Distillation Column Simulator

The Distillation Column Simulator is an educational system designed for studying unit operations, mass transfer, and distillation columns in chemical engineering applications.

The unit consists of a transparent column made of plastic material. Two perforated plates and a bubble cap plate are installed inside. This configuration allows students to observe gas-liquid flow behavior and the operation of the different types of plates used in industrial distillation processes.

The upper perforated plate distributes gas and liquid toward the bubble cap plate below. This allows the mass transfer and operating conditions of the column to be analyzed. The simulator also integrates three pressure taps positioned at different heights. These allow pressure drop measurements across the perforated plates and bubble cap plates.

The system includes a water tank, a recirculation pump, and a blower that injects air from the bottom of the column. Water flow rate is monitored via a variable-area flow meter. Air flow rate is instead measured using an electronic anemometer.

Thanks to the column’s 600 mm diameter, the system provides a clear view of distillation phenomena even under variable operating conditions.

The equipment allows for the development of skills related to:

• distillation columns;
• perforated plates;
• bubble cap plates;
• mass transfer;
• unit operations;
• pressure drops;
• gas-liquid distribution;
• separation technologies;
• educational pilot plants;
• industrial chemical engineering.

Thanks to its high educational and experimental value, the Distillation Column Simulator is an ideal solution for practical exercises, laboratory activities, and the study of industrial distillation processes.

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