Fractionating Column
Fractionating Column is a laboratory apparatus used in distillation processes to separate liquid mixtures into their individual components based on differences in boiling points. It consists of a vertical glass or metal tube filled with packing material or internal trays that increase surface area, promoting repeated condensation and vaporization cycles (fractionation). This allows for more efficient separation of close-boiling compounds. Fractionating columns are commonly used in organic chemistry labs, chemical processing industries, and educational institutions. Their design can vary from simple glass tubes to complex industrial towers, but all serve the essential function of improving separation efficiency in distillation systems.