Flash tanks and distillation towers 1

[cvalle703]

I am wondering what the difference is between a Flash Tank and a Distillation Tower is?
I know the function of each one, when should i use one or the other?

 

[Latexman]

A flash tank has about one stage of separation. There is one equilibrium stage, one or two liquid phases, and one vapor phase.

A distillation tower has more than one stage of separation. The number of equilibrium stages = number of actual trays x tray efficiency, or the height of actual packing / height of packing for one equilibrium stage.

This is a simple answer. We may have to get more complicated depending if it answers your question or not.

Good luck,
Latexman

To a ChE, the glass is always full - 1/2 air and 1/2 water.