Abstract A laboratory distillation apparatus suitable for operation over wide temperature and pressure ranges to permit distillation of materials regardless of their state at room temperature. A vapor from the charge passes through a distillation column containing a packing material and then enters an overhead fractionating condenser. The condensate drops onto the packing, and contact rectification causes more complete separation of the vapor components. When an equilibrium condition is reached, the input to the fractionating condenser is closed and an input is opened to an overhead receiving condenser. The vapor then condenses and passes to a receiver. A temperature-control fluid surrounds the two condensers to insure that the material in them remains in the liquid state. Connections are provided for a vacuum pump to permit operation under reduced pressure.
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising means for sensing the temperature of said fractionating column outlet end.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
25 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which said valve control means includes means for operating said valve in accordance with a predetermined time relationship.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
41 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which said fractionating column contains a packing material and is surrounded by a jacket defining a vacuum zone, said vacuum zone being evacuated to a low pressure in the vicinity of a complete vacuum.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including pressure-control means for controlling the pressure within said apparatus.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
19 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 5 in which said pressure-control means includes a pump communicatively coupled to said apparatus.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
56 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 further including: a. a first container having an interior for holding a charge to be distilled, said first container interior communicatively coupled to said fractionating column; and b. a second container having an interior for receiving said condensate, said second container interior communicatively coupled to said second condenser outlet end.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 further including means for controlling the temperature of said first container.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
17 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 8 further including means for sensing the temperature within said first container.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
Apparatus as claimed in claim 9 in which said fractionating column contains a packing material and is surrounded by a vacuum-creating jacket.