Sulaimani Polytechnic University (SPU)

Technical College of Engineering

Topic: simple and fractional distillation

Name of Prepared :
Lawand Rawf Muhamad
Muhamad omer
Muhamad Burhan
Hoshang muhamad

Under Supervision:
Miss.gashbin and mr.yasin

YEAR: 2023-2024

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Table of content

Topic page

aim 3-4

introduction 5-6

Equipment 7-8

Procedure 9 - 10 - 11

difference between simple and fractional 12 – 13 - 14

Discussion + Conclusion 15 - 16

References 17

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aim
The primary aim of both simple and fractional distillation is to separate
components in a mixture based on differences in their boiling points. These
methods are commonly used in chemical laboratories, industrial processes, and
other settings where purification or separation of substances is required. Let's break
down the specific aims of simple and fractional distillation and their distinct
applications.
Aim of Simple Distillation
The aim of simple distillation is to separate or purify a mixture when the boiling
points of the components are sufficiently different. The goal is to isolate a volatile
component from non-volatile components or to separate components that differ
substantially in boiling points (generally by at least 25-30 degrees Celsius).
Common aims include:
Purification: Removing impurities from a solution or mixture.
Separation: Separating two or more components with significantly different boiling
points.
Concentration: Increasing the concentration of a volatile component by removing
non-volatile ones.
Simple distillation is often used in applications such as:
Solvent recovery: Recovering organic solvents from reactions or cleaning
processes.
Aim of Fractional Distillation
The aim of fractional distillation is to separate or purify a mixture when the boiling
points of the components are close together (less than 25-30 degrees Celsius apart).
The primary goal is to achieve a more refined separation with greater efficiency. A
fractionating column increases the surface area for vapor condensation and re-
evaporation, allowing for multiple "mini-distillations" within the column, leading
to a more precise separation.
Typical aims for fractional distillation include:
Refinement: Separating components with similar boiling points.

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Purity: Achieving higher purity levels in the separated components.
Recovery: Maximizing the recovery of valuable or desired substances.
Fractional distillation is often used in applications such as:
Petroleum refining: Separating crude oil into its components, like gasoline, diesel,
kerosene.
Chemical synthesis: Separating and purifying products in chemical reactions.
Pharmaceuticals: Isolating specific compounds in drug manufacturing.
simple distillation is aimed at separating components with significant differences
in boiling points, suitable for basic purification and separation. Fractional
distillation, on the other hand, is designed for mixtures with components having
closer boiling points, providing a more refined and efficient separation. The choice
between simple and fractional distillation depends on the specific requirements of
the separation task, including the desired purity and the boiling point differences
between components.

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Simple distillation and fractional distillation
Simple distillation and fractional distillation are two common techniques used to
separate and purify mixtures based on differences in boiling points. Here's a
breakdown of what each method is and how they differ from each other:
Simple Distillation
Simple distillation is a method used to separate components in a mixture when the
boiling points are significantly different, typically by 25 to 30 degrees Celsius or
more. It involves heating the mixture to a temperature at which one component
vaporizes, then cooling the vapor to condense it back into a liquid. This condensed
liquid (the distillate) is collected, while other components remain in the original
container. (Berger, 1979)
Components of Simple Distillation
Distillation Flask: Holds the mixture to be separated.
Condenser: A cooling device that condenses the vapor back into a liquid.
Receiver: Collects the condensed liquid.
Applications of Simple Distillation
Water purification: Removing dissolved salts and impurities from water.
Alcohol production: Separating ethanol from water.
Solvent recovery: Reclaiming solvents used in laboratory or industrial processes.
Fractional Distillation
Fractional distillation is a more advanced method used to separate mixtures where
the boiling points of the components are closer together, typically less than 25 to
30 degrees Celsius apart. It involves a fractionating column, which provides
additional surface area for repeated condensation and vaporization, allowing for
more precise separation.

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Components of Fractional Distillation
Fractionating Column: Contains materials like glass beads or metal rings to
increase surface area for multiple "mini-distillations."
Distillation Flask: Holds the mixture to be separated.
Condenser: Cools the vapor to condense it back into a liquid.
Receiver: Collects the separated liquids.
Applications of Fractional Distillation
Petroleum refining: Separating crude oil into various fractions like gasoline, diesel,
and kerosene.
Chemical synthesis: Separating and purifying chemical compounds.
Pharmaceuticals: Isolating specific compounds in drug production.
Simple Distillation: Best for separating components with significantly different
boiling points. It is a straightforward method and generally used for basic
separations.
Fractional Distillation: Ideal for mixtures where components have closer boiling
points. It offers greater precision and is used in more complex separations like
petroleum refining and chemical production.
In short, simple distillation is effective for simpler separations, while fractional
distillation is better for complex mixtures with closely spaced boiling points,
offering more refined results

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Equipment for Simple Distillation
Simple distillation is generally used for basic separations where the boiling points
differ significantly. However, in the context of oil, simple distillation is typically
reserved for smaller-scale applications or to recover certain components from
simpler mixtures. The basic equipment includes:
 Distillation Flask: This is where the mixture (oil or other substances) is
heated. For small-scale setups, a round-bottom flask is commonly used,
while larger operations might use stainless steel tanks.
 Heat Source: This could be a Bunsen burner, hot plate, or electric heating
mantle for small-scale setups. In industrial applications, oil or gas-fired
heaters are common.
 Condenser: The condenser cools the vapor back into liquid. Common types
include Liebig, Graham, and Allihn condensers for lab setups. For larger
industrial processes, shell-and-tube or air-cooled condensers are used.
 Receiver: The container that collects the condensed distillate. In industrial
setups, this might be a larger tank or drum.
 Thermometer: To monitor temperature during distillation.

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Equipment for Fractional Distillation
Fractional distillation is the primary method used in oil refining, offering more
precise separations with complex setups. It involves a fractionating column to
achieve more refined separation through repeated condensation and vaporization.
Key equipment for fractional distillation includes: (Lewis, 1909)
 Distillation Column: The central component where crude oil is separated
into different fractions. This can be a tall, cylindrical structure with multiple
trays or packing materials to increase surface area for vaporization and
condensation.
 Reboiler: Heats the crude oil to initiate distillation. It is located at the base
of the column and can be heated by oil, gas, or steam.
 Fractionating Trays/Packing: Inside the distillation column, trays or
packing materials (like structured packing or random packing) facilitate
multiple stages of condensation and vaporization,

Procedure for Simple Distillation

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Simple distillation is used to separate a mixture when the components have
significantly different boiling points, typically at least 25 to 30 degrees Celsius
apart. This method is generally straightforward and involves the following steps:
1. Setup Preparation:
 Set up the distillation apparatus, ensuring all glassware is clean and
free of cracks.
 Attach a distillation flask to a heat source (such as a Bunsen burner,
hot plate, or electric mantle).
 Connect a condenser to the flask, ensuring that cooling water is
flowing through it.
 Position a receiver (e.g., a beaker or flask) at the outlet of the
condenser to collect the distillate.
 Insert a thermometer into the distillation flask to monitor the
temperature.
2. Heating:
 Add the mixture to the distillation flask and begin heating.
 As the temperature rises, monitor the thermometer and note the point
at which vaporization begins.
3. Vaporization and Condensation:
 When the boiling point of the desired component is reached,
vaporization begins.
 The vapor travels through the condenser, where it is cooled by
circulating water, causing it to condense back into liquid.
 The condensed liquid (distillate) is collected in the receiver.
4. Collection:
 Continue collecting the distillate until no more vapor is produced, or
until the desired component has been separated.
 Once the process is complete, turn off the heat source and allow the
apparatus to cool before dismantling.

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 5. Clean-up:
 Carefully clean all glassware and equipment.
 Dispose of any remaining residues properly.
Procedure for Fractional Distillation
Fractional distillation is used when the components in a mixture have closer
boiling points, (Taghipour, 2019)generally less than 25 to 30 degrees Celsius apart.
This method requires a more complex setup and involves the following steps:
1. Setup Preparation:
 Set up the distillation apparatus with a fractionating column between
the distillation flask and the condenser.
 Ensure the fractionating column contains packing material or trays to
promote repeated condensation and vaporization.
 Connect a condenser to the fractionating column, with cooling water
circulating through it.
 Position a receiver to collect the distillate.
 Insert a thermometer to monitor the temperature at the top of the
fractionating column.
2. Heating:
 Add the mixture to the distillation flask and begin heating.
 As the temperature rises, vaporization occurs at different points in the
fractionating column.
3. Fractionation:
 As the vapor rises through the fractionating column, it undergoes
repeated condensation and vaporization due to the packing or trays.
 This process creates a gradient, with lower boiling point components
collecting at the top and higher boiling point components remaining
lower in the column.
4. Vaporization and Condensation:

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  The vapor reaching the top of the column is condensed and collected
in the receiver.
 Adjustments can be made to control the separation, such as changing
the heating rate or adjusting the condenser temperature.
5. Collection:
 Continue collecting the distillate, observing changes in temperature to
determine when different components are being separated.
 Once the process is complete, turn off the heat source and allow the
apparatus to cool before dismantling.
6. Clean-up:
 Clean all glassware and equipment, ensuring proper disposal of
residues.
These are general procedures for simple and fractional distillation. Always follow
safety guidelines and use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when
working with distillation apparatuses. In an industrial context, the procedures are
more complex, involving large-scale distillation towers, automated controls, and
additional safety measures

difference between simple and fractional distillation

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The key difference between simple and fractional distillation lies in their
applications and how they handle mixtures with varying boiling points. Here's a
detailed comparison between the two processes: (Young, 1903)
Purpose and Application
 Simple Distillation: Ideal for separating mixtures with significantly
different boiling points, generally with a difference of at least 25-30 degrees
Celsius. It is used for relatively simple separations where one component is
much more volatile than the other(s). Common applications include
separating solvents from non-volatile solutes, purifying water, or distilling
alcohol from water.
 Fractional Distillation: Designed for mixtures with components that have
closer boiling points, typically within 25-30 degrees Celsius. This method is
used when a more refined separation is needed, such as in crude oil refining
or chemical synthesis, where the components have overlapping or close
boiling points.
Equipment and Setup
 Simple Distillation:
 Requires a distillation flask, condenser, heat source, and receiver.
 A thermometer may be used to monitor the temperature.
 The setup is relatively straightforward, without additional complex
components.
 Fractional Distillation:
 Includes a fractionating column between the distillation flask and
condenser.
 The fractionating column contains packing material (like glass beads
or metal rings) or trays to increase surface area for repeated
condensation and vaporization.
 Generally requires more sophisticated equipment and more precise
temperature control.
Process and Efficiency

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  Simple Distillation:
 Involves heating a mixture to vaporize the more volatile component,
then condensing it back into a liquid in the condenser.
 The separation is relatively simple, often used for purifying or
concentrating a specific component.
 May not provide sufficient separation if the components have close
boiling points.
 Fractional Distillation:
 The fractionating column allows for multiple stages of condensation
and vaporization, providing a more refined separation.
 This method can separate components with closely spaced boiling
points more effectively.
 Fractional distillation is typically used in more complex separations,
such as in petroleum refining, where multiple fractions are collected at
different stages of the process.
Examples
 Simple Distillation: Distilling ethanol from a water-alcohol mixture to
produce spirits, desalinating seawater, or recovering solvents in a lab setting.
 Fractional Distillation: Separating components of crude oil into gasoline,
diesel, kerosene, etc., or purifying chemicals in industrial processes.
Summary
Simple distillation is best for straightforward separations with significant
differences in boiling points, while fractional distillation is designed for more
complex mixtures where components have closer boiling points. Fractional
distillation involves additional equipment and offers a higher degree of separation
precision, making it suitable for complex industrial applications. Simple distillation
is often used for smaller-scale operations and more basic separations

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discussion
let's have a discussion about simple and fractional distillation, focusing on the
fundamental concepts, practical applications, and the importance of these methods
in various industries.
Fundamental Concepts
Both simple and fractional distillation rely on the principle that different
substances have different boiling points. By applying heat to a mixture, you can
vaporize the component with the lower boiling point, then condense and collect it,
effectively separating it from other components.
Simple Distillation
Simple distillation is the more basic of the two methods, suitable for separating
components when there's a significant difference in their boiling points. This
technique is generally used when the separation is straightforward, with fewer
concerns about precision.
 Advantages:
 Simple setup and equipment requirements.
 Effective for separating mixtures where the components have widely
spaced boiling points.
 Disadvantages:
 Not suitable for complex mixtures with closely spaced boiling points.
 Limited precision in separating different components.
Simple distillation is typically used in educational settings, smaller laboratories,
and applications like desalination, alcohol distillation, and solvent recovery. It can
also serve as a preliminary step in more complex processes.
Fractional Distillation
Fractional distillation is designed for more complex separations, particularly when
the boiling points are closer together. The fractionating column, which contains
trays or packing material, allows for multiple stages of condensation and
vaporization, enabling more precise separations.

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  Advantages:
 Greater separation precision, allowing for more complex mixtures to
be efficiently separated.
 Used in large-scale industrial applications, like crude oil refining and
chemical production.
 Disadvantages:
 Requires more sophisticated equipment and setup.
 Often more time-consuming and complex to manage.
Fractional distillation is essential in industries like petrochemicals,
pharmaceuticals, and chemical manufacturing, where precise separations are
crucial for product quality and safety. This method allows refineries to separate
crude oil into its various fractions, each with different applications, from gasoline
and diesel to lubricants and petrochemicals.
Importance and Impact
The ability to separate and purify substances is vital in many fields. In industrial
contexts, fractional distillation plays a key role in ensuring the efficient and cost-
effective production of fuels, chemicals, and other materials. Without fractional
distillation, refining crude oil into its various useful components would be far less
efficient, affecting numerous industries.
Simple distillation, while less precise, serves important roles in smaller-scale
applications and education. It provides a straightforward method for teaching the
principles of distillation and for achieving basic separations in laboratory settings.
Conclusion
Both simple and fractional distillation are foundational techniques in chemistry and
chemical engineering. Each serves specific purposes, with simple distillation being
suitable for basic separations and fractional distillation required for more complex
mixtures. Understanding the differences and applications of these methods is
crucial for anyone involved in chemical processes, whether in an academic,
laboratory, or industrial setting. If you have any further questions or want to delve
deeper into a specific aspect.

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References
Berger, R. a. (1979). Fractional distillation. Journal of the American Oil Chemists.
Society, 56(11Part1),, pp. 743A-744A.
Lewis, W. (1909). The Theory of Fractional Distillation. Industrial & Engineering
Chemistry,, pp. .522-533.
Taghipour, A. R. (2019). A review of fractional distillation to improve
hydrothermal liquefaction biocrude characteristics; future outlook and
prospects. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 115,, p. 109.
Young, S. (1903). Fractional distillation. Macmillan and Company.

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