Specifications

Component List

All components listed below are included in this kit. Items marked Optional can be customized.

Available Joint Sizes · GB/ISO/ASTM Standards

All sizes share 1:10 standard taper — GB, ISO, and ASTM sizes are interchangeable

14/19 19/26 24/29 (GB·recommended) 29/32 34/35 · 45/40 · 50/42 custom

GB (Chinese) 14/19 · 19/26 · 24/29 · 29/32 ISO 14/19 · 19/26 · 24/29 · 29/32 ASTM (American) 14/20 · 19/22 · 24/40 · 29/42

* All components have matching joint sizes for full system compatibility. ASTM and GB/ISO sizes share 1:10 taper — seal lengths differ but are interchangeable.

Component	Standard Spec	Available Joint Sizes	Upgrade Options	Qty	Link
Please contact us to confirm the available specifications.

📌 Customization Notes:
• Joint size can be selected to match your existing lab system:
GB (Chinese): 14/19 · 19/26 · 24/29 · 29/32
ISO: 14/19 · 19/26 · 24/29 · 29/32
ASTM (American): 14/20 · 19/22 · 24/40 · 29/42
• Column type: Vigreux (standard) or Packed (high efficiency) — packing options include glass springs, glass beads, and stainless steel Raschig rings
• All optional specifications can be freely combined with no minimum order quantity
• For special requirements (e.g., 34/35, 45/40, 50/42), please contact our technical team

💡 Recommended Add-Ons: Heating mantle (matched to flask size) · Anti-bumping granules · Silicone tubing (Φ8mm × 2m) · Thermometer (0–200℃ / 0–300℃) · Column packing (glass springs / stainless steel rings) · Vacuum grease (optional)

Product Description

I. Principle of Fractional Distillation

Fractional distillation is a separation technique built on the concept of the theoretical plate. The core lies in the fractionating column — rising vapor and descending reflux liquid repeatedly contact each other through the column's internal structure or packing. Each contact is equivalent to a micro-scale distillation/condensation cycle. After multiple vapor-liquid equilibrium stages, the lower-boiling component continuously enriches toward the column top, while the higher-boiling component returns to the distillation flask. This achieves far superior separation compared to simple distillation.

Fractional distillation is most suitable for mixtures with boiling point differences in the 20–80℃ range. If the difference is less than 20℃, a longer column or higher theoretical plate number is required. If greater than 80℃, simple distillation is sufficient.

✦ Theoretical Plate Number — The core metric for evaluating column efficiency. More plates = better separation. This kit's standard Vigreux column provides 10–15 theoretical plates; packed columns can reach 20+ plates depending on packing type and column length.

II. Column Type Comparison

Vigreux Column: Features downward-sloping indentations on the inner wall, increasing vapor-liquid contact area. Advantages: simple construction, low flooding risk, low pressure drop — ideal for routine fractional distillation with moderate separation requirements. Disadvantage: fixed theoretical plate number, cannot be increased with packing.
Packed Column: Filled with glass springs, glass beads, or stainless steel Raschig rings to maximize vapor-liquid contact and exchange efficiency. Advantages: theoretical plate number can be flexibly adjusted by choosing packing type and height — ideal for fine fractional distillation with high separation requirements. Disadvantages: higher pressure drop, higher flooding risk, requires more operational skill.

III. Material & Workmanship

All glass components are manufactured from borosilicate glass 3.3, providing excellent thermal shock resistance and chemical stability. Column walls are smooth, bubble-free, and scratch-free to ensure vapor-liquid exchange is not compromised by glass defects. All ground joints are precision-machined to the standard 1:10 taper, available in GB (Chinese National Standard), ISO, and ASTM (American) standard sizes.

This apparatus is designed and manufactured in compliance with GB/T 21298-2017 "Laboratory Glassware — Distillation Apparatus".

Applications

Typical Applications

Petrochemical Analysis

Boiling range determination and component analysis of petroleum fractions

Organic Synthesis Purification

Separation and purification of isomers and close-boiling organic compounds

Flavor & Essential Oil Purification

Enrichment of specific boiling-point fractions from natural products

Fine Chemicals

Preparation of high-purity intermediates and final products

Teaching Laboratories

Core experimental instruction in organic chemistry and petrochemical programs

Suitable Conditions

Boiling point difference between components: 20–80℃
Components are thermally stable under atmospheric pressure (no decomposition, no polymerization)
If difference < 20℃, use a longer or higher-theoretical-plate column
If difference > 80℃, simple distillation is sufficient
For heat-sensitive materials, consider vacuum fractional distillation

Parameter	Recommended Value
Please contact us to confirm the available specifications.

Operation & Maintenance

User Guide

The following is the standard operating procedure for the fractional distillation apparatus. All steps are independent of joint size and standard.

I. Safety Check & Preparation

Inspect all glass components for cracks, chips, or damaged ground joints
Work in a fume hood — wear lab coat, safety goggles, and heat-resistant gloves
Confirm the heating device (heating mantle) is functioning properly
Prepare cooling water source with adequate flow

Standard assembly sequence (bottom to top, left to right)

Secure the round-bottom flask on the iron stand at the correct height
Carefully pour the liquid to be distilled into the flask using a funnel — fill to 1/3 to 1/2 of flask capacity (slightly less than for simple distillation)
Add 2–3 boiling stones or anti-bumping granules
Attach the fractionating column (Vigreux or packed) to the flask — ensure the ground joint is properly seated
Attach the distillation head to the top of the column
Insert the thermometer into the adapter — position the bulb just below the side arm junction of the distillation head
Connect the straight condenser to the side arm of the distillation head
Attach the vacuum adapter to the lower end of the condenser, and place the receiver flask underneath
Secure the flask neck, column mid-section, and condenser with universal clamps — ensure the entire apparatus is vertical and level

III. Cooling Water

Start cooling water BEFORE heating
Follow the bottom-in, top-out principle
Water flow should be moderate and steady

IV. Heating & Fractional Distillation

Use a heating mantle — NEVER use an open flame
Gradually increase heating temperature and observe the liquid begin to boil
Critical Step: Total Reflux — Before collecting any distillate, allow the column to equilibrate under total reflux for 10–15 minutes to establish a stable temperature gradient throughout the column
After total reflux, adjust the heating rate so distillate drops at 1 drop every 2–3 seconds (slower than simple distillation)
Monitor the thermometer closely — collect fractions only when temperature is stable; switch receiver flasks when temperature begins to rise
Maintain an appropriate reflux ratio — slower heating = higher reflux ratio = better separation but slower collection
Record the volume and temperature range of each fraction collected

V. Shutdown & Disassembly

Never distill to dryness! Always leave a small residue in the flask
Turn off the heat source and allow the apparatus to cool naturally
Once no more distillate is collected, turn off the cooling water
Disassemble in the reverse order
Clean all glassware thoroughly — residues inside the column must be removed with suitable solvents to prevent contamination in future runs
Dry and store properly

📌 Column Installation Tips: The fractionating column must be perfectly vertical — any tilt reduces vapor-liquid contact and dramatically decreases separation efficiency. For packed columns, packing should be uniform and evenly distributed — not too tight (excessive pressure drop) and not too loose (poor contact). Recommended packing height: 2/3 to 3/4 of column length, leaving headspace to prevent flooding.

💡 From a Seasoned Lab Technician: The key to successful fractional distillation is total reflux and reflux ratio. Insufficient total reflux time means the column temperature gradient hasn't been established, and separation suffers dramatically.
Another pro tip — insulate the column with asbestos cord or aluminum foil to minimize heat loss and prevent premature condensation inside the column. This is especially important for high-boiling (>150℃) distillations.
The thermometer reading pattern — rise → stabilize → rise again — is normal: the first rise corresponds to the lower-boiling component, the stable plateau is the pure fraction, and the second rise signals the next component beginning to distill.

Care & Notes

Show care & notes

⚠️ Safety & Compliance Checklist

Flooding Prevention

Excessive heating causes rising vapor to push reflux liquid to the column top (flooding) — separation fails. If flooding occurs, reduce heat immediately

Fire/Explosion Prevention

When distilling flammable solvents, NO open flame — always use a heating mantle

Ventilation

All distillation operations must be performed in a fume hood

Standard Compliance

Apparatus design complies with GB/T 21298-2017

Do not

Anti-bumping: NEVER add boiling stones to a hot flask! Always cool first, then add

Fractional Distillation Apparatus

Specifications

Component List

Product Description

I. Principle of Fractional Distillation

II. Column Type Comparison

III. Material & Workmanship

Applications

Petrochemical Analysis

Organic Synthesis Purification

Flavor & Essential Oil Purification

Fine Chemicals

Teaching Laboratories

User Guide

I. Safety Check & Preparation

Standard assembly sequence (bottom to top, left to right)

III. Cooling Water

IV. Heating & Fractional Distillation

V. Shutdown & Disassembly

Care & Notes

Flooding Prevention

Fire/Explosion Prevention

Ventilation

Standard Compliance

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Fractional Distillation Apparatus

Specifications

Component List

Product Description

I. Principle of Fractional Distillation

II. Column Type Comparison

III. Material & Workmanship

Applications

Petrochemical Analysis

Organic Synthesis Purification

Flavor & Essential Oil Purification

Fine Chemicals

Teaching Laboratories

User Guide

I. Safety Check & Preparation

Standard assembly sequence (bottom to top, left to right)

III. Cooling Water

IV. Heating & Fractional Distillation

V. Shutdown & Disassembly

Care & Notes

Flooding Prevention

Fire/Explosion Prevention

Ventilation

Standard Compliance

Related Apparatus Kits

Simple Distillation

Vacuum Distillation

Steam Distillation

Reflux Apparatus

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