Batch distillation is very flexible, but is typically used for small and medium-sized capacities. For larger units, a continuous distillation pant is usually more energy efficient and economical.
Two operational modes are possible for the batch process:
- In the batch distillation with a fixed reflux ratio, the compounds are separated according to a defined product specific time schedule. This is based on the components´ boiling ranges , that lead to a fractionation of the different components: beginning with the light boilers and ending with the heavies. The classical application is the fractionation of multi-component–mixtures.
- The batch distillation with a varying reflux ratio allows the distillation at a constant distillate concentration; it is applied where a distillate with constant physical behaviour needs to be obtained.
Batch distillations are frequent in the pharmaceutical industry for small scale solvent recovery applications, for the purification of high valuable oils or also in wastewater treatment units of small capacities.
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