Reflux Ratio

The reflux ratio is a measure used in liquid-vapor separation processes, like in distillation, to indicate how much of the condensed liquid (reflux) is returned to the system compared to what is drawn off as the product. A higher reflux ratio means more liquid is recycled within the system, which improves the purity of the final product but also requires more energy and efficiency. Conversely, a lower reflux ratio results in less recycling, reducing energy use but possibly compromising purity. It’s a key parameter for balancing separation quality and operational efficiency.