GENERAL INFORMATION
The feed mixture contains components of different volatilities, and enters the column approximately at the middle. The liquid flows downward through the packing, and the vapor flows upward through the column.
Differences in concentration cause the less-volatile components to transfer from the vapor phase to the liquid phase. The packing increases the time of contact, which increases the separation efficiency. The exiting vapor contains the most volatile components, while the liquid product stream contains the least volatile components.