Badly drawn / incorrect diagram?

Remember - More details = better answers
Also: If you get a response it's polite to respond to it.

That's what I'm leaning towards now.

The reflux is not leaving the system. Draw a boundary around the column and only three streams cross the boundary, the feed, lights, and heavies. At SS, In = Out. 10,0000 = 9,000 + 1,000. I see no problems with the diagram.


Good Luck,
Latexman

What type of alcohol - ethanol, methanol or propanol or some other?

Hi,
If you and others want to learn about Distillation, consider these links:
http://www.separationprocesses.com/Mainmenu.htm
https://escholarship.org/uc/item/1b96n0xv#page-489
Pierre

In a distillation column, the feed is separated into its components based on their differing boiling points. The vaporized components rise up the column, while the condensed liquid flows downward.

@JD,

Latexman is correct (i dont think the other read your post thoroughly So the reflux is internal and can (in theory) be any fraction of the inlet flow. Reflux is needed for improved separation of the components in the feed. The overhead is vapour (high energy) - energy is removed in the condenser - and by reintroducing this cooled stream back into the top of the column you take away some of the energy (added from the feed and from the reboiler). By cooling the light fraction you will improve separation because the heavy component(s) are more inclined to condense than the light.

Downside - increased energy consumption for cooling and heating.

--- Best regards, Morten Andersen

hi,
On a safety point of view i'm not comfortable with PCV on diaphragm pump,better to add a second dedicated pump.
my view
Pierre