Question #206006
What factors determine the number of theoretical plates required to achieve the desired degree of separation in fractional distillation?
Expert's answer
The principal factor is the shape of the two-phase liquid-vapor region in the phase diagram (usually
a temperature-composition diagram). The closer the liquid and vapour lines are to each other, the more
theoretical plates needed. But the presence of an azeotrope could prevent
the desired degree of separation from being achieved. Incomplete miscibility of the components at
specific concentrations could also affect the number of plates required
