1. What is Equilibrium Vaporization Ratio?

Definition: The equilibrium vaporization ratio (K factor) is defined as the ratio of the mole fraction of a component in the vapor phase to the mole fraction of the same component in the liquid phase.

Purpose: It's a key parameter in distillation calculations that helps determine the relative volatility of components in a mixture.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( K_{MVC} \) — Equilibrium vaporization ratio of the more volatile component
• \( y_{MVC} \) — Mole fraction of MVC in vapor phase
• \( x_{MVC} \) — Mole fraction of MVC in liquid phase

Explanation: The ratio indicates how the more volatile component distributes itself between the vapor and liquid phases at equilibrium.

3. Importance of K Factor

Details: The K value is fundamental for distillation column design, determining the number of stages needed for separation and understanding component behavior in phase equilibria.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the mole fraction of the more volatile component in both vapor and liquid phases. Values must be between 0 and 1, and x_MVC cannot be zero.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What does a K value greater than 1 mean?
A: A K > 1 indicates the component is more concentrated in the vapor phase than in the liquid phase (more volatile).

Q2: What's the range of possible K values?
A: K can range from 0 (non-volatile) to very large values (highly volatile), though typically between 0.1 and 10 for most components.

Q3: How does temperature affect K values?
A: K values increase with temperature as components become more volatile. They are temperature and pressure dependent.

Q4: What if my K value is less than 1?
A: A K < 1 means the component is less volatile and tends to remain in the liquid phase.

Q5: How is this used in distillation calculations?
A: K values are used in McCabe-Thiele diagrams and other methods to determine the number of theoretical stages needed for separation.