Approximation of an Arbitrary Function by a Piecewise Constant Function and Number of Theoretical Separation Stages in A Rectification Tower

The problem on the minimum number of constancy portions of the scalar step function approximating an arbitrary bounded function was solved. Expressions for calculating the number of theoretical separation stages in conventional and optimum rectification towers have been obtained. The relationship between the number of separation stages in a rectification tower and the parameters of the product flows, in particular, the relative volatility of the components of a mixture separated in it, was determined.