DISTILLATION COLUMN HEURISTICS

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Following is a list used to choose column sequencing in distillation columns. Note that the heuristics are only a rule of thumb to guide sequencing, and there occasionally are conflicts between heuristics. In that case, common sense prevails.

(1) Separate the most plentiful component first.

(2) Separate the lightest component first.

(3) Do high-recovery separations last.

(4) Do difficult separations last.

(5) Favor equimolar splits.

(6) The next separation should be the cheapest.