Three distillation methods that introduced in lesson 4 are True Boiling Point Distillation (TBP), ASTM Distillation (ASTM) and Equilibrium Flash Vaporization (EFV). Since the method of each distillation is different, each of them has their own utility, application in refining and separation performance.

The best possible separation is achieved in True Boiling Point Distillation (TBP). True Boiling Point Distillation (TBP) used more than 100 theoretical plates and a high reflux ratio (R/P) of 100 in the separation process. Since it has such outcome, it is usually used to characterize crude oils and constitute a significant component of crude essay.

Compare to True Boiling Point Distillation (TBP), ASTM distillation (ASTM) also used batch operation. However, the operation incorporates exclude contact plate and a reflux ration of 0. A slight reflux may involve due to the condensation of vapor on the tube. In petroleum refining, the method is used to refine products, calculate properties and correlate distill fractions.

Equilibrium Flash Vaporization (EFV) probably provides the lowest degree of separation among the three distillation methods. It contains a heater to heat a flowing feed. In the flash drum, the separation of liquid and vapor take place. In refinery, Equilibrium Flash Vaporization (EFV) always provides clear and useful data for flashing operation for us to interpret.