Separation Principle

Feed enters column at intermediate height. Reboiler vaporizes bottom liquid creating upward vapor flow. Condenser liquefies overhead vapor providing reflux flowing downward. Countercurrent vapor-liquid contact on trays or packing enables mass transfer. Light components concentrate overhead, heavy components in bottoms.

Column Design

Cylindrical vessel with feed section, rectifying section above feed enriching light components, stripping section below removing lights from bottoms, reboiler connection at bottom, overhead vapor outlet, reflux return, product drawoffs, and pressure/temperature instruments. Height provides required separation stages.

Internal Configuration

Sieve, valve, or bubble cap trays create vapor-liquid contact stages. Structured packing offers high efficiency with low pressure drop. Random packing suits smaller columns or fouling services. Distributors ensure uniform liquid flow across section. Internals selection optimizes separation, capacity, and pressure drop.

Operating Pressure

Atmospheric for crude distillation and low-boiling components. Vacuum for heat-sensitive or high-boiling materials. Pressure operation for light hydrocarbons or chemical synthesis. Pressure selection balances separation efficiency, utility costs, and material temperatures.

Material Selection

Carbon steel for hydrocarbon fractionation. Stainless steel for corrosive chemicals or high-purity products. Cladding for severe corrosion zones. Tray and packing materials resist process conditions. Design per ASME Section VIII with corrosion allowances.

Applications

Crude distillation separating crude oil fractions, gas plant deethanizers and depropanizers, petrochemical aromatics columns, chemical solvent recovery, alcohol distillation, water treatment, and countless separation processes across industries.

Separation Performance

Number of theoretical stages determines separation sharpness. Reflux ratio controls product purity versus energy consumption. Operating parameters adjust meeting product specifications while optimizing economics. Process control maintains stable operation.

Reboiler Types

Kettle reboilers with vapor space. Thermosiphon circulation driven by density difference. Forced circulation for fouling services. Steam or hot oil heating. Selection depends on heating medium, fouling tendency, and turndown requirements.

Condenser Configuration

Total condensers liquefy all overhead vapor. Partial condensers leave some vapor for pressure control or gas product. Cooling water, air, or refrigeration depending on condensing temperature. Overhead system design affects column operation.

Column Sizing

Diameter sized for vapor velocity preventing flooding while allowing adequate capacity. Height provides required separation stages plus safety margin. Mechanical design withstands wind, seismic, and process loads. Tall columns require guy wires or structural support.

Construction Standards

Design per ASME Section VIII with materials for service conditions. Tray and packing per vendor standards. Wind and seismic analysis for tall structures. Complete documentation with process datasheets, mechanical drawings, and performance guarantees.

ERGIL distillation columns deliver reliable component separation through proven fractionation technology serving diverse refining, petrochemical, and chemical applications.