Distillation is a separation process that involves the separation of two or more components based on their boiling points. Total reflux is a condition in distillation where all the vapor that is produced in the distillation column is condensed and returned back to the column as liquid. This is achieved by maintaining the condenser duty higher than the heat duty required for reboiling the bottom product.

Minimum Number of Plates Required for Total Reflux
When the feed is introduced to the column with total reflux, the feed components start to separate at the top of the column. The lightest component is condensed and returned back to the column, while the heavier component remains as vapor and moves down the column. This process continues until the heavy component reaches the bottom of the column, and the lightest component reaches the top of the column. Therefore, to achieve total reflux in a distillation column, a minimum number of plates are required to facilitate the separation of the components.

Reboiler Load and Condenser Load for Total Reflux
The reboiler is the heat source that is used to vaporize the bottom product, which is then sent to the column. In total reflux, all the vapor produced in the column is condensed and returned back to the column. Therefore, the reboiler does not need to provide any heat to the column, and the reboiler load is minimum.

The condenser is responsible for condensing the vapor that is produced in the column. When total reflux is achieved, all the vapor produced in the column is condensed, and the condensed liquid is returned back to the column. Therefore, the condenser load is maximum.

Conclusion
In conclusion, total reflux in a distillation operation requires a minimum number of plates for effective separation of the components. The reboiler load is minimum, and the condenser load is maximum.