Which component does pumparound coolant?

• A. A section of the tower
• B. The feed line
• C. The condenser
• D. The bottom sump

Answer: (A)

Pumparound coolant is circulated entirely within a single section of the distillation tower to control the heat in that zone. The liquid is drawn from that section, pumped through a cooling loop that serves trays within the same section, and then returned. This internal circulation absorbs heat from the rising vapor in that portion of the column, helping to maintain the desired temperature profile for better separation. The feed line, by contrast, simply brings feed into the tower; the condenser is a separate device outside the tower that condenses vapor; and the bottom sump collects liquids at the bottom.