Fractionating columns help to separate the mixture by allowing the mixed vapors to cool, condense, and vaporize again in accordance with Raoult's law. ... The vapor condenses on glass spurs (known as trays or plates) inside the column, and returns to the distilling flask, refluxing the rising distillate vapor.
How does fractional distillation work step by step?
Fractional distillation
- heated crude oil enters a tall fractionating column , which is hot at the bottom and gets cooler towards the top.
- vapours from the oil rise through the column.
- vapours condense when they become cool enough.
- liquids are led out of the column at different heights.
What is the principle involved in fractional distillation?
The basic principle of this type of distillation is that different liquids boil and evaporate at different temperatures. So when the mixture is heated, the substance with lower boiling point starts to boil first and convert into vapours.
