DISTILL

ATION
Aryan Pantbalekundri
WHAT IS
DISTILLATION?
The process of separating a liquid mixture into
its individual components based on their
different volatilities.
TYPES OF
DISTILLATIONS 1 SIMPLE DISTILLATION

2 FRACTIONAL DISTILLATION

3 STEAM DISTILLATION

4 AZEOTROPIC DISTILLATION

5 EXTRACTIVE DISTILLATION
 TYPES OF
DISTILLATIONS
SIMPLE STEAM EXTRACTIVE
DISTILLATION DISTILLATION DISTILLATION

Separates volatile Uses a solvent or

Separates components with entrainer to separate
components from
large boiling point azeotropic or close-
FRACTIONAL immiscible substances using
differences. AZEOTROPIC boiling mixtures.
steam.
DISTILLATION DISTILLATION

Separates components Separates azeotropic

with close boiling points mixtures by adding another
using a fractionating component.
column.
 Effect of Temprature on Distillation

Temperature play crucial roles in distillation processes and significantly affect their efficiency and
outcomes. Here's a brief overview of the effects of temperature on distillation:
Temperature:
• Higher temperatures generally increase the rate of distillation because they provide more energy
for vaporization.
• Increasing the temperature can lower the required residence time, enabling faster separation.
• However, excessively high temperatures can cause thermal decomposition or degradation of
certain compounds.
• In some cases, lower temperatures are preferred to minimize the loss of volatile or temperature-
sensitive components.
 Effect of Pressure on Distillation

Pressure play crucial roles in distillation processes and significantly affect their efficiency and outcomes.
Here's a brief overview of the effects of Pressure on distillation:
Pressure:
• Lowering the pressure reduces the boiling points of the components, allowing for distillation at lower
temperatures. This is known as vacuum distillation.
• Vacuum distillation is useful when dealing with high-boiling or temperature-sensitive compounds.
• Higher pressures can increase the boiling points of components, requiring higher temperatures for
separation.
• Pressure is particularly relevant in azeotropic distillation, where manipulating pressure can help break
or modify azeotropes.
DISTILLATION
COLUMN
Condensor

Distillate

Waste

Reboiler
 COMponents of distillation
column
• Feed: The feed is the mixture of components to be separated. It is introduced into the column at a
specific location known as the feed stage. The composition and flow rate of the feed impact the
separation efficiency and product quality.

• Distillate: The distillate is the desired product obtained from the top of the distillation column. It
consists of the lighter or more volatile components that vaporize at lower temperatures and condense
at higher points in the column. The distillate is typically collected and removed from the column for
further processing or use.

• Bottoms: The bottoms refer to the liquid product obtained from the bottom of the distillation column.
It consists of the heavier or less volatile components that do not vaporize easily and tend to
concentrate towards the bottom of the column. The bottoms are collected and removed for further
processing or disposal.
• Reboiler: The reboiler is a heat exchanger located at the bottom of the distillation column.
Its purpose is to provide the necessary heat to vaporize the liquid entering the column and
create the rising vapor flow. The reboiler can be heated using various heat sources, such as
steam or hot oil, to maintain the required temperature for effective separation.

• Condenser: The condenser is a heat exchanger located at the top of the distillation column.
It cools the vapor rising from the column, causing it to condense back into a liquid form.
The condenser removes heat from the vapor, allowing it to be collected as the distillate.

• Trays or Packing: Trays or packing are internal structures within the distillation column that
provide a large surface area for vapor-liquid contact and facilitate mass transfer between the
two phases. They create multiple stages or plates where vapor and liquid come into contact,
enhancing separation efficiency. Trays are horizontal platforms with holes or perforations,
while packing consists of a structured or random arrangement of materials designed to
create surface area for mass transfer.
 Theoretical stages in
distillation
• Theoretical stages, also known as theoretical plates, are a concept in distillation that represents the
theoretical number of separation steps required to achieve a desired degree of separation between two
components in a mixture. Each theoretical stage consists of a vapor-liquid equilibrium process where
mass transfer occurs between the vapor and liquid phases.
.
• McCabe-Thiele Method: This graphical method is widely used to estimate the number of theoretical
stages required for a given separation. It involves plotting the equilibrium curve, drawing the
operating line, and counting the stages along the intersection line. The method assumes constant molar
overflow, constant molar reflux, and a constant vapor/liquid ratio.

• Fenske's Method: This method is based on the concept of vapor-liquid equilibrium, relative volatility,
and the concept of minimum reflux ratio. It involves the use of equilibrium data and mass balance
equations to calculate the number of theoretical stages. The Fenske's method is commonly used for
multicomponent distillation.
 Reflux ratio
In distillation, the reflux ratio is an important parameter that determines the amount of liquid returned as reflux to the top
of the distillation column compared to the amount of liquid withdrawn as distillate. It plays a crucial role in the separation
efficiency and performance of the distillation process. The reflux ratio is defined as the ratio of the liquid reflux flow rate
(L) to the distillate flow rate (D):

Reflux Ratio = L/D

Minimum Reflux Ratio: Also known as the minimum reflux, is the lowest reflux ratio required in a distillation column to
achieve the desired separation between components. It represents the minimum amount of liquid reflux needed to obtain
the desired product specifications.

Maximum Reflux Ratio: It represents the upper limit of the reflux ratio that can be used in a distillation column. It is the
highest ratio of liquid reflux to distillate flow rate that can be applied while still achieving the desired separation between
components.

Optimal Reflux Ratio: The optimal reflux ratio depends on the specific separation requirements, desired product purity,
and system constraints. It is determined through a combination of process simulation, design considerations, and operating
experience. The goal is to achieve the desired separation with the most efficient use of energy and resources.
 NTU & HTU
In distillation, NTU (Number of Transfer Units) and HTU (Height of Transfer Units) are parameters used to quantify
the efficiency and performance of a distillation column. They are used to characterize the mass transfer occurring
between the vapor and liquid phases in the column.

Number of Transfer Units (NTU): NTU represents the number of theoretical stages or units of mass transfer required
to achieve a given separation. It is calculated as the ratio of the actual number of stages (N) to the theoretical number
of stages (Nth): NTU = N/Nth
The actual number of stages (N) is determined based on the specific column design, operating conditions, and
separation requirements. The theoretical number of stages (Nth) is calculated using equilibrium data and separation
specifications.

Height of Transfer Units (HTU): HTU refers to the physical height of each transfer unit in the distillation column. It
quantifies the effectiveness of mass transfer between the vapor and liquid phases in a single stage. HTU is calculated
by dividing the height of the column (H) by the number of transfer units (NTU): HTU = H/NTU
The height of the column (H) is typically measured from the bottom of the column to the top, including all the plates
or packing.
 Conclusion

• Distillation is a vital mass transfer operation for separating liquid mixtures based on boiling
point differences.
• It offers versatility and finds applications in industries such as petroleum, chemical, and food
processing.
• Efficient distillation depends on factors like column design, control parameters, and
understanding distillation curves and phase diagrams.
• Effective control strategies and optimized column design enhance separation efficiency.
• Distillation continues to advance through exploration and research, offering potential for
process improvement and expanding applications.
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