Applications of Distillation

What is Distillation?

Distillation is a separation technique that is used to extract a mixture of solids in a liquid. It is basically the process of heating the liquid to form vapors, and then condensing the vapors in order to get back the liquid. The liquid that is obtained by performing the condensation of vapor is called the distillate....

Distillation Process

Distillation Process is proceed in the following ways,...

Raoult’s Law and Dalton’s Law in Distillation

For a solution containing a mixture of liquids, the distillation process is dependent on Dalton’s law and Raoult’s law....

Equipment needed for Distillation

The process of distillation basically uses the following apparatus:...

Principle of Distillation

The principle of Distillation is explained by the points added below:...

Types of Distillation

There are various types of Distillation that are,...

Simple Distillation

Simple distillation is the basic process of distillation it involves heating the liquid mixture to its boiling point and then condensing the resulting vapours immediately.This method of distillation is only applicable when the difference between the boiling points of the liquid is a considerably large minimum difference of 25°C is required at least. Raoult’s Law helps to purify the liquid separated....

Fractional Distillation

Fractional Distillation is used to separate miscible liquids that are volatile in nature. The boiling points of these liquids are close enough. The fractionating column apparatus is used to simulate the separation. Also known as rectification, since the vapour is condensed partially and returned as a liquid. It is basically a process where the vaporization of a liquid mixture gives rise to a mixture of constituents, followed by the extraction of the required component in its pure form....

Steam Distillation

Steam distillation separates the heat-sensitive components of the mixtures.This process is achieved by passing steam through the heated mixture which vaporizes some mixture. Thus a high heat-transfer rate is established without requiring higher temperatures. Resulting vapour is then condensed to the distillate. This process helps to obtain essential oils and herbal distillates from various aromatic flowers and natural herbs....

Vacuum Distillation

Vacuum distillation is used for separating mixtures of liquids with high boiling points. For boiling such mixtures heating them to high temperatures is very inefficient. Therefore, boiling such mixtures is achieved by lowering the pressure of the surroundings. Lowering the pressure helps to reduce the boiling of the mixture and as soon as the vapour pressure of the mixture equals the vapour pressure of the surroundings the mixture changes to vapour.The vapours are then collected and then condensed as the distillate. Vacuum distillation method obtains a high-purity sample of compounds that decompose at high temperatures....

Air-Sensitive Vacuum Distillation

Compounds that easily react with air cannot be directly distilled. They are distilled using the vacuum distillation process.  This process is carried out in vacuum but the vacuum is replaced with inert gas as soon as the process is completed. This type of distillation process is called air-sensitive vacuum distillation....

Short Path Distillation

Short-path distillation purifies a small quantity of the compound which is unstable at high temperatures. This process is done under low pressure. In this process the distillate travels a very short distance before being collected hence, this process is called Short Path Distillation....

Zone Distillation

Zone distillation process involves the partial melting of the given substance and then condensing the resultant vapours to obtain a pure distillate. This process is carried out in long containers with the help of zone heaters....

Applications of Distillation

Some of the Applications of Distillation are:...

Simple Distillation vs Fractional Distillation

The difference between Simple Distillation and Fractional Distillation are tabulated below:...

FAQs on Distillation

1. Define Distillation?...