Spinning Band Distillation
High-efficiency spinning band columns for small or valuable charges and close-boiling separations. Packed columns are listed by scale below.
Spinning band systemsFractional Distillation Apparatus & Equipment
Laboratory fractional distillation systems and units that purify solvents, chemicals, natural products, petroleum, and biodiesel. Charge sizes run from micro samples to pilot scale.
Each fractional distillation apparatus centers on a distillation column that separates components by boiling point. Higher column efficiency means sharper cuts and higher purity. Fully automatic options with fraction collectors and vacuum available.
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Options
Fractional Distillation Column Options
Fractionating can be done in either a traditional packed distillation column or in a spinning band distillation column. B/R builds both types of fractional distillation columns for lab and industrial use.
A complete fractional distillation unit can be fully automated from beginning to end. Automation allows unattended operation. Accessories such as automatic fraction collectors, vacuum systems, and receivers can be added to any system size.
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Overview
What a Laboratory Fractional Distillation Apparatus Is
A laboratory fractional distillation apparatus separates a liquid mixture into fractions by boiling point. A simple still boils and condenses once. A fractional system uses a distillation column so vapor and liquid contact each other many times. That multi-stage contact makes sharper cuts.
In a working lab, "apparatus" means a complete system, not a condenser clamped to a ring stand. B/R builds integrated units. Typical parts:
- Boiling flask: holds the charge. Lab flasks on the 9600 run 1-50 L. Mini and micro use smaller flasks.
- Distillation column: spinning band or packed. This is where separation happens.
- Condenser: returns vapor to liquid.
- Reflux / takeoff control: how much condensate goes back down the column versus into a receiver.
- Receivers: collect product fractions.
- Optional automation: heating control, fraction collectors, vacuum, and PC logging.
How the column works
Rising vapor is richer in lower-boiling components. Descending liquid is richer in higher-boiling ones. Each contact stage improves the split. Efficiency is often given in theoretical plates. More plates help on close-boiling mixtures when the column is run correctly.
A spinning band uses a rotating helical band that wipes the column wall and makes a thin film. Hold-up is low (under about 1 ml on lab systems; under about 0.1 ml on micro systems, depending on model). Teflon bands are used below 225°C. Metal bands are available for higher temperatures. Packed columns use mesh or Propak packing. On the 9600, packed sections are 15 theoretical plates and can be stacked. Packed columns favor throughput. Spinning band favors small or valuable charges.
What labs use it for
- Solvent purification and high-purity solvent recovery
- Specialty chemical and intermediate purification
- Petroleum fractions and crude assay (D2892 / D5236 systems are a related line)
- Essential oil and natural-product separations
- Research and process development before scale-up
Teaching-lab glassware can show the idea. An R&D or production apparatus adds controlled heating, a defined column, vacuum if needed, and often unattended operation. Start with charge volume, boiling range, and whether the sample is heat-sensitive. Then pick scale and column type.
More detail: how a fractional distillation column works and spinning band vs packed column.
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Scale
Fractional Distillation Systems by Scale
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Questions
Fractional Distillation FAQ
What is a fractional distillation apparatus used for?
A fractional distillation apparatus separates liquid mixtures by boiling point to produce high-purity fractions. Labs use B/R systems for solvent purification, chemical intermediates, natural products, petroleum fractions, and biodiesel.
Spinning band vs packed column?
A spinning band column uses a rotating helical band for high efficiency and low hold-up. That suits smaller samples and close-boiling separations. Packed columns use mesh or Propak packing for higher throughput from lab to pilot scale. B/R builds both types of fractional distillation column.
What fractional distillation system sizes are available?
Micro (7-100 ml), mini (100-2000 ml), lab scale (1-50 L), and pilot scale (50-1000 L). Each fractional distillation unit can include automation, vacuum, and automatic fraction collectors. For close-boiling separations, see spinning band distillation.
What is included in a laboratory fractional distillation system?
A complete laboratory fractional distillation system typically includes a boiler, distillation column (spinning band or packed), condenser, reflux control, receivers, and optional automatic fraction collector, vacuum system, and PC control. B/R configures equipment for your sample size and purity requirements.
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Read MoreQuotation
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