Distillation columns are used to separate light boiling components from heavier boiling co...

Distillation columns are used to separate light boiling components from heavier boiling components and make up over 95% of the separation systems for the chemical process industries. A commonly used distillation column is a propylene-propane splitter. The overhead product from this column is used as a feedstock for the production of polypropylene, which is the largest quantity of plastic produced worldwide. Figure shows a diagram of a propylene-propane splitter (C3 refers to propane and C3 = refers to propylene).

The steam is used to provide energy and is not involved in the process material balance. Assume that the composition and flow rates listed on this diagram came from process measurements. Determine if the overall material balance is satisfied for this system. Evaluate the component material balances as well. What can you conclude?

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