Distillation and Fractional Distillation

If we look at the definition of distillation, it separates different particles or liquids in a liquid mixture having other boiling points. But fractional distillation is also a process of separating the various components of a liquid mixture; then, what is the difference between them? So, the basic and the most crucial difference between both methods is the range of boiling points of the liquids in the liquid mixture. In fractional distillation, the difference between the boiling points of the fluids in the liquid mixture is less than 25 degrees, and distillation has a range of boiling points of more than 25 degrees.

Distillation: Overview

Distillation is the physical separation of distinct components of a liquid combination. Distillation can also be used to separate liquids from nonvolatile solids, such as when a mixture of liquids is converted into a vapour, which is subsequently condensed back into a liquid or a solid. Distillation is a method of separating liquids from nonvolatile particulates that have been used to purify water for ages. For example, Aristotle stated between 384 and 322 BCE that evaporation of seawater provides pure water and that this procedure is also used to obtain oil by heating rosin.

For setting up the apparatus for the distillation method, we need: – a heat source, a reboiler or a flask, a condenser, and a receiving flask.

There are mainly seven types of distillation methods, which are listed below:

• Simple distillation 
• Fractional distillation
• Short path distillation
• Steam distillation
• Vacuum distillation
• Zone distillation
• Air-sensitive vacuum distillation

Fractional Distillation

Fractional distillation is a type of distillation in which multiple basic distillation procedures are carried out. You indeed have visited a chemical laboratory in your school or college, and there you must have seen the apparatus to run the fractional distillation process. If you haven’t seen it, then you will see it surely in your future classes. 

Equipment required:

• A heat sources
• a round-bottom flask (for heating the mixture)
• a conical or a round-bottom flask (for receiving the distilled liquid)
• a fractionating column
• a distillation heads
• a condenser
• a thermometer

Assembling of the Apparatus

We have to put the round-bottom flask, which will contain our liquid mixture, onto the heat source. Now the fractionating column is fitted over the head of the flask. There you can add a thermometer to check the changes in the temperatures of the vapours. We have to connect the fractionating column and the condenser now to finish up the assembly; the mouth of the receiving flask is connected to the end of the condenser, and we are ready to go ahead. 

Note

This method includes some minor losses in the apparatus because of the loose fittings of the tubes and some other minor errors. 

Fractional Distillation Method

• First, the liquid mixture is kept in the round-bottom flask
• Then the heat source is turned on, and then we have to wait until the liquid starts boiling
• After the liquid starts boiling, the component of the mixture which is most volatile starts converting into vapours and rises into the fractionating column to the top
• Then the vapours pass into the condenser, where the vapours cool down and liquify
• Then this processed liquid is stored in the receiving flask

Uses of the Fractional Distillation Method

The most important use of this method these days is the refining of crude oil. It is also used in laboratories to obtain different gasses from the mixture of gasses. Also, the packed distilled water which we drink is produced from this method.

Conclusion

You should have a decent understanding of the differences between distillation and fractional distillation by now. To summarise, both distillation and fractional distillation are separation procedures, with the primary distinction being the boiling temperatures of the various components of the liquid combination, as well as the equipment. The distillation process employs two flasks and a condenser, whereas fractional distillation uses a fractionating column. We can separate the solvent from the solute in distillation but not in fractional distillation. If you have any doubts about this topic, I will suggest going back and rereading the post.