McCabe Thiele Calculator for Binary Distillation

ChemicalTweak McCabe Thiele calculator to instantly determine the theoretical number of stages and tray efficiency for binary distillation. Enter your reflux ratio, feed composition, and Murphree efficiency to get the result diagram.

This calculator automatically plots the equilibrium curve, operating lines, q-line, and steps off stages, removing the need for manual graph drawing.

How to Use the McCabe–Thiele Calculator

Using the calculator is straightforward:

1. Enter the relative volatility (α) of the binary system
2. Provide feed composition (xF)
3. Enter distillate (xD) and bottoms (xB) compositions
4. Specify the feed quality (q) based on the feed condition
5. Set the reflux ratio (R)
6. Optionally enable the minimum reflux line
7. Click Calculate to generate the diagram and results

The calculator instantly plots the McCabe–Thiele diagram and computes the theoretical stages.

We have posted various chemical engineering tools which will help the students and working professionals to make the caluculation easy.

Input Parameters Explained

• Relative Volatility (α): Indicates how easily the components can be separated
• xF (Feed Composition): Mole fraction of the more volatile component in feed
• xD (Distillate Composition): Desired purity of the top product
• xB (Bottom Composition): Purity of the bottom product
• q (Feed Quality): Represents feed thermal condition
• Reflux Ratio (R): Ratio of reflux returned to distillate withdrawn

All composition values must lie between 0 and 1.

Assumptions Used in the Calculator

This McCabe–Thiele Calculator is based on standard assumptions:

• Binary distillation only
• Constant molar overflow
• Ideal or near-ideal vapor–liquid equilibrium
• Negligible heat losses and pressure drop

Because of these assumptions, results represent theoretical stages, not actual trays.

FAQ