Is a binary distillation column limited by Carnot?

AI Thread Summary
A distillation column operates similarly to a heat engine, featuring hot and cold sides that reject heat. It is suggested that the maximum efficiency of a distillation column could be determined using Carnot efficiency principles, given its energy dynamics. Despite this theoretical framework, real-world heat engines, including distillation columns, rarely achieve efficiencies close to the Carnot limit. The discussion emphasizes the relevance of Carnot efficiency in evaluating the performance of distillation processes. Understanding these limitations is crucial for optimizing distillation column design and operation.
ejnovek
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Hi Physics Forums,

I'm wondering if a distillation column is limited by the carnot efficiency and, if so, how this limitation can be used to determine the maximum efficiency of a distillation column with particular hot and cold side temperatures.

A distillation column has a hot and cold side and rejects heat. Additionally, the energy of demixing could be classified as 'work.' In this way it resembles a heat engine.
 
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All heat engines are restricted to carnot efficiency.
The theorem is used the same way for all heat engines.
However, almost no heat engines have efficiencies close to the carnot efficiency.
 

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