What is the main purpose of a bootleg on a vessel?

What is the main purpose of a bootleg on a vessel?

• A. To separate heavier liquids from lighter ones
• B. To vent vapors
• C. To support insulation
• D. To reduce vibration

Answer: (A)

A bootleg is a take-off line that taps the vessel to draw off the heavier liquid layer that settles at the bottom, while the lighter liquid remains on top. Because the heavier liquid collects at the bottom due to density differences, the bootleg allows you to remove that bottom product separately, enabling effective separation without mixing the two phases. This is common in oil–water separations, where water (the heavier phase) can be taken off via the bootleg while the oil stays in the vessel. It isn’t used for venting vapors, insulation support, or vibration reduction, which are handled by other systems or components.

A bootleg is a take-off line that taps the vessel to draw off the heavier liquid layer that settles at the bottom, while the lighter liquid remains on top. Because the heavier liquid collects at the bottom due to density differences, the bootleg allows you to remove that bottom product separately, enabling effective separation without mixing the two phases. This is common in oil–water separations, where water (the heavier phase) can be taken off via the bootleg while the oil stays in the vessel. It isn’t used for venting vapors, insulation support, or vibration reduction, which are handled by other systems or components.