Fenske Equation for Minimum Number of Trays

The minimum number of trays corresponds to total reflux operation (an infinite reflux ratio). The Fenske equation relates the compositions at the two end of a column to the number of stages in the column under this limiting condition. 

This equation is applicable to multicomponent systems, but it assumes a constant relative volatility between the two components considered. 

An example of the use of the Fenske equation is given in Chapter 4. Results of this approximate method will be compared with the results found from rigorous simulation. 

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