Interview questions & answers for Distillation?
What is distillation and how does it work? Distillation is a process used to separate and purify liquids based on their boiling points. It works by heating a mixture of liquids to vaporize the components with lower boiling points, which are then condensed and collected.
What is the difference between simple and fractional distillation? Simple distillation is used to separate a mixture of liquids with large differences in boiling points, while fractional distillation is used to separate mixtures with more closely spaced boiling points.
What are the different types of distillation columns used in the distillation process? The different types of distillation columns include packed columns, tray columns, and valve tray columns.
What is the role of a reboiler in distillation? A reboiler is used in distillation to provide heat to the bottom of the distillation column, which vaporizes the components of the mixture and drives the distillation process.
What is the concept of equilibrium stage in distillation and how is it used in the distillation process? An equilibrium stage in distillation is a theoretical stage in the distillation column where the composition of the vapor and liquid phases is in equilibrium. It is used in the distillation process to predict the composition of the product streams.
What is the difference between batch distillation and continuous distillation? Batch distillation is used to separate a single batch of a mixture of liquids, while continuous distillation is used to separate an ongoing stream of the mixture.
What is the role of a condenser in distillation? A condenser is used in distillation to cool the vapor from the distillation column and condense it into a liquid.
What is the concept of reflux in distillation and how is it used in the distillation process? Reflux in distillation refers to the process of returning some of the condensed liquid back to the distillation column to improve the separation of the components in the mixture.
What is the difference between a distillation and a rectification column? A distillation column is used to separate a mixture of liquids based on their boiling points, while a rectification column is used to purify a single component in a mixture by removing impurities with lower boiling points.
What is the concept of theoretical plates in distillation and how are they used in the design of distillation columns? Theoretical plates in distillation are theoretical stages in the distillation column used to calculate the efficiency of the distillation process. They are used in the design of distillation columns to determine the number of actual trays or plates needed in the column.
What is the role of a decanter in distillation? A decanter is used in distillation to separate two immiscible liquids, such as water and oil, into two separate streams.
What is the concept of a pinch point in distillation and how is it used in the design of distillation systems? A pinch point in distillation is a temperature or heat load constraint in the distillation process that affects the design of the distillation system. It is used in the design of distillation systems to optimize the energy consumption and overall performance of the process.
What is the difference between flash distillation and steam distillation? Flash distillation is used to separate a mixture of liquids based on their boiling points, while steam distillation is used to separate essential oils from plant materials by utilizing the steam to vaporize the oils.