Splitter Unit Operation - Technical Information
The splitter unit splits any number of feed streams into two or more product streams of identical composition and thermal condition. Note that phase separation of products cannot be done with the splitter unit.
Calculation Method
The required specifications for a splitter include one of the outlet pressure parameters (pressure drop or absolute outlet pressure) and stream specifications for all but one of the product streams. PRO/II calculates the outlet temperature and the phase of the product streams using an adiabatic flash. The product stream specifications must be extensive (rate dependent) properties only, for example, the rate of a component or group of components in a product stream, recovery of a fraction of the total feed, etc. PRO/II tries to satisfy each of the product stream specifications and assigns the remaining feed, if any, to the single product stream, without any specification.
However, if the feed rate is not sufficient to satisfy the specified split, the splitter unit allows you to choose from the following two options for corrective action:
1. Satisfy each specification in the order that the streams are listed in the Splitter Main Window until the feed is exhausted. The stream that encounters insufficient feed is limited to the amount of remaining feed, and all subsequent streams will have a zero flowrate. You can change the stream order if desired.
2. Satisfy all the split specifications and then normalize all specified product stream flowrates to meet the material balance. Any unspecified product stream will have a zero flowrate.
Feed and Product Streams
The splitter unit can have any number of feed streams. The inlet pressure is taken to be the lowest of all the feed stream pressures.
The splitter unit must have two or more product streams. All the streams will have identical composition and thermal conditions as calculated by PRO/II.
Related Topics
Splitter Pressure Specification