Multifunction Distillation Column | OperatiX – 05
The Multifunction Distillation Column OperatiX – 05 separates ethanol and water mixtures through discontinuous rectification. This Multifunction Distillation Column supports batch, continuous, and vacuum distillation modes with interchangeable column types. It features electrically heated evaporation, adjustable reflux ratio, and glass and stainless steel tank construction. Optional DAQ software enables measurement and calculation of results.
The Multifunction Distillation Column OperatiX – 05 separates soluble liquid mixtures of two different liquids through distillation. This Multifunction Distillation Column uses a recommended ethanol and water mixture, poured into the boiler’s evaporator tank, to generate low-temperature liquid vapor that climbs the column. It supports interchangeable columns for batch, continuous, and vacuum distillation modes.
Product Overview
Distillation is a process used to separate soluble liquid mixtures of two different liquids. It is recommended to use a liquid mixture of ethanol and water in this equipment. The liquid combination is poured into the boiler’s evaporator tank. Typically, a mixer consists of two parts with distinct boiling points. The resultant low-temperature liquid vapor climbs the column. The component with the lower boiling point is concentrated more in the combined vapor (ethanol). A condenser and a phase separation tank are used to condense it once it exits the top of the column.
The remainder of the condensate is sent back into the column as reflux while a portion is collected in a tank as product. As it falls, it continues to be heated and exchanges materials with the rising mixed vapor. As a result of this exchange, the liquid phase gains more water and the vapor phase gains more ethanol. The liquid phase descends and collects at the bottom, hence discontinuous rectification.
A large, clear process schematic on the switch cabinet makes it easy to assign all the process variables of this Multifunction Distillation Column.
Multifunction Distillation Column OperatiX – 05, Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Process | Distillation with different columns available as optional |
| Column Configuration | Interchangeable columns |
| Vacuum Mode | Possible with 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 |
Technical Data
Feed Pump
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Max. flow rate | 400mL/min |
| Speed | Variable |
Vacuum Pump
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Final vacuum | 200mbar |
Tanks
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Feed | 2x approx. 4L |
| Boiler | approx. 7L |
| Bottom product | 2x approx. 4L |
| Top product | approx. 1.5L |
| Phase separation | approx. 0.5L |
Condenser
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Top product condenser material | Glass |
| Top product condenser type | Shell and coiled |
| Pre heating condenser type | Concentric tube |
| Pre heating condenser material | Stainless steel |
Rotameter
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Top Product condenser | 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: discontinuous rectification, using ethanol and water as the recommended mixture
- Column Configuration: interchangeable columns for varied distillation studies
- Evaporator: electrically heated, infinitely varied power
- Vacuum Mode: possible with vacuum pump, final vacuum 200mbar
- Reflux Ratio Control: adjustable via valves, range 0~100%
- Bottom Product Heat Exchange: cooling/heating via feed preheating or cooling water
- Tank Materials: all tanks made of glass and stainless steel
- Process Visualization: large, clear process schematic on the switch cabinet, part of this Multifunction Distillation Column
- Software: optional DAQ software for measurement and calculation
Experiments
- Investigation and comparison of different columns: in batch distillation mode, continuous distillation mode, in vacuum mode, with different reflux ratios
- Determination of concentration profiles
- Comparison of different types of columns
- Vacuum mode possible
- Column temperature control with a concentration on practice: reflux ratio serves as the column’s top actuator; heating efficiency as a column bottom actuator
- Determination of temperature profiles
- Pressure loss over the column
Construction and Design
The Multifunction Distillation Column OperatiX – 05 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. Two feed tanks, each approximately 4L, supply the boiler, which holds approximately 7L. Two bottom product tanks, each approximately 4L, and a top product tank of approximately 1.5L 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.
Software
Software OperatiX – 05 (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 Instructional 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 Multifunction Distillation Column OperatiX – 05 used for?
A: It is used to separate soluble liquid mixtures, such as ethanol and water, through distillation, with support for batch, continuous, and vacuum modes.
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: 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 – 05 is available as an optional add-on, designed in National Instrument™ LABVIEW™ environment, and can run in any Windows™ environment.
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