reliable for systems that exhibit liquid viscosities more than 1.0 cP at operating conditions. Point efficiency data collected using Oldershaw columns are proven to be effective in representing the commercial point efficiency data. Therefore, an Oldershaw column was recently commissioned at OSU to collect efficiency data for liquids with elevated viscosities. Column validation is done using standard test systems for which commercial efficiency data are readily available. The efficiency data at elevated viscosities (up to 4.0 cP) are collected by Oldershaw efficiency experiments at total reflux. The collected data are crucial in order to evaluate the validity of point efficiency correlations at high viscosities. Also, the elevated viscosity data are critical for extending existing correlations and developing new correlations for viscous systems.