Continuous Tray Distillation Unit (CTDU10)

This unit is used to separate components of a solution based on their relative volatilities between a gas and a liquid phase. The new phase is created from the original phase by vaporization or condensation and all the components are present in both phases. The two phases contact on tray surface and continuously transfer mass. Then the vapor phase rich of more volatile components go upward and the liquid phase rich of less volatile components moves downward. The vapor is condensed in condenser and a fraction of liquid is continuously retuned to the column while the remainder of liquid is continuously collected as top product (distillate). The liquid phase rich of less volatile component is continuously collected from reboiler (residue). In this unit, feed is continuously pumped on a specific tray and no accumulation occurs within the column. The unit is in semi-pilot scale helps the user to practice and observe different features of the continuous distillation process.

Technical Specifications:

  • Pyrex body of the column for visibility of the process
  • Tanks and piping in stainless steel
  • Separate tanks for distillate and residue collection
  • Feed tank with approximate capacity of 30 L
  • Residue tank with side glass
  • Selectable feed-tray (where is operationally reasonable)
  • Sieve trays with downcommer and seal pot
  • Tray spacing: 15 cm
  • Tray numbers: 10
  • Column diameter: 9 cm
  • Tray material: stainless steel
  • Sampling from each tray and from inside reboiler
  • Reboiler with 25-liter capacity and glass height indicator with adjustable heat load
  • Reboiler heat load: electric heater with adjustable power
  • Heating system of belt electric heater and indirect contact
  • Condenser: shell and tube type
  • Condenser material: stainless steel
  • Adjustable feed temperature for preheating
  • Adjustable cooling water flow rate using rotameter
  • Temperature indicator (TI) on: each tray, top vapor phase, water inlet and outlet of condenser, reboiler, reflux stream, feed stream (16 TI)
  • Adjustable reflux ratio from zero to total reflux
  • Feed pump with adjustable flow rate 0-15 L/h
  • Unit dimensions: height: 3.2 m, width: 1.58 m, depth: 1.18 m
  • Stainless steel frame