New reflux policy for batch distillation

A new reflux policy for optimal operation was derived by examining theoretically the optimal operating conditions for batch distillation. The policy involves keeping the instantaneous minimum theoretical stages,using Fenske's equation constant by Controlling the reflux ratio, and it provides a reasonable operating method to maintain distillation column efficiency throughout the operation. A method for calculation of reflux ratio was derived for the new reflux policy using the McCabe Thiele calculation method for a no-holdup model, The theoretical new reflux policy was compared with the optimal reflux policy in the literature,which is solved by using economical data, and found to correlate well in terms of optimal hatch time, The new policy is simple and allows the optimal reflux ratio to be determined easily for given separation conditions.