Definition of Distillation in Chemistry

Definition of Distillation in ChemistryDistillation is the process of heating a liquid in order to obtain the vapor and the still is the device used for this purpose. The temperature is set at which the liquid boils while the presence of a vapour called vapor is verified by the use of a thermometer. By this process the solids present in the liquid are reduced to liquids and the vapor thereby removed.This process has been employed in various processes since ancient times and is today used to purify both liquid and gases. In the past, it was the only method that was used to purify liquids. As there were no working machines for this purpose, the process was carried out using human power.The process is now used in various processes including purification of liquids. It is important to note that distillation is done only after the liquid is purified in its original state. Other processes may be used after distillation so that the desired product may be obtained without leaving any impurit ies behind.There are two sources from which the vapours are extracted from the liquids, namely condensation and evaporation. Condensation occurs when the heat from the fuel causes the liquid to boil and the vapor to condense onto the metal vessels whereas evaporation occurs when the heat from the fuel causes the liquid to expand and the vapor to condense onto the metal vessels.As the process is carried out with the help of heat, the entire process is very temperamental and requires constant attention and control. The process is largely done by the use of steam. However, in recent times, the heat can be generated using electricity as well so that a boiler is needed.A complete set of instructions has to be followed before beginning the process. In case of a reflux apparatus, there are a hot liquor tank and cold liquor tank. These tanks are filled with steam during the process and the fuel that are required for this purpose is to be added into the two tanks during the process.The tempe rature of the fuel will determine the purity of the liquid being produced and so the process has to be carried out to that specific degree of temperature. Since water is used in the process, the fuel and the vapor are consumed after the process. All these factors combined prove to be highly beneficial in terms of the purification of the product being obtained.