Explain the principle upon which separation is achieved in a distillation column.

The fundamental principle involves the formation of equilibrium and separation into distillate and bottoms governed by the equilibrium composition curve , number of stages and the purity with which the distillate is required.

Explanation:

Distillation is a type of the separation process by physical means of a mixture on basis of its difference in boiling point or vapor pressure .  

Where we can just heat the mixture and separate out the components i.e the component with lower boiling point will form vapor easily and can be later condensed whereas the component with higher boiling point will remain as residue.

In case of a distillation column the same principle is applied at different stages to separate multiple components .The stages are known as trays or plates . In general , there is a certain liquid on each of the plate, and the arrangements are made for the ascending vapors to pass through the liquid and make contact with it . The fundamental principle involves the formation of equilibrium and separation into distillate and bottoms governed by the equilibrium composition curve , number of stages and the purity with which the distillate is required.

Explanation:

The fundamental principle involves the formation of equilibrium and separation into distillate and bottoms governed by the equilibrium composition curve , number of stages and the purity with which the distillate is required.