Flash Separations: Summary
Key points from this module:
- The exiting liquid and vapor streams are in equilibrium.
- The same calculations (mass balances, phase equilibrium) are also used for systems with more than two components.
- An energy balance is also necessary to determine the outlet temperature.
- When pressure is lowered on a hot liquid, some of it evaporates.
- When this is done adiabatically, the temperature decreases to provide the heat of vaporization.
- The operating line relates the compositions of the two exiting streams.
From studying this module, you should now be able to:
- Use mass balances and phase equilibrium equations to determine outlet compositions and flow rates for a flash drum if the outlet temperature is known.
- Use mass balances, phase equilibrium equations, and an energy balance to determine outlet compositions and flow rates for an adiabatic flash drum.