Fractional Distillation Equipment

We offer a sophisticated line of fractional distillation systems, designed to meet the rigorous demands of separating complex mixtures.

Fractionating Column Packing

Learn more about our column packing options and Pope’s Pro-Pak distillation column packing.

Standard Distillation Column Packings

A range of packing types for fractional packed column systems is available. The standard distillation column packing offered is Pro-Pak® random packing. Customer-specified packings can be used including materials of stainless steel, metal alloys, ceramic, and plastics.

Typical Column Packing Equipment Options

  • Pro-Pak® distillation column packing
  • Saddles
  • Rings
  • Structured Packing
  • Knitted Packing

Non-Random Packings Available Include:

  • Woven wire mesh, spiral rolled type cylindrical sections.
  • “Structured” corrugated sheet or gauze metal cylindrical sections.
  • Bubble-cap or sieve tray plates.

As a generality, smaller diameter columns favor small-size random packings such as Pro-Pak® for higher efficiency, as opposed to large-size random or non-random types due to column wall effects.

Properties, Performance and Specifications of 0.24″ Protruded Pro-Pak® Standard Packing

  • Material of construction, 316 stainless steel (monel, other alloys available).
  • 372 ft2 per 1 ft3 of packing, allowing high mass transfer rates.
  • 96% free space, allowing low pressure drop, especially in vacuum distillation.
  • Shape: half-cylinder, corners bent.
  • Size: 0.24″ diameter x 0.24″ length, 0.003″ sheet thickness, 1,024 protrusion holes per in2.
  • Density: 290,000 pieces and 21 lb/ft3, (316 SS).
  • Packing factor: 420.
  • Flood rate predicated with the following equation:
    • G=270(ρ1)0.58(ρg)0.42where:
    • G=Mass vapor velocity, lb / ft2 • hr
    • ρ1=Density of liquid phase, lb/ft3
    • ρg=Density of gas phase, lb/ft3
    • Efficiency of the packing increases with increasing vacuum.

Comparative Column Packing using PRO-PAK®

Column Diameter (inches)Operating PressureBoil Up Rate(L/hr)Vapor Velocity(ft/sec)HETP (Plate Height Inches)Pressure Drop (Inches H20/ft)
2atmospheric3.70.351.770.12
2atmospheric15.51.462.101.70
2(200 mm Hg)1.050.310.790.23
2(200 mm Hg)11.153.201.335.23
2(50 mm Hg)4.64.700.922.54
6atmospheric37.00.401.660.18
6atmospheric146.01.602.572.86

* Above data obtained at Total Reflux with 0.24″ PRO-PAK®

Turnkey Processing Equipment

Pope offers turnkey processing equipment custom-built for your unique application.

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Fractional Distillation Gallery

View our gallery of Fractional Distillation systems including batch and continuous mode systems.

40-Liter, 3” Column Batch Fractional Still System

Turnkey skid for distillation of biomedical polymers used in implantable devices. All 316L SS except for dual glass receivers.

40-Liter, 3” Column Batch Fractional Still System
200 L Batch Fractional Distillation System
250L Batch Fractional Distillation System
500L Batch Fractional Distillation System
Explosion proof turkey continuous distillation with electric heater and on-skid controls.
3” Continuous Fractional Distillation
3L Batch fractional Distillation
Pope 200L Batch Fractional Distillation System
2-Stage 6” Continuous Fractional Distillation
22L Glass Batch Fractional Distillation System
6L Lab-scale Batch Fractional Distillation System
75L Batch Fractional Distillation
Conventional batch distillation with multiple receivers.
2-Stage 3” Continuous Fractional Distillation
22L Glass Batch Fractional Distillation System with Data Acquisition
75L Batch Fractional Distillation System
2-Stage, 2” Continuous Fractional Distillation
High polish stainless steel inside finish for electronics industry grade distillations. Instruments and fittings installed for use with pyrophoric materials. Include high wattage on-skid explosion proof hot oil system custom designed by Pope Scientific
High polish stainless steel inside finish for electronics industry grade distillations. Instruments and fittings installed for use with pyrophoric materials. Include high wattage on-skid explosion proof hot oil system custom designed by Pope Scientific.
High polish stainless steel inside finish for electronics industry grade distillations. Instruments and fittings installed for use with pyrophoric materials.