Faculty of Engineering &

Technology
Department of Chemical & Metallurgical
Engineering
BATCH DISTILLATION
PRESENTATION Surname, initials & student
No
1. MABASA M.W 221864881
2. MONGATANE, K 221762515
3. MOLEFE, P 221898816
4. MABASO A.N 221917861
5. TSHABALALA N.F 221912886

Name of subject: Chemical Engineering

Laboratory 1
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC
Level of study: Diploma
 1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND FOR BATCH DISTILLATION

 Batch distillation is a widely used separation technique in the chemical industry for the
separation of liquid mixtures based on their boiling point.
 In this experimental discussion, we will analyze the results and observation obtained from
a batch distillation experiment conducted to separate a binary mixture of liquids.

1.2 Main objective

 The main objective of this experiment is to conduct and apply the basic concepts of
material and energy balance on a batch distillation unit which composes of methanol and
water.

1.3 Specific objective

 To determine the purity and density of our product (distillate) and bottoms every 10 minutes.
 To conduct the overall balance, component balance, and energy balance.
Distillation
is a separation procedure that utilizes the fact that some components
evaporate more readily than others to separate components in a mixture. When vapors
are formed from a mixture, they contain the original mixture's components, but in
different quantities. The relative volatilities of these components establish the outcome.
Some areas have more vapor. As a result, the components that are more volatile
separate.

Essentially,distillation is the process of partially vaporizing a mixture and recovering the

vapor and residue separately from the mixture to separate a liquid into two or more
substances or components. The procedure is heating the liquid combination to the point
of boiling, where a component of the mixture vaporizes as a part of the mixture. The
vaporizing component condenses into a liquid. And independently gathered into one
product. The remaining component is gathered as another product.

 Distillation
is most commonly used for homogenous mixes or mixtures of two or more
liquids with identical polarity. Even mechanical means cannot distinguish between
the components in this type of combination. In the case of a homogeneous mixture,
when the boiling points of the constituent liquids differ, distillation is utilized. The
combination is heated until one of the components starts to boil. The vapor of the more
volatile component- has a very high concentration of the boiling component is
concentrated and taken out. It is condensed, cooled, and collected.
The distillation process relies on two types of pressures: vapor and external pressure. The pressure
exerted by vapor molecules as they depart the surface of a liquid is known as vapor pressure. When
the liquid is placed in a closed container, the pressure is measured. The molecules that exit the
liquid clash with the container's walls, resulting in pressure: the more molecules that escape the
liquid, the higher the pressure. When the amount to be distilled is small, when it is generated at
irregular intervals, when a variety of products must be produced, and when the feed composition is
expected to vary significantly, the batch operation should be considered.
 Batch distillation is an unsteady-state process in which the composition in the reboiler (still) and
overheads change as the batch is distilled. Batch distillation evaporates the more volatile
components from the still, which becomes increasingly rich in the less volatile components.
Distillation is continued until the still residue contains a substance with an appropriate low volatile
concentration, or until the distillate is no longer adequately pure in terms of the volatile component.
 The major physical reaction involved in the distillation process is the change of matter states. In
one half of the process, a liquid is converted to a vapor, while in the other, the vapor is converted
back to a liquid. Temperature and pressure are the two elements that influence these state shifts.
Temperature raises the kinetic energy of molecules in a given condition. Pressure can also
influence changes in the condition of a material.
Uses of Distillation: Distillation is utilized in a variety of commercial processes, including the
manufacture of gasoline, distilled water, xylene, alcohol, paraffin, kerosene, and a variety of other
 Types of Distillation Columns
 Simple distillation is a technique for separating two or more liquids with boiling points that vary.
 Fractional distillation is a method of separating two or more liquids having comparable boiling
points. Steam distillation is a technique for extracting essential oils from plants.
 Vacuum distillation is a technique for separating liquids with high boiling points.
 Azeotropic distillation is a method of separating azeotropes, which are liquid combinations that
boil at a fixed temperature.
 Continuous distillation is a perpetual separation in which a mixture is supplied into the process
constantly (without interruption) and separated fractions are withdrawn continuously as output
streams.

 Advantages and Disadvantages of Batch distillation

 When handling relatively modest amounts of material at regular intervals, batch distillation is
generally preferable to continuous distillation. Small-volume productions are frequently more
cost-effective.
 The flexibility of batch distillation is probably its most notable feature. When transferring from
one mixture to another, little alteration is required. It is adaptable to changes in product
formulation, manufacturing rate, feed mix, and other factors.
 Batch distillation enables for the use of standardized multi-purpose equipment to produce a
wide range of products from the same plant. They are preferred when the equipment requires
frequent cleaning due to fouling or sterilization.
 The long duration the mixture is exposed to high temperatures is a disadvantage of batch
distillation. This raises the likelihood of the compounds thermally degrading or decomposing.
Furthermore, the energy consumption for batch distillation is often larger than for continuous
 3. METHODOLOGY
3.1 Experimental Setup
Experimental Setup The experimental setup consists of a distillation flask equipped with a heating
mantle, a fractionating column, a condenser, and a receiving flask. The binary mixture to be
separated was introduced into distillation flask, and the heating mantle was to provide the necessary
heat for vaporization
3.2 Materials and Reagents
Methanol is an organic compound that can be described as clear and has a similar appearance to water. Methanol is
generally toxic and is used in a variety of industries such as for pesticides and the alternative fuel industry. Methanol has
hydrogen bonding which causes the boiling point to be in the much higher regions.
Water can be simply described as a substance with the chemical formula of H2O and can occur in various states
depending on the temperature and pressure of the surroundings.
3.3 Procedure
The distillation flask was charged with the binary mixture in a known composition and quantity.
The distillation apparatus was assembled, ensuring a tight connection between the components
to prevent any leaks. The heating mantle was switched on, and the temperature was gradually
increased to initiate the distillation process.
As the temperature increased the liquid mixture (methanol and distilled water) started to
vaporize, and the vapors were condensed in the fractionating column and collected in the
receiving flask. The temperature and the composition were of the distillate were monitored at
regular time intervals using a thermometer and a refractometer, respectfully. The distillation
process was continued until no more distillate was collected, indicating the completion of
separation
 4. RESULTS AND OBSERVATIONS

4.1 Observations
1. Temperature Profile:
 The temperature of the distillation flask started to rise steadily as the heating mantle was turned on.
 Initially, the temperature remained relatively constants as the low boiling components vaporized. However, as the
distillation progressed, the temperature gradually increased, indicating the separation of the higher boiling
component.
2. Composition Profile:
 The composition of the distillate was analyzed at regular intervals using a refractometer. Initially, the distillate
primarily consisted of the low boiling components.
 However, as the distillation preceded, the composition shifted towards the high boiling components, indicating the
successful separation.
3. Distillate Volume:
 The volume of distillate collected over time was recorded. Initially, the distillate volume increased rapidly, indicating
the separation of the more volatile components.
 However, as the distillation approached its end, the distillate volume decreased, indicating the separation of the less
volatile component.
4. Residue Composition:
 After the completion of the distillation process, the residue left in the distillation flask was analyzed for composition. It
was observed that the residue primarily consisted of the high boiling component, indicating the successful separation
of the binary mixture.
 RESULTS

Distillate
Time Temperature Mass Volume Density Xd
(min) (ᵒC) (g) (mL) (Kg/m^3) (mass fraction)

10 12.00 201.79 250 807.16 0.97

20 14 211.90 260 815 0.91

30 17.7 211.50 255 829.41 0.80

40 17.4 107.22 130 824.77 0.65

 5. CALCULATIONS
FEED PREPARATION
 T= 297 K


 =
 = 55.248 kmol/
 ×


 =
 = 24.676 kmol/
 =
 = 897.839 kg/


 897.893 =

 = 2.405 kg

 =
 =
 = 0.006 -
 =
 1.DENSITY AFTER 10 MINUTES

 =
 = 807.79 kg/
 2. COMPOSITION OF THE PRODUCTION IN MASS % AFTER 10 MINUTES DISTILLATE


 T= 285 K

 = 55.419 kmol/


 =
 = 25.03 kmol/
 807.16=
 1.007122
 But
 1-


 6. GRAPHS
20 Boiling Temperature Vs Purity
Density Vs Purity
18
835
16

830 14

Temperature (°C)
12
825
10

8
Density (Kg/m^3)

820
6
815 4

2
810
0
0.6 0.65 0.7 0.75 0.8 0.85 0.9 0.95 1
805 Purity (mass%)

800

795
0.6 0.65 0.7 0.75 0.8 0.85 0.9 0.95 1

PURITY (mass %)
 Boiling Temperature Vs Density
20.00
19.50
19.00
18.50
18.00
17.50
17.00
Temperature (°C)

16.50
16.00
15.50
15.00
14.50
14.00
13.50
13.00
12.50
12.00
11.50
11.00
10.50
10.00
800 805 810 815 820 825 830 835 840 845 850

Density (kg/m3)
 7. DISCUSSION

The experimental results obtained from the batch distillation experiment confirmed the
effectiveness of the technique in separating the binary mixture based on the difference
in boiling points. The temperature and composition profiles of the distillate provided
insights into the progress of separation, with the low boiling component being initially
dominant and gradually replaced by the high boiling component.
The declining distillate volume indicated that the separation process was nearing
completion, as the less volatile component was being separated. The composition
analyst of the residue confirmed the successful separation of the binary mixture, as
the remaining liquid primarily consisted of the high boiling component.
However, it is important to note that the efficiency of the separation process can be
influenced by various factors such as the reflux ratio, the packing materials in the
fractionating column, and the heating rate. Optimization of these parameters can lead
to improvised separation efficiency and higher purity of the distillate.
 8. CONCLUSION
 After conducting the batch distillation experiment, we can draw the following conclusion:
 The batch distillation process proved to be an effective method for separating the mixture of
liquids based on their boiling points.
 By heating the mixture of liquids (methanol and distilled water) based on their boiling points.
 By heating the mixture in the distilled flask, the liquid on the lower boiling point vaporized first
and was collected in the condenser.
 As the distillation process continued, the temperature gradually increased, causing the liquid
with higher boiling point to vaporize and condense in the condenser.
 Through this process, we were able to obtain two distinct fractions- the lower boiling point liquid
and the higher boiling point liquid.
 The separation was successful, and the purity of each fraction was confirmed through various
tests.
 Overall, the batch distillation experiment showcased the principles of fractional distillation and
its practical application in separating mixtures of liquids.
 It also highlighted the importance of controlling temperature and pressure during the distillation
process.
 9. RECOMMENDATIONS
1. Temperature Control: Ensure that we have a reliable temperature control system in place.
This will allow us to accurately monitor and adjust the temperature during the distillation
process. Maintaining a consistence temperature is crucial for the separation of the mixture.
2. Proper Equipment: Use high-quality glassware and equipment specifically designed for
distillation. This includes a distillation flask, condenser, thermometer, and heating source.
Make sure all the components are clean and in good working conditions to avoid any
potential issues during the experiment.
3. Sample size: Determine the appropriate volume of the mixture to be distilled. The size of
the batch will depend on the available equipment and the nature of the mixture. It is
important to have enough volume to obtain sufficient fractions for analysis.
4. Collection and Analysis: Plan how we will collect and analyze the fractions at different
boiling points. After the distillation, perform tests (such as density or refractive index) to
determine the purity of each fraction.
5. Safety Precautions: Always prioritize safety during the experiment. Make sure we are
familiar with the handling of flammable substances and use appropriate protective gear,
such as gloves and safety goggles. Work in a well-ventilated area and be cautious when
dealing with hot surfaces
 10. REFERENCES

1. Zhang, C., Liu, Y., Gao, Z., Huang, L. and Xiong, J., 2023. Process Design, Simulation
and Experimental studies of Heteroazeotropic Batch Distillation for Phenol
Dehydration.Chemical Engineering Research and Design.
2. Tung, F. and Mori, G., 2019. Similarity-preserving knowledge distillation. In Proceedings
of the IEEE/CVF international conference on computer vision (pp. 1365-1374).
3. Jung, J.W., Heo, H.S., Shim, H.J. and Yu, H.J., 2020. Knowledge distillation in acoustic
scene classification.IEEE Access, 8, pp.166870-166879.
4. Kant, R. and Kumar, A., 2022. Process optimization of conventional steam distillation
system for peppermint oil extraction. Energy Sources, Part A: Recovery, Utilization, and
Environmental Effects, 44(2), pp.3960-3980.
5. Wikipedia contributors (2023) “Batch distillation,” Wikipedia [Preprint]. Available at:
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Batch_distillation.
6. http://www.separationprocesses.com/Distillation/DT_Chp05d.htm