A continuous fractionating column is to be designed for separating a liquid mixture containing 40 mol % benzene and 60 mol % toluene. How many plates at total reflux (minimum number of theoretical...

Extracted text: A continuous fractionating column is to be designed for separating a liquid mixture containing 40 mol % benzene and 60 mol % toluene. How many plates at total reflux (minimum number of theoretical plates) are required to give an overhead product of 97 mol% benzene and a bottom product of 98 mol % toluene using Fenske equation. The relative volatility for benzene-toluene system at overhead vapor is 2.38. The relative volatility for benzene-toluene system at bottoms liquid is 2.54. a) 5.68 b) 6.78 c) 8.19 d) 11.5