Distillation Columns Used in Crude Oil Refining Oil & Gas- Finepac Structures

The distillation column is important equipment for crude oil refining. It is very similar to separating the product into different chemical components depending on the difference in volatility. The refinery uses two main types of distillation towers. They are :

1. Packed Type Columns – The packed distillation column is a vertical tower packed with sections with ceramic raschig rings,, ceramic saddles or steel poles. The packing material is used to increase the surface area for mass transfer between the gas phase and the liquid phase during the distillation process.

The process stream is heated before entering the column to cause partial vaporization.  As it rises above the tower, the steam is cooled. Light components continue to rise and heavy components condense and fall on the floor with liquid.

The reboiler at the bottom of the column draws heat to create steam and removes lighter components from the liquid. Packed towers are generally only used to produce top and bottom products.


2.Tray Type Column – The tray-type distillation column operates on the same principle as the packing column. However, instead of using packaged materials, use trays located at various heights inside the tower. The tray has a weir that keeps the liquid layer across the surface. Vapor through the liquid creates air bubbles to remove the elements of light. When the liquid flows over the weir, it is sent to the lower tray.

Read More For Distillation Columns 



.