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A fractionating column or fractional column is equipment used in the distillation of liquid mixtures to separate the mixture into its component parts, or fractions, based on their differences in volatility. Fractionating columns are used in small-scale laboratory distillations as well as large-scale industrial distillations.
The typical McCabe–Thiele diagram in Figure 1 uses a q-line representing a partially vaporized feed. Example q-line slopes are presented in Figure 2. The number of steps between the operating lines and the equilibrium line represents the number of theoretical plates (or equilibrium stages) required for the distillation.
The mixture is put into the round-bottomed flask along with a few anti-bumping granules (or a Teflon-coated magnetic stirrer bar if using magnetic stirring), and the fractionating column is fitted into the top. The fractional distillation column is set up with the heat source at the bottom of the still pot.
Another example of vapor and liquid contact devices are the spikes in laboratory Vigreux fractionating columns. The trays or plates used in industrial distillation columns are fabricated of circular steel plates and usually installed inside the column at intervals of about 60 to 75 cm (24 to 30 inches) up the height of the column.
Fractionation makes it possible to isolate more than two components in a mixture in a single run. This property sets it apart from other separation techniques. Fractionation is widely employed in many branches of science and technology. Mixtures of liquids and gasses are separated by fractional distillation by difference in boiling point.
The apparatus shown in the diagram represents a batch distillation as opposed to a continuous distillation. The liquid feed mixture to be distilled is placed into the round-bottomed flask along with a few anti-bumping granules, and the fractionating column is fitted into the top. As the mixture is heated and boils, vapor rises up the column.
This technique is frequently employed in chemical synthesis; in this case, the component of the still responsible for the separation is a fractionating column. A continuous still can, as its name suggests, sustain a constant process of distillation.
This image is a derivative work of the following images: Image:Fractional_distillation_lab_apparatus.png licensed with GFDL-en . 2008-03-07T11:17:34Z VIGNERON 272x321 (3971 Bytes) {{GFDL-with-disclaimers}} {{Information |Description=Diagram , drawn by theresa knott.