Fractional Distillation
Fractional Distillation is used to separate miscible liquids that are volatile in nature. The boiling points of these liquids are close enough. The fractionating column apparatus is used to simulate the separation. Also known as rectification, since the vapour is condensed partially and returned as a liquid. It is basically a process where the vaporization of a liquid mixture gives rise to a mixture of constituents, followed by the extraction of the required component in its pure form.
However, this technique can be only used to separate miscible liquids, which form PURE azeotropic mixtures.
Principle of Fractional Distillation
- On distillation of the liquid mixture, the partial condensation of the vapour occurs in a fractionating column.
- In the column, advancing vapour from the still comes in touch with the condensing vapour that returns back to the still. This causes the enrichment of vapour with the more volatile component.
- By constant condensation and heating of the vapour, an equilibrium is achieved between liquid and vapour. This results in the extraction of a more volatile component from the mixture.
Applications of Fractional Distillation
Fractional distillation can be used to separate the mixtures like:
- Acetone and Water
- Chloroform and Benzene
- Separation of Gases From Air
Distillation
Distillation is the method of separating mixtures, in which the conversion of a liquid into vapour is afterwards condensed back to liquid form. distillation method is used for the purification of metals. Distillation is preferable where both solid and liquid have to be extracted from the solution. Also known as simple distillation, it is based on the differences noticed in the volatility and corresponding vapour pressures observed in the components of a mixture.
In this article, we will learn about, Distillation Definition, Distillation Process, Types of Distillation and others in detail.
Table of Content
- What is Distillation?
- Distillation Process
- Equipment needed for Distillation
- Principle of Distillation
- Types of Distillation
- Applications of Distillation