ABSTRACT
The rigorous column solution methods described in this chapter are applicable to multistage vapor-liquid and liquid-liquid separation processes in general, including complex distillation and absorption/stripping, as well as liquid-liquid extraction, reactive distillation, and three-phase distillation. The methods involve the formulation and solution of a large number of linear and nonlinear equations that represent material and energy balances and phase equilibrium relations. Consideration is given initially to steady-state processes. Relaxation methods, which take a dynamic route toward convergence, are also described, as well as detailed column dynamics.
