In this lesson we looked at three different types of distillation methods. They included true boiling point distillation, ASTM distillation, and Equilibrium Flash Vaporization. True boiling point distillation is done in a batch method. In this method more than 100 theoretical plates are used as well as a very high reflux ratio of 100. This method achieves the best possible separation in distillation. In this distillation the component with the lower boiling point is distilled off completely without any contamination from the other substance, Then the compound is distilled off as a pure compound. The second distillation method we reviewed was ASTM distillation. This is also a batch method but operates without any contact plates as well as a reflux ratio of zero. ASTM achieves better separation then EFV and TBP achieves better separation then ASTM. EFV uses a steady flow that is heated and then flows into a flash drum. Within this flash drum the flowing heated feed is separated into a liquid and a vapor. This method gives the lowest degree of separation of the three distillation methods. Each method is used for a specific reason. TBP is used to characterize crudes oils, ASTM is usually used for refinery products and property calculations of the components, and EFV provides data for flashing operations in refineries.