Specifications

Packed Distillation Column · Specifications

The following are general specifications. For custom sizes or special configurations, please contact our sales team.

1. Joint Sizes (DIN / EU Standard)

Joint Size	Max Inner Diameter (mm)	Ground Surface Height (mm)	ASTM Equivalent
Please contact us to confirm the available specifications.

* Both DIN (EU) and ASTM standards use 1:10 taper and are mutually compatible.

2. Configuration Selection

Type	Joint Size	Effective Length (mm)	Column ID (mm)	Material
Please contact us to confirm the available specifications.

* Dimensions are approximate.
* Effective length is the packing region.
* Packing materials available separately. See product description for common types.
* Custom joint sizes, lengths, and configurations available upon request.

Configuration Selection Guide:
Plain: General fractionation, cost-effective.
Side-Arm: Sampling during fractionation to monitor purity.
Jacketed: Temperature control for high-boiling or low-boiling distillations.
Jacketed Side-Arm: Combined temperature control and sampling.
Vacuum Jacketed: Thermal insulation for heat-sensitive materials under vacuum.

Size (mm)	Joint 1	Joint 2
Please contact us to confirm the available specifications.

Product Description

The packed distillation column (packed fractionating column) is a core component for high-precision separation in standard joint glassware. It can be filled with various structured packings including glass springs, spiral rings, glass beads, and metal meshes to maximize vapor-liquid contact and provide high theoretical plate numbers. Compared to Vigreux columns, packed columns offer higher separation efficiency and greater flexibility through packing selection. Manufactured from borosilicate glass 3.3, it offers excellent thermal and chemical resistance. Effective lengths range from 100mm to 1000mm to accommodate various experimental scales.

Available Configurations

Plain Packed Column: Standard single-wall column for general fractionation
Side-Arm Packed Column: Plain column with side-arm (standard joint) for sampling
Jacketed Packed Column: Double-wall with jacket ports (same as condenser jacket) for circulating heating oil/water or cooling fluid
Jacketed Side-Arm Packed Column: Jacketed column with side-arm for combined temperature control and sampling
Vacuum Jacketed Packed Column: Jacket is vacuum-sealed for superior thermal insulation, ideal for heat-sensitive materials under vacuum

Key Features

Borosilicate Glass 3.3: ISO 3585 compliant, low expansion, thermal shock 280°C
Packed Design: Flexible packing options for different separation systems
High Theoretical Plate Numbers: Superior separation efficiency compared to Vigreux columns
Multiple Configurations: Plain, side-arm, jacketed, jacketed side-arm, vacuum jacketed
Standard Joint: 1:10 taper, precision ground for reliable sealing. DIN (EU) and ASTM sizes available
Multiple Sizes: DIN (EU) 14/23, 19/26, 24/29, 29/32, 34/35, 40/38, 45/40, 50/42, 60/45 and ASTM series
Multiple Lengths: 100mm ~ 1000mm effective lengths
High Transparency: Easy observation of fractionation progress
Chemical Resistant: Suitable for various organic solvents
High Flexibility: Adapt to different systems by changing packing materials
Low Pressure Drop: Suitable for vacuum operations

Common Packing Types

Spiral Rings: Most common packing, low liquid holdup, high efficiency
Glass Springs: High surface area, high theoretical plate numbers
Glass Beads: Low pressure drop, suitable for high throughput
Metal Mesh (Copper/Stainless Steel): Good thermal conductivity
PTFE Packing: Excellent corrosion resistance for acid/base systems

Quality Assurance

Every packed column undergoes strict dimensional inspection, joint taper testing, and thermal resistance testing to ensure compliance with applicable standards.

Note: Ensure joints are clean and dry before use to prevent sticking. Packing can be selected based on experimental requirements. Recommended packing height: 2/3 ~ 3/4 of column length. For jacketed models, confirm connections are secure. Use accessories of the same joint size for optimal sealing.

Applications

Typical Applications

Precise Fractionation

High-purity separation of close-boiling mixtures

Solvent Purification

High-purity solvent distillation

Natural Product Extraction

Essential oils, fragrance fractionation

Pharmaceutical R&D

Intermediate purification, API refining

Heat-Sensitive Materials

Vacuum jacketed models for vacuum fractionation

Education

University chemical engineering and distillation teaching

Compatible Equipment

Standard joint round-bottom flasks, three-neck flasks

Distillation heads, condensers

Heating mantles, oil baths

Circulating water/oil baths (for jacketed models)

Vacuum systems (for vacuum jacketed models)

Tip: Separation efficiency depends on packing type and column length. Spiral rings for general separation, glass springs for high-precision separation. Use accessories of the same joint size for optimal sealing.

Operation & Maintenance

User Guide

Preparation

Inspect column for cracks, chips, or scratched joints
Clean joint surfaces with a soft cloth or cotton swab
Apply a small amount of vacuum grease if joints are too tight
For jacketed/vacuum jacketed models, inspect ports for integrity
Prepare clean, dry packing material

Packing

Carefully fill packing from the top, recommended height: 2/3 ~ 3/4 of column length
Tap the column wall gently for uniform distribution, avoid bridging
Secure both ends with glass wool to prevent packing movement
Record packing type and height

Installation & Connection

Connect the column to the distillation flask via the joint
Attach the distillation head or condenser to the top
Insert with gentle twisting motion, do not force
Secure the column with a clamp, ensure vertical stability
Jacketed models: Connect heating/cooling media lines, lower inlet → upper outlet
Vacuum jacketed models: No media connection needed, jacket is sealed

Fractionation Operation

Begin heating, slowly raise to boiling temperature
Observe vapor rise within the column
Adjust heating power, control reflux ratio (recommended 5:1 ~ 20:1)
Side-arm models: sample through side-arm to monitor fraction purity
Jacketed models: Hot water/oil for high-boiling; coolant for low-boiling
Vacuum jacketed models: Use with vacuum system for heat-sensitive materials
Record fraction collection volumes at each temperature range

Disassembly & Cleaning

Stop heating first, allow system to cool
Turn off heating/cooling media or vacuum system
Gently twist to detach the column
Remove packing (can be reused or replaced)
Clean the column immediately after use to prevent residue buildup
Wash joints with soft brush and detergent, avoid hard objects
Clean column interior with a long-handled soft brush
For jacketed models, clean jacket interior thoroughly
Air dry after washing, store with soft paper between joints

Scene-Based Recommendations

Select the most suitable column type based on your experimental needs:

Tip: Recommendations are general guidance only. Please select based on your specific experimental requirements and material properties. Contact our technical team for assistance.

Care & Notes

Show care & notes

Safety Tips

Control temperature carefully when distilling flammable solvents
For jacketed models with hot oil, ensure temperature does not exceed glass tolerance
Always work in a fume hood when handling hazardous chemicals

Do not

Do not use cracked or chipped columns for experiments
Avoid excessive force when packing to prevent column breakage
Vacuum jacketed models are for insulation only — do not connect media

Packed Distillation Column

Specifications