2. Influence of various parameters

2.1 How a column works

To ensure that a column operates correctly, we obviously need to know the values of the parameters for which it has been calculated (feed flow rate and temperature, feed and product (distillate and residue) titers, operating pressure, etc.), the number of theoretical plates equivalent to the actual number of plates in the column, and the values of the resulting variables (product flow rates, temperatures and pressure drops in the column), when the column is operating at steady state and providing the desired separation. This set of data constitutes the study conditions for the column. We also need to know how the various variables are modified when the parameters take on values other than those used for the calculation.