column_design#

General functional algorithms for the design and purchase cost estimation of distillation columns.

References

compute_purchase_cost_of_trays(N_T, Di)[source]#

Return total cost of all trays at BioSTEAM’s CEPCI.

Parameters:
  • N_T (int) – Number of trays.

  • Di (float) – Inner diameter [ft].

Notes

The purchase cost is given by [1]. See source code for details. The purchase cost is scaled according to BioSTEAM’s Chemical Plant Cost Index, biosteam.CE.

compute_empty_tower_cost(W)[source]#

Return the cost [C_V; in USD] of an empty tower vessel at BioSTEAM’s CEPCI.

Parameters:

W (float) – Weight [lb].

Notes

The purchase cost is given by [1]. See source code for details.

compute_plaform_ladder_cost(Di, L)[source]#

Return the cost [C_PL; in USD] of platforms and ladders at BioSTEAM’s CEPCI.

Parameters:
  • Di (float) – Inner diameter [ft].

  • L (float) – Legnth [ft].

Notes

The purchase cost is given by [1]. See source code for details.

compute_tower_weight(Di, L, tv, rho_M)[source]#

Return the weight [W; in lb] of the tower assuming 2:1 elliptical head.

Parameters:
  • Di (float) – Inner diameter [ft].

  • L (float) – Legnth [ft].

  • tv (float) – Shell thickness [in].

  • rho_M (floa) – Density of material [lb/in^3].

Notes

The tower weight is given by [1]. See source code for details.

compute_tower_wall_thickness(Po, Di, L, S=15000.0, E=None, M=29.5)[source]#

Return the wall thinkness [tv; in inches] designed to withstand the internal pressure and the wind/earthquake load at the bottom.

Parameters:
  • Po (float) – Operating internal pressure [psi].

  • Di (float) – Internal diameter [ft].

  • L (float) – Height [ft].

  • S (float) – Maximum stress [psi].

  • E (float) – Fractional weld efficiency

  • M (float) – Elasticity [psi].

Notes

The wall thickness is given by [1]. See source code for details.

Warning

This function is only applicable to positive internal pressures (no vacuums). Vacuum pressure vessels may require stiffening rings and higher vessel thickness.

compute_tray_base_purchase_cost(Di)[source]#

Return the base cost of a tray [C_BT; USD] at a CE of 500.

Parameters:

Di (float) – Inner diameter [ft].

Notes

The purchase cost is given by [1]. See source code for details.

compute_n_trays_factor(N_T)[source]#

Return the cost factor for number of trays, F_NT.

Parameters:

N_T (Number of trays) –

Notes

The cost factor is given by [1]. See source code for details.

compute_murphree_stage_efficiency(mu, alpha, L, V)[source]#

Return the sectional murphree efficiency, E_mv.

Parameters:
  • mu (float) – Viscosity [mPa*s]

  • alpha (float) – Relative volatility.

  • L (float) – Liquid flow rate by mol.

  • V (float) – Vapor flow rate by mol.

Notes

The efficiency is given by [2]. See source code for details.

compute_flow_parameter(L, V, rho_V, rho_L)[source]#

Return the flow parameter, F_LV.

Parameters:
  • L (float) – Liquid flow rate by mass.

  • V (float) – Vapor flow rate by mass.

  • rho_V (float) – Vapor density.

  • rho_L (float) – Liquid density.

Notes

The flow parameter is given by [3]. See source code for details.

compute_max_capacity_parameter(TS, F_LV)[source]#

Return the maximum capacity parameter before flooding [C_sbf; in m/s].

Parameters:
  • TS (float) – Tray spacing [mm].

  • F_LV (float) – Flow parameter.

Notes

The max capacity parameter is given by [3]. See source code for details.

compute_max_vapor_velocity(C_sbf, sigma, rho_L, rho_V, F_F, A_ha)[source]#

Return the maximum allowable vapor velocity through the net area of flow before flooding [U_f; in m/s].

Parameters:
  • C_sbf – Maximum Capacity Parameter (m/s)

  • sigma – Liquid surface tension (dyn/cm)

  • rho_L – Liquid density

  • rho_V – Vapor density

  • F_F – Foaming factor

  • A_ha – Ratio of open area, A_h, to active area, A_a

Notes

The max vapor velocity is given by [3]. See source code for details.

compute_downcomer_area_fraction(F_LV)[source]#

Return the ratio of downcomer area to net (total) area, A_dn.

Parameters:

F_LV (float) – Flow parameter.

Notes

The fraction of downcomer area is given by [3]. See source code for details.

compute_tower_diameter(V_vol, U_f, f, A_dn)[source]#

Return tower diameter [D_T; in meter].

Parameters:
  • V_vol (float) – Vapor volumetric flow rate [m^3/s].

  • U_f (float) – Maximum vapor velocity before flooding [m/s].

  • f (float) – Ratio of actual velocity to U_f.

  • A_dn (float) – Ratio of downcomer area to net (total) area.

Notes

The tower diameter is given by [3]. See source code for details.

compute_tower_height(TS, N_stages, top=True, bottom=True)[source]#

Return the height of a tower [H; in meter].

Parameters:
  • TS (float) – Tray spacing [mm].

  • N_stages (float) – Number of stages.

Notes

The tower height is given by [3]. See source code for details.