Distilation Column

A column is an important item used in the distillation of liquid mixtures to separate the mixture into its parts, or fractions, supported by the differences in volatilities. Fractionating columns are utilized in small-scale laboratory distillations as well as large-scale industrial distillations.

Main Components of Columns

Distillation columns are made from several components, each of which is employed either to transfer heat energy or enhance material transfer.

A typical distillation contains several major components:

• -A vertical shell where the separation of liquid components is administered
• -Column internals like trays/plates and/or packings are used to enhance component separations
• -A reboiler to supply the necessary vaporization for the distillation process
• -A condenser to chill and condense the vapor leaving the top of the column
• -A reflux drum to carry the condensed vapor from the top of the column so that liquid (reflux) can be recycled back to the column.