Question

In a distillation operation, the heat added to the boiler a) increases with increase in reflux ratio b) decreases with increase in reflux ratio c) remains unaltered with change in reflux ratio d) None of the above

Answer 1

a) increases with increase in reflux ratio

Step-by-step explanation:

If we increase the reflux ratio, which can de defined as : L/D = Condesate back to column /distillate discarded from column, it means that we increase the amount of condensate back to column. So the reboiler load will increase and be maximum in case of Total reflux ratio. And as vapor load will be increased, diameter of column will be increased too.