theoretical plate
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
English
[edit]Noun
[edit]
theoretical plate (plural theoretical plates)
- (physics, chemistry) A plate or tray in a distillation column that produces the best possible difference between the liquid and vapour phases in equilibrium with it; the equivalent concept in a fractionating column packed with beads or rings
Usage notes
[edit]- The number of theoretical plates in a fractionating column is a measure of its ability to separate components.