Indicated high salinity of the distillate discharged from a flash-type distilling plant will be a result of __________.

Correct Answer: Option C — leaks in the demister baffles

Demister baffles are designed to strip moisture from the vapor before it reaches the condenser. If these baffles are damaged or leaking, brine droplets are carried into the distillate stream, causing an immediate increase in salinity readings, which necessitates inspection and repair of the internal separation equipment.