Fractional Distillation
What is Fractional Distillation?
Fractional distillation is a separation technique that separates a mixture of liquids with different boiling points by repeated vaporisation and condensation within a fractionating column. The more volatile component (lower boiling point) enriches in the vapour phase and distils first. It is used industrially to refine crude oil into fractions (petrol, kerosene, diesel, etc.) and to produce high-purity gases from liquid air.
Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Fractional distillation is a separation technique that separates a mixture of liquids with different boiling points by repeated vaporisation and condensation within a fractionating column. The more volatile component (lower boiling point) enriches in the vapour phase and distils first. It is used industrially to refine crude oil into fractions (petrol, kerosene, diesel, etc.) and to produce high-purity gases from liquid air.