1. What is K-Value or Vapour-Liquid Distribution Ratio?

Definition: The K-value is defined as the ratio of vapor-phase mole fraction to the liquid-phase mole fraction of a component in a mixture at equilibrium.

Purpose: It's a crucial parameter in distillation, absorption, and other separation processes in chemical engineering.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( K \) — Vapour-liquid distribution ratio (dimensionless)
• \( y_{gas} \) — Mole fraction of component in vapor phase (0 to 1)
• \( x_{liquid} \) — Mole fraction of component in liquid phase (0 to 1)

Explanation: The K-value indicates how a component distributes itself between vapor and liquid phases at equilibrium.

3. Importance of K-Value Calculation

Details: K-values are fundamental for designing separation processes, predicting phase behavior, and modeling distillation columns.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the mole fraction in vapor phase (0-1) and mole fraction in liquid phase (0-1). The liquid phase mole fraction must be greater than 0.

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.

Q2: What does a K-value less than 1 mean?
A: A K < 1 indicates the component is more concentrated in the liquid phase than in the vapor phase.

Q3: Can K-value be exactly 1?
A: Yes, K = 1 means the component distributes equally between vapor and liquid phases (azeotropic condition).

Q4: How does temperature affect K-value?
A: K-values are temperature dependent - generally increase with temperature for most components.

Q5: Where can I find K-values for common systems?
A: K-values are available in chemical engineering handbooks or can be estimated using thermodynamic models.