Fractional distillation

Fractional distillation is used when you want to separate several components that have similar boiling points. In this case, fractional distillation must be considered.

The difference between simple and fractional distillation is the number of vapour-condensation cycles.
In the laboratory distiller, a glass column directly connected to the distillation flask is used. Its shape determines the type of process being carried out.

Fractional distillation in the laboratory

In the case of a simple distillation process, only a glass tube is used.
In the case of fractional distillation, the glass tube must be filled with an inert material such as glass beads or pieces of iron.

$Laboratory fractional distillation distiller$

The objective is to multiply the number of vapour-condensation cycles. During each of these cycles, the vapours reach the distillation flask in contact with the surface of the insulating material. At this point they condense and fall back down. Each step corresponds to an enrichment in the vapour of the component present in greater quantity with the end result being a more efficient distillation.

It is important to understand that this type of distillation is one of many different types that are carried out in the laboratory, in the broader chapter on distillation and separation.
On other pages, the different types of laboratory distiller, including the vacuum distiller or the steam current distiller.

But to properly understand the distillation process, it may be useful to start with the simple distillation, to continue with the water distillation or the wine distillation.

To conclude, it is necessary to bear in mind that in order to learn about fractional distillation, it is also necessary to delve into the industrial aspects of fractional distillation of oil for a more complete view.