Fraktsioneerimist

Fraktsioneerimist, often translated as fractionation, is a process used to separate a mixture into its component parts or fractions. This separation is typically based on differences in physical properties such as boiling point, melting point, or solubility. The fundamental principle is that when a mixture is subjected to a specific condition, one component will behave differently than others, allowing for its isolation.

In chemistry and industry, fractional distillation is a common application. This technique is used to separate liquids with different boiling points. The mixture is heated, and as different components reach their boiling points, they vaporize and are then condensed and collected separately. This is widely used in the refining of crude oil to produce gasoline, diesel, and other petroleum products.

Fractionation can also be applied to solids, for instance, in separating mixtures based on solubility. A solvent is chosen that dissolves one component more readily than others. By carefully controlling the solvent concentration or temperature, the desired component can be precipitated out of the solution. Other methods, like fractional crystallization, exploit differences in melting points. The principle remains consistent: a controlled change in conditions leads to the selective separation of components within a mixture.