(AODBS)
Formats: Interactive Web, CD-ROM

O V E R V I E W

This interactive training unit is designed to familiarize trainees with the basic components and operation of a typical distillation system. After completing the unit, trainees should be able to describe the functions of the major components of a distillation system and describe how the distillation process occurs in a distillation tower. They should also be able to explain how refluxing and reboiling affect product purity and how bubble caps and packing affect the distillation process in distillation towers. In addition, trainees should be able to explain why it is important to monitor and control distillation tower temperatures and pressures.

O B J E C T I V E S

Basic Distillation System

·         List and explain major equipment functions in a typical distillation system.

·         Define overhead product, bottoms product, and boil-up.

·         Describe the basic operation of a distillation tower.

·         Explain how a typical sieve-type distillation tower operates.

·         List and explain the purpose of the three sections of a distillation tower.

·         Define fractionation.

·         Explain how refluxing and reboiling help minimize overlap.

·         Define external reflux and internal reflux.

·         Explain how packed towers differ from distillation towers using bubble caps.

·         Compare and contrast the operation of bubble caps and packing grids.

Temperature and Pressure

·         Describe adjustments made when product purity is unacceptable.

·         Identify critical temperature points in a distillation tower.

·         Describe the effects of incorrect temperatures at various points in a distillation tower.

·         Explain what a temperature gradient is and how it is measured.

·         Explain how temperatures can be controlled in a basic system.

·         Identify critical pressure points in a basic system.

·         Describe the effects of incorrect pressures in a system.

S U B J E C T S

Basic Distillation System

·         Introduction to Distillation Systems

·         Tower Operation

·         Refluxing and Reboiling

·         Bubble Caps and Packing

Temperature and Pressure

·         Temperature

·         Pressure