DBM Lookup Utility
Find maps for ternary systems
Only for iPhone
Free · Designed for iPhone. Not verified for macOS.
iPhone
Find every feasible distillation boundary map for a ternary mixture in seconds. Describe its azeotropes, pick an example, or enter a temperature sequence.
DBM Lookup Utility finds the feasible distillation boundary maps (DBMs) for any ternary mixture, using only the relative boiling points of its pure components and azeotropes. No thermodynamic modeling or residue curve sketching required.
DBMs are simplified residue curve maps. They show how a three-component mixture divides into distillation regions, and they're a key tool in the conceptual design of distillation processes. Finding the right map by hand means working through nodes, saddles and topological consistency. This app does it with a lookup.
THREE WAYS TO FIND A MAP
• Azeotropes: say whether each binary and ternary azeotrope exists and whether it's minimum- or maximum-boiling (or a saddle). Leave anything you don't know as "???" and the app keeps every possibility. The 307 possible temperature sequences (TSs) narrow down as you go.
• Example: pick one of six preloaded systems, such as Methanol/Ethanol/Water or Acetone/Chloroform/Methanol, and see its TS and DBMs instantly.
• Enter TS: type a temperature sequence you already know. The app checks it as you type and tells you what's wrong if it isn't valid.
Then choose a TS and one of its DBMs to see the map drawn on the composition triangle.
ALL 125 DBMs
Browse a gallery of all 125 unique distillation boundary maps. Tap any one to see it full size, along with every temperature sequence that produces it. Each map is labeled with its Matsuyama–Nishimura classification code.
USEFUL FOR
• Screening entrainers for azeotropic or extractive distillation
• Quick "what-if" checks during conceptual process design
• Teaching and learning ternary VLE behavior
Only thermodynamically feasible TSs and valid DBMs are generated, so you never have to judge inconsistent or indeterminate maps yourself.
Based on the method published by Peterson and Partin, "Temperature Sequences for Categorizing All Ternary Distillation Boundary Maps," Ind. Eng. Chem. Res. (1997), and cited in Perry's Chemical Engineers' Handbook.
Note: the app identifies which maps are possible. Experimental VLE data is still needed to pin down the exact boundary curvature for a specific mixture.
Ratings & Reviews
• Redesigned Home screen: a new "Find TSs Using" selector shows one input method at a time (Azeotropes, Example, or Enter TS), so it's clear how to start. Results now always appear at the top.
• Clearer TS entry: a labeled, wider input box, with a "Valid" check or a specific explanation right below it.
• Better support for larger text sizes.
• Fixed the first column of the DBM gallery being slightly cut off.
• Updated Help to match the new layout.
The developer, Eric Peterson, indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Not Collected
The developer does not collect any data from this app.
Accessibility
The developer has not yet indicated which accessibility features this app supports. Learn More
Information
- Seller
- Eric Peterson
- Size
- 3.2 MB
- Category
- Utilities
- Compatibility
Requires iOS 17.6 or later.
- iPhone
Requires iOS 17.6 or later. - Mac
Requires macOS 14.6 or later and a Mac with Apple M1 chip or later. - Apple Vision
Requires visionOS 1.3 or later.
- iPhone
- Languages
- English
- Age Rating
4+
- 4+
- Copyright
- © Eric Peterson, 1994