Partiidestilleerimine

Partiidestilleerimine, also known as batch distillation, is a method of separating components of a liquid mixture by boiling and then condensing the vapor. Unlike continuous distillation, where feed is added and product is removed constantly, batch distillation involves processing the mixture in discrete cycles or batches.

The process begins by heating the liquid mixture in a vessel called a still or reboiler. As the temperature rises, the component with the lowest boiling point will vaporize first. This vapor then rises and comes into contact with a distillation column, which may contain trays or packing material. These features provide a large surface area, allowing for repeated vaporization and condensation cycles, which enhance the separation efficiency. The vapor then travels to a condenser, where it is cooled and turned back into a liquid. This condensed liquid, known as the distillate, is collected.

As the distillation progresses, the composition of the liquid remaining in the still changes. The more volatile components are gradually removed in the distillate, leaving behind a liquid enriched in the less volatile components. The process continues until a desired degree of separation is achieved or until the still is nearly empty. Batch distillation is versatile and can be used for a wide range of applications, including the purification of chemicals, the production of alcoholic beverages, and the refining of petroleum. Its flexibility makes it suitable for small-scale production or when dealing with mixtures that are difficult to separate continuously.