ChemProCal • Separation & Distillation • NGL Distillation Column & Fractionation Train Sizer (FUG / Kirkbride)
SEPARATION & DISTILLATION
NGL Distillation Column & Fractionation Train Sizer (FUG / Kirkbride)
Performs shortcut multi-component distillation column sizing (Fenske-Underwood-Gilliland & Fair flooding) for Deethanizers, Depropanizers, and Debutanizers in raw NGL fractionation plants.
NGL Fractionation Column Service & Feedstream
kg/h (Mass Flow)
barg
1.0 = Bubble Point Liquid
Separation Targets & Column Internals
% Distillate Recovery
% Bottoms Recovery
$\times R_{\text{min}}$ (Economic: 1.2-1.3)
mm (24" Spacing)
% $E_0$ (Hydrocarbons)
NGL Fractionation Shortcut Design Theory
The design of multicomponent distillation columns in gas plants utilizes the classic Fenske-Underwood-Gilliland (FUG) method coupled with Kirkbride feed stage location and Fair tray flooding hydraulics.
1. Fenske Equation for Minimum Theoretical Stages ($N_{\text{min}}$)
$$N_{\text{min}} = \frac{\ln \left[ \left(\frac{d_{\text{LK}}}{b_{\text{LK}}}\right) \cdot \left(\frac{b_{\text{HK}}}{d_{\text{HK}}}\right) \right]}{\ln \alpha_{\text{LK}}}$$
2. Underwood Equations for Minimum Reflux ($R_{\text{min}}$)
The root $\theta$ is first solved between $1.0 < \theta < \alpha_{\text{LK}}$ using the feed thermal quality $q$:
$$\sum_{i=1}^n \frac{\alpha_i \cdot z_i}{\alpha_i - \theta} = 1 - q \implies R_{\text{min}} + 1 = \sum_{i=1}^n \frac{\alpha_i \cdot x_{D,i}}{\alpha_i - \theta}$$
3. Kirkbride Equation for Feed Tray Location
$$\log\left(\frac{N_R}{N_S}\right) = 0.206 \cdot \log\left[ \left(\frac{z_{\text{HK}}}{z_{\text{LK}}}\right) \cdot \left(\frac{x_{B,\text{LK}}}{x_{D,\text{HK}}}\right)^2 \cdot \left(\frac{B}{D}\right) \right]$$
Tool Units
Input / Output Units
Configure global unit system preset or individual parameter dimensions.