Distillation Column

Distillation Column: Principles of Functioning and the Importance of Good Design

Step into any refinery, chemical plant, or processing facility, and you will see tall towers that appear almost everywhere in these facilities. What you see is distillation columns that help separate liquid mixes based on different boiling points of their components. Being a designer company, we've had experience working with engineers and plant operators who can testify about the importance of a good distillation column design.

What is a Distillation Column?

The key principle of functioning of a distillation column is heating the liquid mix until the components vaporize at certain temperatures, followed by the condensing of these vapors separately to obtain the desired purity. The typical distillation column diagram is reboiler, trays (or packing), and condenser.

Types of Distillation Column

There is a variety of distillation columns used in the industry depending on production requirements. The main types of distillation column can be divided into tray (plate) and packed columns, which can be either batch or continuous depending on the process requirements. Depending on the feed composition, desired purity level, and operating pressure.

Packed Distillation Column vs. Tray Systems

In packed distillation columns, structured or random packing materials are used instead of trays, providing less pressure drop and more efficient operation of small diameter columns or vacuum columns. In turn, there are several types of trays used in distillation column design – sieve, valve, bubble-cap, and so on.

Design and Specifications of the Distillation Column

Correct distillation column design consists of the calculation of the number of theoretical stages, reflux ratio, tray spacing, and column diameter in order to prevent any problems. Detailed distillation column specification sheet should include pressure, temperature range, material of construction, tray type, and expected throughput.

Understanding of the Flood Problem in Distillation Columns

Flood is one of the most typical problems in the distillation column operation; it occurs due to vapor flow that hinders proper liquid descent through the trays of the column. As a result, separation efficiency decreases, and in case of flood, separation process can completely stop. Proper sizing at the design stage is the best way to cope with this problem.

Fractional Distillation Column and Its Applications in Petrochemistry

The fractional distillation column is known for its ability to separate mixtures of components with narrow boiling points. That is why it is indispensable in petrochemical industry where the separation of gasoline, diesel, and kerosene from crude oil is required.

Why Choose Anomizer?

Need help choosing a column or fine-tuning the design parameters? We have years of practical experience in solving different separation problems.

Suffering from separation difficulties or designing a new distillation column? Consult our specialists and get engineering assistance tailored to your particular process.