Learn the Benefits of Distillation and Distillation Data Analysis Software

Posted by Separationsys on July 23rd, 2019

Distillation is the most commonly used method for the separation of homogeneous fluid mixtures, which is a fluid with uniform properties throughout and a constant density. It is also one of the most important processes in the chemical industry. Separation takes advantage of differences in boiling point, or volatility, between the components in the mixture. This process usually involves heating the liquid but it may also be achieved by reducing the pressure or by a combination of both. Repeated vaporization and condensation of the mixture allow virtually complete separation of most homogeneous fluid mixtures.

 Some say that the vaporization requires too much input of energy and its high energy usage is a big disadvantage of distillation. While it is true that requires energy to perform, the pros still far outweigh the cons. This is because distillation has three main advantages over alternative methods for the separation of homogeneous fluid mixtures. These are as follows:

Benefit #1

Distillation offers the ability to handle a wide range of feed flow rates. Many of the alternative processes for the separation of fluid mixtures can only handle low flow rates, which is simply not good enough for many tasks in many industries. Distillation can be designed for the separation of extremely high or extremely low flow rates.

Benefit #2

Distillation also has the ability to separate feeds with a wide range of feed concentrations. Many, if not all, of the alternatives to distillation, can only separate feeds that are already relatively pure. There are many instances in which this won’t do. 

Benefit #3

Nothing else can say it has the ability to produce high product purity the way distillation does. The other alternatives only carry out a partial separation and cannot produce pure products. Again, in many industries, this is not good enough to complete the task at hand.

Distillation is versatile, robust and well-understood by those in the field. These three benefits are exactly why distillation is the most common method for the separation of homogeneous mixtures.

 From both kinetic and thermodynamic points of view, distillation offers advantages over other existing processes for the separation of fluid mixtures. So, how is this distillation done? With distillation data analysis software of course! SimDis® Expert is the most powerful type of software available on the market today. It meets or exceeds all of the requirements of existing and proposed standard test methods used in the world today. It's more than just capable though, as its graphical user interface is broadly recognized as the easiest to learn.

 The software is compatible with all popular chromatography data acquisition systems and is available in several versions individually suited for your needs including support for non-traditional detectors including mass spectrometers. Like other distillation column design software you may have used in the past, it can be purchased for use on a PC or installed on a network. Look into ordering this type of software for your use in distillation processes!