We decided to build our own rectification column filled prismatic springs made of stainless steel. We chose them because they have the smallest height of the theoretical plate. At the height of filling we mounted the viewfinder (speculum) through which you can watch the work of filling and the moment of column flooding. In Addition to the operation of the column is needed heating boiler in which the pig iron is heated to reflux. The two-stage heater can quickly warm the mixture and allow to prevent overheating of pig iron. For cooling, we used the countercurrent copper coil. Due to lack of access to running water we used 120-liter tank and radiators. We checked the correct installation of all components and operation of the valves. Since the column is open, we can freely change the parameters of it. Also by using connectors SMS, we are able to quickly and easily dismantle the next part of the column.
To automate the process of semi-continuous rectification we used some temperature sensors that were connected in the loop with universal and user-friendly Ardruino module.
Principle of operation:
Pig iron is heated in the boiler by the heater so as to bring the mixture to reflux. Above the boiler is placed column on which is a process of heat and mass transfer. We need to remember that more volatile component has a lower boiling point. On the next layers of filling process takes place rectification, so on the end you get almost pure more volatile component. Filling acid-resistant steel, placed in the rectification column, increase the area of heat exchange between the condensates and the vapor passing through them. Pairs are cooling down on the developed filling surface and mix with flowing down condensates. As a result, the compounds of different boiling temperatures are separated more effectively what contributing to the increase power and purity of the distillate. In practice, the use of 120cm prismatic filling column allows to obtain 95-96% pure rectified spirit. Product vapors are condensed in a cooler and partially returned to the column, to hydrate filling. Temperature controller sets the appropriate heater power to avoid overheating liquid contained in the boiler. PID temperature controller Thermocouple J SSR is used to fine-tune the job of column without hysteresis (deviation). Adjustment is made by pulsed activation the heating (or cooling) element. Set has the ability to select their own parameter settings. Mounted liquid level sensor allows the automatic closing of the valve, when we receive the assumed volume of more volatile fraction.
Built apparatus is fully professional installation of rectification and can be used to do research dealing with the separation of various mixtures. We plan to do a thorough research using the built apparatus and publish the results in professional journals.
Design, modeling, construction and testing of chemical and industrial equipment is an integral part of the profession of Process Engineer. We were able to test our knowledge, develop skills and explore about the rectification and equipment used to its realization.
