Used Columns
Columns are often found in chemical processing, petroleum refineries and pharmaceutical facilities to distill high quantities of liquid. Basic distillation columns work for distilling components of very different boiling points, but a fractional distillation column can handle similar boiling points with ease. In fractional distillation, the column completes the distillation process several times to separate components into parts or fractions.
Choosing the best column for your application is a matter of understanding all the metrics involved. You’ll want to think about factors such as:
- Surface area
- Flow rate
- Volume of your liquids
Used Columns in Stock
At LCEC, we carry a wide range of column types, including:
- Extraction: An extraction column separates two substances of similar boiling points with a third substance. This added substance changes the boiling point of one of the substances, so distillation is possible.
- Packed: This column type uses packing materials in varying materials such as metal, plastic and clay to increase the surface area inside the column. When substances enter the column, vapor rises and the liquid falls. The liquid is reheated and turned into vapor to distill.
- Trayed: Like packed columns, trayed columns increase the surface areas inside the column to increase distillation efficiency. Horizontal metal trays catch liquid as vapor moves upward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Industrial distillation columns come in several different types and sizes. Here are the answers to common column FAQs:
- What is another name for distillation columns? Generally, distillation columns are also known as distillation towers. Fractional distillation columns may be referred to as fractional towers, fractional columns or fractionating columns.
- What are the two types of distillation columns? Distillation columns are classified based on how they are used. The two main types are batch and continuous. With a batch column, the feed liquid enters in batches. One batch is distilled fully, then another feed batch enters the column. With a continuous column, the feed enters continuously, and the column constantly distills the feed stream into products for removal.
- What is the most common type of distillation column? Continuous distillation columns are more common than batch columns since they can handle larger volumes of feed liquid.
- What is the liquid called after distillation? The liquid that condenses after distillation is called the distillate. In some processes, part of the distillate is returned to the column to facilitate further separation. This portion is called reflux.
- How tall can a distillation column be? The maximum distillation tower height is about 200 feet tall. Most towers are between 20 and 50 feet tall, though some are as short as 12 feet. With plate distillation columns, the number of plates determines how high the column needs to be.
- How wide are distillation columns? On average, distillation columns are between 3 and 20 feet in diameter. However, some are as small as 6 inches across.
- What is the life span of a distillation column? The average distillation column lasts about 30 years.
Find Used Trayed Columns and More at LCEC
Whether you need a used nitric acid column or a used fractionator column, Louisiana Chemical Equipment Company has the selection for you. Browse our full list of columns today to find your ideal product. If you’re unsure what kind of column you need for your application, get in touch with our experts. We can guide you in the right direction.
Featured Process Equipment
State of The Art Nitrogen Plant For Sale
View our recent state-of-the-art nitrogen plant for sale at Louisiana Chemical Equipment Company. Contact us for more information.
Hydrocracking + Fractionation Unit for Sale
Hydrocracker Reactor Section Unit 7500 converts a feed of Flashed Distillate, Waxy Distillate and Deasphalted Oil (DAO) in a Hydrogen rich atmosphere into mainly Naphtha, Kerosene and Gas Oil products which are sent to Fractionation section U7600.
New Liquidation – 316LSS Equipment
View our most recent liquidation of vessels, heat exchangers, columns & drum heaters.
Contact the LCEC Sales Team Today
Louisiana Chemical Equipment Company • Toll Free +1-866-289-5232 • International +1-281-471-4900
+1-225-923-3602 • sales@LCEC.com • plants@LCEC.com
