Introduction: The system includes two distillation columns supplied as standard:A 50mm diameter plate distillation column containing eight sieve plates and downcomers. Every plate includes a temperature sensor positioned to measure accurately the temperature of the liquid on each plate. The sheaths of each plate temperature sensor are not more than 1.5mm diameter to ensure rapid dynamic response.A 50mm packed column supplied as a separate item but readily interchangeable with the plate column by the user, for comparative studies of the two types of distillation column.

Specifications: Electrically heated reboiler with sufficient capacity for up to two hours of batch operation. The reboiler heater is protected against overheating and by a low-level alarm.Overhead condenser with cooling water flow measurement and adjustment.Condensate collecting vessel equipped with double overflow weirs and exit pipes to enable separation of immiscible liquids.Asolenoid operated reflux return valve to provide for 0%-100% reflux, adjustable by electrical signal.Sampling points throughout the system for composition analyses.Differential manometer connected to the top and bottom of the column to monitor column pressure drop.Materials of construction for surfaces in contact with the process fluids are; glass, stainless steel, PTFE or similar solvent-resistant materials.Maximum operating temperature inside the column operation is at least 130 ?C.Temperatures are monitored via fourteen thermocouple sensors located at strategic positions in the system.