FENSKE EQUATION Meaning and
Definition
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The Fenske equation is a mathematical formula used in chemical engineering and distillation processes to calculate the minimum number of theoretical trays needed in a distillation column to perform a separation. It was developed by Richard Fenske, an American chemical engineer, in the early 1930s.
The equation takes into consideration the following factors: the relative volatility of the components being separated, the reflux ratio (the ratio of the liquid that is returned as condensate to the amount of vapor rising in the column), and the fraction of the more volatile component in the liquid phase at the bottom of the column.
Mathematically, the Fenske equation is expressed as:
Nmin = (log[(x_D - y_D) / (x_D - y_B)]) / (log[α - 1])
Where Nmin is the minimum number of theoretical trays required, x_D and y_D represent the mole fraction of the more volatile component in the liquid phase at the bottom and top of the column respectively, y_B is the mole fraction of the more volatile component in the vapor phase at the point where it leaves the column, and α is the relative volatility of the two components.
The Fenske equation provides a useful tool for engineers to estimate the number of distillation stages necessary for a separation, helping to optimize the design and efficiency of distillation columns in various industries, such as petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage processing.
Etymology of FENSKE EQUATION
The term "Fenske equation" is derived from the name of its creator, Edward F. Fenske, an American chemical engineer. Edward Fenske developed the equation in the mid-1930s. The Fenske equation is used in distillation processes to calculate the minimum number of theoretical trays required for efficient separation of liquid mixtures.
