Raschig - Distillation / Fractionation Towers

A distillation / factionation tower separates a light (upper) fraction from a lower (heavy faction) by passing the two species counter current through a number of trays. As seen the tower schematic above there are 10 trays – but please note any number of trays are possible, as few as 10 or perhaps many more, such as 20 or 30 – whatever is needed to achieve the needed separation and desired purity of the two species involved. As an example, a tower of this type might be employed to separate Toluene (benzene ring with one methyl group substitution), the light species, from Xylene (benzene ring with two methyl groups substituted), the heavy species.

Trays can be fabricated from numerous materials. Most often observed in the field are carbon, feritic and austenitic steels. Exotic metals such as Hasteloy alloys, titanium and other steel types are also available and may be needed dependent upon specific project requirements. Please consult with the tray experts at Raschig USA to assure correct choice is made in your project.