A process stream (Biofp) in a biofuel production plant has an estimated composition of 49.3mol% of an aldehyde-based molecule (BiofM) and the remaining is a liquid (Liq B). BiofM is appreciably more volatile than LiqB under similar temperature conditions. The Biof p stream is to be distilled continuously at atmospheric conditions to recover the BiofM. The distillate stream is to contain 97.8mol% BiofM and the bottoms stream shall have 95.6mol%LiqB. The optimum reflux ratio (Ropt) is 1.8Rmin. The overall column efficiency is 61%. The Biof p is fed in the distillation column as a saturated liquid for the entire distillation process. Using the McCabe-Thiele method: (i) determine the actual number of sieve plates needed in the column for achieving the above separation of the BiofM/Liq B feed. (ii) locate the feed stage for the Biofp fed into the column. (iii) estimate the boilup ratio. VLE data of BiofM/LiqB mixtures at 1atm