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As there are a huge amount of mixtures in nature, the process of separation is important. Fractional distillation is the process of separation in which two miscible liquids can be separated from each other into their component parts. This process includes the separation of components by the process of heating so that one or more components can vaporize. Components that have a boiling temperature separation of less than 25 °C in the presence of 1 atmospheric pressure can be separated by this process. Otherwise, Instead of fractional distillation, distillation is used.
What is fractional distillation?
Fractional distillation is the process of separation in which two miscible liquids can be separated from each other into their component parts. This process includes the separation of components by the process of heating so that one or more components can vaporize. Components that have a boiling temperature separation of less than 25 °C in the presence of 1 atmospheric pressure can be separated by this process.
Principal of the process:
The main principle on which the process works is that different liquids have different boiling points and therefore, evaporate at different temperatures. Therefore, when the mixture is heated, liquid with a low boiling point evaporates first and the rest follows. If they are collected separately, it is possible to get different components separated.
How do fractional distillations work?
Some apparatus are needed to perform the procedure which includes a distilling flask, receiver, condenser, thermometer, heat source, and fractional column. Then two liquids are taken, for example, liquid A, and liquid B which have different temperatures. Let’s say, liquid A is more volatile than liquid B. Those are added in the fractional column. Heat is provided to increase the temperature of the column. The tip part of the column is connected to the condenser with glass pipes and then to the receiver. Liquid A first vaporized accepting the heat and raised through the glass pipe and entered the condenser. There, the vapor condenses and gets collected in the receiver. In this way, it is possible to collect separated liquid A and liquid B from the mixture.
Industrial Distillation:
Fractional distillation is the most common separation process which is used in different industries. Using the same principle, it is possible to perform the procedure on a large scale. Vertical columns are set up for distillation which is known as a distillation column. This distillation causes complete separation of the mixtures.
Fractional distillation of petroleum:
Fractional distillation of petroleum is one of the most important examples of industrial distillation in which various components of crude oil get separated. Crude only contains a huge range of components which includes gasoline, naphtha, diesel, kerosene, and lubrication oil. In this process, crude oil is poured into the distillation column and is heated at high pressure. The mixture starts boiling and vaporization occurs. At that moment, a number of materials enter the vapor phase. The fractional distillation columns have a number of plates which consist of some holes. The vapor travels from one section to another through these holes. The temperature is kept low at the top. Here, the materials with high boiling points will start condensing at the lower part whereas materials with low boiling points will condense at the top. In this way, different layers of components will be obtained. These components can be collected from the distillation column. After that, the components are passed through a condenser for further condensation.
Applications of fractional distillation:
As stated earlier, fractional distillation is mainly used in the separation of miscible liquids with low-temperature differences. Some of its applications are the following:
This process can be used for separating acetone from water and also for the purification of water.
This process on an industrial scale for the separation of certain components from crude oil or used in the separation of organic compounds as well.
This process of fractional distillation can be used for the purification of gases.
Fractional distillation is used for the development of high purity silicon from chlorosilanes. These silicons can be used in semiconductors.
Conclusion:
As there are a huge amount of mixtures in nature, the process of separation is important. Fractional distillation is the process of separation in which two miscible liquids can be separated from each other into their component parts. Fractional distillation of petroleum is one of the most important examples of industrial distillation in which various components of crude oil get separated. This process of fractional distillation can be used for the purification of gases.
