Thermodynamic efficiencies of a conventional batch column

Through this work, the calculation of the thermodynamic efficiency of batch distillation process has been obtained by using a derived expression of efficiency, from energy and entropy balances. The thermodynamic efficiency uses the definition of availability function. The algebro-differential equations system (DAE'S) was solved using DASSL. The cases of study consider the separation of a ternary mixture of methanol/ethanol/n-propanol (MEP). For the calculation of the thermodynamic properties, the Soave?Redlich?Kwong (SRK) equation of state was used. The impact of the reflux ratio on the thermodynamic efficiency was considered. An inverse relation between thermodynamic efficiency and reflux ratio was verified, as well as a direct relation between the obtained amount of product and the reflux ratio.