Effects of Ultrasonic Waves on Vapor-Liquid Equilibrium of Cyclohexane/Benzene

Abstract

Separation of azeotropic mixtures is one of the most challenging separation processes in chemical industry. Special separation techniques such as azeotropic and extractive distillation are required to separate these mixtures. In this work, an innovative technique which incorporates ultrasonic waves during separation of Cyclohexane (Chx)/ Benzene (Bz) via distillation process was explored. The effects of ultrasonic wave at different intensities at 50, 100, 200 and 250 W/A.cm2 and at a fixed frequency of 40 kHz on vapor-liquid equilibrium (VLE) of Chx/ Bz were investigated. Studies were also done to examine the effects of ultrasonic frequencies on the VLE data at 25 and 68 kHz. It was found that ultrasonic waves at 100 W/A.cm2 intensity and 25 kHz frequency gave the highest relative volatility, α at 2.505 and completely eliminated the azeotropic point. The results revealed that ultrasonic waves had potential to favourably manipulate α, and hence, the VLE of Chx/ Bz.