# Distillation Column Designer AI Agent Connect

> Design binary distillation columns by calculating stages, feed locations, and diameters.

## Overview
- **Category:** engineering
- **Price:** Free
- **Endpoint:** https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_lGPX2bJTig6kWDzQcIli611wQHZ4TvUcGvUgztgW/ai-agent-connect
- **Tags:** distillation, chemical, engineering, separation, process-control

## Description

This MCP server provides specialized chemical engineering tools for designing binary distillation columns. It allows AI agents to perform complex separation calculations using the McCabe-Thiele or Fenske-Underwood-Gilliland (FUG) methods. Users can determine the number of theoretical stages with `calculate_theoretical_stages`, convert them to physical trays using `calculate_actual_stages`, find the optimal entry point with `optimize_feed_location`, and size the column width via `estimate_column_diameter`.

## Tools

### calculate_actual_stages
Converts theoretical equilibrium stages into the real-world number of physical trays needed

### calculate_theoretical_stages
Determines the number of equilibrium stages required for a specific separation

### estimate_column_diameter
Calculates the required physical width of the column to handle liquid and vapor loads

### optimize_feed_location
Identifies the most efficient tray to introduce the feed to the column

## Prompt Examples

**Prompt:** 
```
Calculate the theoretical stages for a separation with a feed composition of 0.5, distillate of 0.95, bottoms of 0.05, relative volatility of 2.5, and a reflux ratio of 1.5 using McCabe-Thiele.
```

**Response:** 
```
The required number of theoretical stages is 12, with a minimum reflux of 1.1 and the optimal feed stage located at stage 6.
```

**Prompt:** 
```
I have 15 theoretical stages and a Murphree efficiency of 0.7. How many actual trays do I need?
```

**Response:** 
```
You will need 21 actual trays.
```

**Prompt:** 
```
Find the optimal feed stage for 20 total stages, feed composition 0.4, distillate 0.9, and relative volatility 2.0.
```

**Response:** 
```
The optimal feed stage is stage 11, providing a feed concentration match of 0.39.
```

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Which calculation methods are supported?**
The server supports the McCabe-Thiele method for graphical/analytical stage determination and the Fenske-Underwood-Gilliland (FUG) shortcut method.

**How do I account for real-world tray efficiency?**
You can use the `calculate_actual_stages` tool, which takes the theoretical stages and the Murphree efficiency to calculate the required physical trays.

**Can I estimate the physical size of the column?**
Yes, the `estimate_column_diameter` tool calculates the required column diameter based on vapor flow, liquid flow, and flooding velocity.