Distillation column

Processing & Refining Equipment

A distillation column (fractioning tower) is a tall vertical vessel used to separate liquid mixtures into component parts based on differences in boiling points. It is the core unit operation in a refinery, separating crude oil into fractions like LPG, naphtha, kerosene, diesel, and residue.

The column contains internal trays or packing material to maximize contact between rising vapors and falling liquid (reflux). Temperature control across the height of the column determines the purity (‘cut point’) of the products drawn off at different levels.