Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Separation efficiency refers to how effectively a distillation column can separate different components within a mixture. It is typically measured by the purity and recovery of desired products obtained from the separation process.
Related terms
Purity: The degree to which a substance is free from impurities or other substances.
Recovery: The percentage of desired product obtained after the separation process compared to the total amount available in the original mixture.
Plate Efficiency: A measure of how well each tray or plate within a distillation column performs its function in separating components during distillation.