In a distillation setup, what is the name of the vessel that collects the distillate after condensation?

In a distillation setup, what is the name of the vessel that collects the distillate after condensation?

• A. Reboiler
• B. Condenser
• C. Reflux drum
• D. Packed bed

Answer: (C)

The main idea is where the condensed liquid from the condenser is collected and split between returning as reflux and leaving as product. That vessel is the reflux drum. It sits right after the condenser, acting as a reservoir where the condensate can be partially sent back into the column as reflux to maintain separation, while the rest leaves as distillate. The other components don’t fit this role: the reboiler supplies heat at the bottom, the condenser is the cooling unit that turns vapor into liquid, and a packed bed is a type of packing inside some columns, not a collection vessel for the condensate.

The main idea is where the condensed liquid from the condenser is collected and split between returning as reflux and leaving as product. That vessel is the reflux drum. It sits right after the condenser, acting as a reservoir where the condensate can be partially sent back into the column as reflux to maintain separation, while the rest leaves as distillate. The other components don’t fit this role: the reboiler supplies heat at the bottom, the condenser is the cooling unit that turns vapor into liquid, and a packed bed is a type of packing inside some columns, not a collection vessel for the condensate.