North Stills Distillation Apparatus

The distillation apparatus, otherwise known as a “still”, comprises a vessel for water and plant material, a condenser for cooling and condensing the vapor back to liquid form, and a collection method or receiver flask.

The plant material is immersed in the water in the vessel before being heated to its boiling point. The water vapor (steam) carries out the chemical components.

What is a distillation apparatus?

A distillation apparatus is made up of three major parts: a heat source, a condenser and a collection vessel.

These parts are very important in the distillation process, which involves separating two or more substances based on the difference in their pressure levels.

Vapor pressure refers to the average force that gases exert above a liquid. Every substance (even in solid state) has a vapor pressure. Nonetheless, vapor pressure will vary from one substance to another. For example, vapor pressure is much higher in steel than in water. Therefore, separating water from steel should be an easy process.

Vapor pressure has the greatest force in ice. For instance, freezers tend to burn when ice evaporates. Simply collect the vapor and turn it into liquid form by cooling it down until you attain condensation. As you remove the vapor, it constantly refreshes itself due to the liquid underneath.

Distillation apparatus components

The distillation equipment, also known as a still, typically consists of a pot or reboiler in which the substance is heated to its boiling point; a condenser unit in which the vapor is then cooled and a receiver flask in which the now cooled vapor condenses to produce a distillate.

What apparatus is required in fractional distillation?

Fractional Distillation uses the usual laboratory glassware and equipment. This includes a Bunsen burner, a condenser, and a round-bottomed flask as well as certain single-purpose laboratory items such as a fractionating column.

How to set Up a distillation apparatus

The equipment necessary for this process may be dangerous especially if they are not handled properly. For example, copper pipes should be soldered together using a propane flame, which could lead to severe cold burns or even wildfires. Caution should be taken to avoid direct exposure.

Keep in mind that cold and hot metals have similar physical characteristics so it’s difficult to differentiate them.

Distillation is the process of separating two or more liquids and is commonly used for purification purposes. Only professional testing can determine the different components of a mixture. If you decide to cleanse the comestible, drink it at your own risk.

Lastly, gather the vapor above the liquid so it can refill itself quickly. The boiling removes the liquid from the vessel. Provided that you pass the vapor through a cooler substance, continuously reducing the vapor pressure, you can condense and collect it as a concentrate.

Contact the pros at North Stills to get your Distillation system today.