Distillation Columns Used in Crude Oil Refining

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:

Packed Type Columns - A packed column tower is a vertical tower packed with sections with ceramic LASIK rings, ceramic saddles or steel poles. This packaging material is used to increase the surface area for mass transfer between gas and liquid during the distillation process. The process stream is heated before it enters the column, causing 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.

Tray Type Column  - 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 maintains a liquid layer across the surface. The hot water vapor flows through the liquid to remove the light components. When the liquid flows over the weir, it is sent to the lower tray. Three main types of trays are used: sieve, valve and bubble cap tray. The bubble cap tray generally separates the product components most efficiently. The bubble cap design distributes the steam more widely, allowing it to bubble through the liquid flowing across the tray.

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