Distillation Column Calculator
Estimate minimum and actual theoretical stages, minimum reflux ratio, and feed stage location using the McCabe-Thiele simplified approach.
Inputs
mole fraction
mole fraction
mole fraction
Results
Minimum Stages (Fenske)
6.43 stages
Actual Theoretical Stages
10 stages
Minimum Reflux Ratio1.1
Feed Stage Location5 (from top)
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the Feed Composition (z) as the light component mole fraction (e.g., 0.50 for 50 mol% light component in feed).
- Enter the Distillate Composition (xD) and Bottoms Composition (xB) as light component mole fractions defining the required separation.
- Enter the operating Reflux Ratio — typically 1.2–1.5× the minimum reflux ratio as a starting design point.
- Enter the Relative Volatility (α) — ratio of vapor pressures of the light to heavy key component at average column temperature.
- Read Minimum Stages (Fenske equation) and Actual Theoretical Stages needed at the chosen reflux ratio.
- Use the Feed Stage Location (from top) and Minimum Reflux Ratio as design targets for detailed column simulation or vendor specification.
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