Distillation
is physical process which is used for separating the constituents of a
mixture on the basis of difference in their boiling temperature.
Distillation is used for purifying different types of liquids and solutions,
such as alcohols, water, etc. Distillation apparatus are used to perform
different types of distillation in laboratories. It is also known as
Distilling Apparartus.
Parts of a Distillation Apparatus
Distillation apparatus is a combination of several lab equipment. Though the
apparatus for different types of distillation require different
combinations, yet more or less they include similar items. A common
distillation apparatus includes :
- A Condenser : Usually a Liebig condenser or Graham condenser
is used
- A Boiling Flask : A boiling flask is needed for heating the
mixture or solution
- A Conical Flask : A conical flask is used for collecting the
purified constituent.
- A Distillation Column or Fractionating Column : A
fractionating column or distillation column is needed during the
fractional distillation process.
Working
of a Distillation Apparatus
Here is the pictorial representation of the working of a distillation
apparatus. In the distillation flask (a boiling flask), the mixture is
boiled to produce water vapour or steam, while other substances remain in
the liquid solution. The vapor rises through the top of the flask and pass
through the condenser. The water vapor condenses and is collected into the
receiving flask (a conical flask).
Types of Distillation Apparatus
Fractional
Distillation Apparatus
Fractional distillation apparatus is used to separate the mixture of two or
more liquids, which have close boiling points. It includes a fractionating
column, a boiling flask, a condenser and a distilling flask.
Steam
Distillation Apparatus
Steam distillation apparatus is required to separate the temperature
sensitive materials like natural aromatic compounds. It is different from
simple distillation in the sense that the product need not have to be
liquid.
