Fractional Distillation Unit | Fractional Distillation Principle & Process

Working of Fractional Distillation:

Fractional distillation is implemented in a compact, batch-style unit. The bottom section acts as a reboiler, a vessel immersed in a heating bath, while a packed column is mounted above it. Vapor generated in the reboiler ascends through the packed column, undergoing repeated vaporization and condensation (fractionation) to improve separation.

At the column top, vapors are condensed and, depending on the desired reflux ratio, part of the condensate may be returned down the column as reflux and part withdrawn as product. The top product is cooled (sub-cooled) and collected in receivers, while the heavier (bottom) fraction is drained from the reboiler through a valve.

Our fractional distillation units are offered in vessel capacities of 20 L, 50 L, 100 L, and 200 L. They are engineered for operation under atmospheric pressure or under full vacuum, making them versatile across various lab and pilot setups.

Diagram and Design of Fractional Distillation Unit:

Below you may place a clear fractional distillation diagram illustrating the arrangement: reboiler, packed column, reflux line, condenser, receivers, etc.

Unit Cat. Ref.	Reactor Capacity	Bath KW	Addition Vessel	Vapour Line	Conderser HTA M²	Cooler HTA M²	Receiver Size
FDU20	20 L	4.0	2 L	80 DN	0.35	0.10	5L
FDU50	50 L	6.0	5 L	100 DN	0.50	0.20	10L
FDU100	100 L	9.0	10 L	150 DN	1.50	0.35	20L
FDU200	200 L	12.0	20 L	150 DN	1.50	0.35	20L
FDU300	300 L	18.0	20 L	225 DN	2.50	0.50	20L
FDU500	500 L	24.0	50 L	300 DN	4.00	0.70	50L

In the design of a fractional distillation apparatus for Goel Impex / Goel’s Kilo Lab, the following are key:

• A robust fractional distillation column filled with appropriate packing to promote multiple theoretical stages
• Efficient vapor–liquid contact zones to drive separation
• Provision for reflux control
• Condenser(s) sized to handle the vapor load
• Temperature sensors and valves to monitor and control the process
• Corrosion-resistant glass (borosilicate) and PTFE wetted parts to ensure purity and compatibility

The fractional distillation method ensures that components with closer boiling points can be separated more effectively than via simple distillation. The principle of fractional distillation is that, in each vaporization–condensation cycle inside the column, the more volatile component becomes enriched in the vapor phase, while the less volatile condenses and returns downward.

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Fractional distillation