Use this engineering calculation for a transparent preliminary estimate or independent arithmetic check when geometry, materials, loads, operating conditions, and units are defined consistently.

Reflux Moles Per Hour (mol/h)

Required number input.

Distillate Moles Per Hour (mol/h)

Required number input.

External distillation reflux ratio from liquid returned to the column divided by distillate product flow. The tool evaluates the supplied inputs together and returns the named outputs below; it does not infer omitted operating conditions or change the units shown.^[1]

Reflux Ratio

The resulting reflux ratio returned as a number.

• A reflux-ratio calculation depends on equilibrium data, feed condition, pressure, recoveries, stage efficiency, and the chosen shortcut assumptions. Real column design also requires energy balances, hydraulics, control, and safety analysis.
• Use finite inputs in the displayed units and preserve more precision than the final presentation requires. Independently verify safety-critical, financial, compliance, or production decisions.

Check assumptions against drawings, measurements, current material data, and the applicable design code. Apply required load combinations and safety factors, then obtain qualified review and testing for consequential designs.

• Column Slenderness Ratio

  Column slenderness KL/r from effective-length factor, unsupported length and radius of gyration.

• Gear Ratio

  Ideal simple external-gear speed reduction ratio from driven and driver tooth counts; excludes idlers and losses.

• Heat Exchanger NTU Effectiveness

  Parallel-flow heat-exchanger effectiveness ε=[1−exp(−NTU(1+Cr))]/(1+Cr) for capacity-rate ratio Cr in [0,1].