MEAN FREE-PATH OF MOLECULES ON MOLECULAR DISTILLATION

We have defined a one-dimensional model of molecular distillation based on the direct simulation Monte Carlo method. Particle velocities within the distillation space are calculated by application of the model developed. Using the data obtained, we compute macroscopic variables such as particle density, collision frequency, mean free path and kinetic temperature related to a particular position in the distillation space. The resulting anisotropy of the values is explained by oriented motion of the particles between the surfaces of evaporation and condensation. The influence on process efficiency of both the temperatures of the evaporation and condensing surfaces, and the width of the gap between them, is discussed. We also examine the influence of the design of the distillation space on the process taking place within it. A comparison of the efficiency of molecular distillation from convex and concave surfaces of evaporation is presented.