Batch Distillation Column Apparatus | OperatiX – 04
The Batch Distillation Column Apparatus OperatiX – 04 separates ethanol and water mixtures through batch rectification. This Batch Distillation Column Apparatus features an electrically heated evaporator, coiled condensers, and adjustable reflux ratio control. It supports vacuum mode operation and works with interchangeable optional column types. Optional DAQ software enables measurement and calculation of results.
The Batch Distillation Column Apparatus OperatiX – 04 separates liquid mixtures comprised of distinct liquids that are soluble in one another via distillation. This Batch Distillation Column Apparatus is fed with a recommended ethanol and water mixture, which partially evaporates as it heats on the way to the bottom of the column. It supports batch rectification with different types of columns available as optional.
Product Overview
Liquid mixtures comprised of distinct liquids that are soluble in one another are separated via distillation. Distillation in a counterflow is referred to as rectification.
The recommended liquid mixture for our distillation column system is ethanol and water. The column is fed with it. On the way to the bottom of the column, when it is heated to boiling, it partially evaporates. The created mixed vapour then ascends the column. The component with the lower boiling point is concentrated more in the combined vapour (ethanol). A condenser and a phase separation tank are used to condense it once it exits the top of the column. The remainder of this condensate is fed back into the column while a portion is collected in a tank as a product.
It continues to heat up and interchange materials with the rising mixed vapour here as it descends. As a result of this exchange, the liquid phase gains more water and the vapour phase gains more ethanol. Two tanks can be used to collect the liquid phase, which settles to the bottom.
There are different columns available as optional for this Batch Distillation Column Apparatus. Sensitive values are measured, displayed, and other parts, including temperatures, can be controlled by moving the temperature controller to the top or bottom of the column.
Optionally sensor data can be transferred to the computer for processing if desired. Additionally, the optional software enables recording and saving data on a PC via USB/LAN. The comprehensive course materials outline the foundations and offer a step-by-step overview of the experiments.
Batch Distillation Column Apparatus OperatiX – 04, Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Process | Batch rectification with different types of columns available as optional |
| Evaporator | Electrically heated, infinitely varied power |
| Tanks | Feed and top product tanks |
| Product Cooler | Coiled condenser |
| Top Product Condensing | Coiled condenser and phase separation tank |
| Tank Materials | All tanks made of glass and stainless steel |
| Reflux Ratio Adjustment | Using valves |
| Vacuum Mode | Possible with vacuum pump |
| Temperature Sensors | Different sensors per column |
| Pressure Gauge | Measures the vacuum in the system |
Technical Data
Feed Pump
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max. flow rate | 400mL/min |
| Speed | Variable |
Vacuum Pump
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Final vacuum | 200mbar |
Tanks
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Feed | approx. 10L |
| Boiler | approx. 7L |
| Top Product tank | approx. 5L |
| Phase separation tank | approx. 0.5L |
Condenser
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Top product condenser material | Glass |
| Top product condenser type | Shell and coiled |
| Product cooler condenser material | Glass |
| Product cooler condenser type | Shell and coiled |
Rotameter
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Top Product condenser | 1~7lpm |
| Product cooler | 1~7lpm |
Measuring Ranges
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Temperature | -100~400°C |
| Reflux ratio | 0~100% |
| Heating power | 0~2kW |
| Column differential pressure | 0~250mbar |
| Cooling water flow rate | 1~7lpm |
| System pressure gauge | -1~1bar |
Key Features
- Process Type: batch rectification, using ethanol and water as the recommended mixture
- Evaporator: electrically heated, infinitely varied power
- Vacuum Mode: possible with vacuum pump, final vacuum 200mbar
- Reflux Ratio Control: adjustable via valves, range 0~100%
- Tank Materials: all tanks made of glass and stainless steel
- Condensers: coiled, shell and coiled type, glass material
- Optional Columns: interchangeable column types available for this Batch Distillation Column Apparatus
- Data Recording: optional software records and saves data on PC via USB/LAN
- Software: optional DAQ software for measurement and calculation
Experiments
- Investigation of different types of columns: in batch mode, in vacuum mode, with different reflux ratios
- Energy efficiency increase due to feed preheating
- Determination of concentration profiles
- Determination of temperature profiles
- Pressure loss over the column
Construction and Design
The Batch Distillation Column Apparatus OperatiX – 04 is built around an electrically heated evaporator with infinitely varied power. A feed pump delivers flow at a maximum rate of 400mL/min at variable speed. Feed, boiler, top product, and phase separation tanks are made of glass and stainless steel, with capacities of approximately 10L, 7L, 5L, and 0.5L respectively. A coiled condenser cools the product, while a separate coiled condenser and phase separation tank condense the top product. Rotameters measure flow at the top product condenser and product cooler, each ranged 1 to 7lpm. Reflux ratio is adjusted using valves. A vacuum pump enables vacuum mode operation, reaching a final vacuum of 200mbar. Different temperature sensors are fitted per column, and a pressure gauge measures the vacuum in the system.
Software
Software OperatiX – 04 (optional). DAQ software specially designed in National Instrument™, LABVIEW™ environment to measure and calculate the results of the apparatus. The software is optional; a set of electronic sensors is included when the software is used. The software can be run in any Windows™ environment.
Scope of Delivery
- 1 Experimental unit
- 1 Set of hoses
- 1 Set of accessories (tools, seals)
- 1 Instruction manual
Optional Accessories
- Sieve tray column, OperatiX – 07
- Packed Column, OperatiX – 15
- Bubble cap tray column, OperatiX – 08
- Valve tray column, OperatiX – 14
- Structured Packing Column, OperatiX – 09
Q: What is the Batch Distillation Column Apparatus OperatiX – 04 used for?
A: It is used to separate liquid mixtures of distinct, mutually soluble liquids via batch distillation, using ethanol and water as the recommended mixture.
Q: Can the system operate under vacuum?
A: Yes, vacuum mode is possible with a vacuum pump, reaching a final vacuum of 200mbar.
Q: What types of columns are available for this apparatus?
A: Optional columns include the Sieve tray column (OperatiX – 07), Packed Column (OperatiX – 15), Bubble cap tray column (OperatiX – 08), Valve tray column (OperatiX – 14), and Structured Packing Column (OperatiX – 09).
Q: Is data acquisition software available with this system?
A: Yes, Software OperatiX – 04 is available as an optional add-on, designed in National Instrument™ LABVIEW™ environment, and can run in any Windows™ environment.
Q: How is the reflux ratio adjusted?
A: The reflux ratio is adjusted using valves, with a measuring range of 0 to 100%.
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