Whats the difference between simple and fractional distillation?
Simple distillation is the separation of two substances with very different boiling temperatures, as in the distillation of Brine. The product is water vapour that is condensed to pure water into a receiver leaving the salt in the flask. Fractional distillation is the separation of a mixture of multiple components into its various fractions according to the difference in their boiling temperatures. This is the process used in the separation of Crude Oil into useful fractions and other mixtures like…Light Gases (Methane and Ethane), Naphtha, LPG, Gasoline, Kerosene, Diesel and Fuel Oils, Heavy fuels and Lube oils, Waxes and Asphaltic products (bitumen..etc). Most of these products are also mixtures having a ‘Boiling Range’ with an Initial and final boiling temperature.
