MASS TRANSFER

Distillation Unit

A crucial piece of equipment in chemical engineering used for separating components based on differences in boiling points.

Feed Section

The part of the distillation unit where the feed stream, or mixture to be separated, is introduced.

Reboiler

Heats the bottoms of the distillation column to generate vapors necessary for the separation process.

Condenser

Cools overhead vapors back into liquid, can be either total or partial depending on operation.

Top Products

Lighter components collected at the top of the column during distillation, often called distillate.

Bottom Products

Heavier components that exit from the bottom of the distillation column after processing.

Instrumentation

Devices used to measure temperature, pressure, and flow to maintain optimal operation of the distillation unit.

Control Strategies

Methods implemented to optimize product quality and efficiency, such as PID control for temperature management.

Cooling Water System

Provides necessary cooling for the condenser, typically sourced from a cooling tower.

Pressure Relief Valves

Safety features that protect the distillation system from excess pressure buildup.

Emergency Shutdown Systems

Automatically shut down the unit in case of critical failures to ensure safety.

Applications of Distillation

Distillation is widely used in various industries for separating and purifying liquids.