McCabe-Thiele Method

Theory

McCabe-Thiele Diagram

Graphical method for binary distillation

Scroll horizontally to see full diagram

Blue line: Equilibrium curve (VLE)

Red lines: Operating lines (rectifying & stripping)

Green line: q-line (feed condition)

Results

Stage Results

11

Total Stages

5

Feed Stage

R/Rmin = 1.82

Flow Rates (mol/h)

StreamFlow RateComposition
Feed (F)100.00.500
Distillate (D)50.00.950
Bottoms (B)50.00.050

Internal Flows (mol/h)

SectionLiquidVapor
RectifyingL = 100.0V = 150.0
StrippingL̄ = 200.0V̄ = 150.0

Key Parameters

Minimum Reflux Ratio (Rmin)1.100
Operating Reflux Ratio (R)2.000
R / Rmin1.818
Boilup Ratio (V̄/B)3.000

Example Presets

Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium

α = (y/x) / ((1-y)/(1-x))

Feed Conditions

q=1: sat. liquid, q=0: sat. vapor

Column Specifications

Rmin = 1.100