The Continuous Distillation Column Apparatus OperatiX - 06 performs continuous rectification to separate ethanol and water mixtures. This Continuous Distillation Column Apparatus works with interchangeable columns, including sieve tray, bubble cap tray, packed, valve tray, and structured packing types. It supports vacuum mode, adjustable reflux ratio, and feed preheating via heat exchanger. Optional DAQ software enables measurement and calculation of results.

Continuous Distillation Column Apparatus OperatiX - 06, Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Process | Continuous rectification with different types of columns available as optional |
| Column Configuration | Interchangeable columns |
| Vacuum Mode | Possible using vacuum pump |
| Evaporator | Electrically heated, infinitely varied power |
| Tanks | For feed, bottom, and top product |
| Bottom Product Heat Exchange | Cooling/heating due to feed preheating or cooling water |
| Top Product Condensing | Condenser and phase separation tank |
| Tank Materials | All tanks made of glass and stainless steel |
| Reflux Ratio Adjustment | Using valves |
| Temperature Sensors | Different sensors per column |
| Pressure Gauge | Measures the vacuum in the system |
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 |
| Bottom Product tank | approx. 5L |
| Phase separation tank | approx. 0.5L |
Condenser/Heat Exchanger
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Top product condenser material | Glass |
| Top product condenser type | Shell and coiled |
| Pre heating condenser material | Stainless Steel |
| Pre heating condenser type | Concentric tube |
Rotameter
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Top Product condenser | 1~7 lpm |
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
Experiments
Construction and Design
The Continuous Distillation Column Apparatus OperatiX - 06 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. A feed tank of approximately 10L supplies the boiler, which holds approximately 7L. A top product tank and a bottom product tank, each approximately 5L, collect the separated liquids. A phase separation tank holds approximately 0.5L. A shell and coiled glass condenser handles the top product, while a concentric tube, stainless steel condenser manages preheating. A rotameter measures top product condenser flow at 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. Columns can be fed at three different heights with the separating liquid combination.
Software
Software OperatiX - 06 (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
Optional Accessories
Q: What is the Continuous Distillation Column Apparatus OperatiX - 06 used for?
A: It is used to separate homogeneous liquid mixtures, such as ethanol and water, through continuous rectification, similar to industrial applications like crude oil separation.
Q: What column types are interchangeable with this apparatus?
A: The sieve tray column, bubble cap tray column, packed column, valve tray column, and structured packing column are all interchangeable with this unit.
Q: Can the system operate under vacuum?
A: Yes, vacuum mode is possible using a vacuum pump, reaching a final vacuum of 200mbar.
Q: How does column temperature control work?
A: Reflux ratio serves as the column's top actuator, while heating efficiency serves as the column bottom actuator.
Q: Is data acquisition software available with this system?
A: Yes, Software OperatiX - 06 is available as an optional add-on, designed in National Instrument™ LABVIEW™ environment, and can run in any Windows™ environment.