Distillation

Definition:
Distillation is a process in which a liquid or vapour mixture of two or more substances
is separated into its component fractions of desired purity or boiling point, by the
application and removal of heat.

Figure 1: Laboratory display of a simple distillation process.

Process principles:
Separation of components from a liquid mixture via distillation depends on the
differences in boiling points of the individual components. The process of distillation
also depends on the concentrations of the components present. For example the
liquid mixture will have different boiling point characteristics. Therefore, distillation
processes depends on the vapour pressure characteristics of liquid mixtures.
Example:
Distillation of an ethanol-water solution, where the vapour contains concentration of
ethanol greater than in liquid.
Distillation of an ammonia-water solution to produce a vapour richer in ammonia.

Concept of distillation:
First concept: based on the production of a vapor by boiling the liquid mixture to be
separated and condensing the vapors without allowing any liquid to return to the still
no reflux (Flash/Batch distillation)

Second concept: Based on the return part of the condensate to the still under such
condition that this returning liquid is brought into intimate contact with the vapors on
their way to the condenser conducted as continuous or batch process
(Rectification/Continuous distillation).

Types of distillation:
Flash Distillation.
Is a single stage process, a liquid mixture is partially vaporized. The vapor is allowed
to come to equilibrium with the liquid and then are separated. The equilibrium vapor
is then separated from the equilibrium residual liquid by condensing the vapor. Flash
distillation can be either by batch or continuous

Figure 2: Equilibrium or flash distillation.

Simple Batch Distillation.

Simple batch distillation is done by boiling a liquid mixture in a steam-jacketed-kettle
(pot) and the vapor generated is withdrawn rapidly as they form to a condenser,
where the condensed vapor (distillate) is collected. The first portion of vapor
condensed will be richest in the more volatile component A.

Figure 3: Diagram of a simple batch distillation process.

Types of equipment:
For Flash Distillation:

For Batch Distillation:

Application of distillation:

In the fossil fuel industry distillation is a major class of operation in obtaining

materials from crude oil for fuels and for chemical feed stocks.

Distillation permits separation of air into its components

notably oxygen, nitrogen, and argon for industrial use.

In the field of industrial chemistry, large ranges of crude liquid products

of chemical synthesis are distilled to separate them, either from other
products, or from impurities, or from unreacted starting materials.

Distillation of fermented products produces distilled beverages with a high

alcohol content, or separates out other fermentation products of commercial
value.