New algorithm for the determination of product sequences in azeotropic batch distillation

In multicomponent azeotropic mixtures (e.g. waste solvents), the products obtainable by batch distillation and their maximal amount is highly dependent on the charge composition. A method is presented for the determination of product sequences for any number of components based only on the boiling points of pure components and azeotropes, and azeotropic compositions, without the knowledge of further VLE data. The method is suitable for heteroazeotropes as well. The stability of fixed points are determined with the assumption that the Serafimov-type of the mixture occurs in Reshetov's statistics. On the basis of the stabilities, we enumerate all feasible product sequences using the algorithm of Ahmad et al. (1998). Finally, the amount of products are determined assuming maximal separation for the given charge composition. The results are presented for the system acetone-chloroform-methanol-ethanol-benzene.