FRACTIONATING COLUMN
Prepared by: Bibechana Thatal
INTRODUCTION
A fractionating column(sometimes called a fractionation column
or fractional column) is a vertical column used in fractional
distillation.
It separates a mixture of liquids into different components
(fractions) based on their boiling points.
The column provides repeated vaporization and condensation
steps to achieve better separation.
Commonly used in pharmaceutical industries, petrochemical
plants, and labs.
PRINCIPLE
Based on the principle of repeated vapor-liquid contact and
boiling point differences.
The mixture is heated → vapors rise through the column →
cooler surfaces condense high-boiling components.
Low-boiling components continue to rise as vapor.
Each condensation-vaporization step acts as a theoretical plate
improving separation efficiency
CONSTRUCTION OF FRACTIONATING COLUMN
Vertical column made Thermometers are
of glass (laboratory) or used to monitor
metal (industrial). temperature at
Contains trays, plates, different heights.
or packing materials to
increase contact
surface area.
Has reboiler at the
bottom and condenser
at the top.
Distillate outlet at the
top and residue outlet
at the bottom.
Types of fractionating column
Based on internals, divided in two groups:
Tray (or plate) Packed
columns columns
Sieve trays Random packings
Bubble- cap trays Structured packing
Valve trays Grid packing
Plate column(tray column)
These have a comers.
series of
trays/plates
inside the
column. On
each tray,
vapour rises
through
openings or
caps, and
contacts liquid
that is flowing
down via down-
Bubble‐cap trays: vapour rises through risers and is
forced to bubble through a pool of liquid via a cap. 
Sieve trays: have holes (perforations) rather than
caps; simpler and lower cost. 
Valve trays: movable valve caps above perforations
allow variation in through-flow depending on load,
better operating range.
Packed column
In a packed column, the gas and liquid flow
up and down in continuous (not stagewise)
way. Column is filled with suitable packing
materials to provide a large contacting area
between the phases.
There are three types of packing:
Random Packing
Consists of small individual pieces poured randomly into the column.
Provides large surface area for vapour–liquid contact.
Common examples: Raschig Rings, Pall Rings , Intalox Saddles
Structured Packing
Made from corrugated sheets or wire gauze arranged in an ordered pattern.
Provides uniform flow paths for vapour and liquid.
Examples: Mellapak, Flexipak, Montz-Pak.
Grid Packing
Constructed from metal or plastic bars arranged in a grid-like framework.
Designed for high gas and liquid flow rates with very low pressure drop.
Materials: stainless steel, ceramics, or reinforced plastics.
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