Some structural aspects of distillation

Abstract

In this paper a dialogue is developed between a mathematical educator and a chemical engineer concerning their relative approaches to the problem of distillation. It is shown how this dialogue indicates the need for cooperation between the engineer and the mathematician and how the dialogue broadens the outlook of each. In the early part of the discussion, emphasis is laid on a ‘modern’ mathematical approach. However, some traditional algebra is necessary at the later stages when a mathematical recurrence formula is compared to the engineering graphical approach. It is then shown how the mathematics can point the way to further investigation of the physical model that the engineer has constructed.

Notes

† Now at University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, Manchester, England.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

H. W. Kropholler†

† Now at University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, Manchester, England.