Distillation, Centrifugation, Mixing & Fluid Flow in Industry
Classification of Distillation
Distillation can be classified into several types, including:
- Simple Distillation
- Fractional Distillation
- Vacuum Distillation
- Steam Distillation
- Molecular Distillation
Principle of Molecular Distillation
Molecular distillation is based on the principle that molecules of different substances have different mean free paths, which is the average distance a molecule travels before colliding with another molecule.
Construction of a Molecular Distillator
A molecular distillator consists of:
- Evaporator: Where the feed mixture is heated to produce vapor.
- Condenser: Where the vapor is condensed and collected.
- Vacuum Pump: Used to create a high vacuum in the distillator.
Working of a Molecular Distillator
The working of a molecular distillator can be explained as follows:
- Feed Introduction: The feed mixture is introduced into the evaporator.
- Vaporization: The feed mixture is heated to produce vapor.
- Separation: The vapor is separated into different components based on their mean free paths.
- Condensation: The separated vapor is condensed and collected in the condenser.
Applications of Molecular Distillation
- Purification of Heat-Sensitive Materials
- Separation of Close-Boiling Mixtures
- Production of High-Purity Chemicals
- Food Processing
Definition of Centrifugation
Centrifugation is a process that involves the use of centrifugal force to separate particles of different densities, sizes, or shapes from a mixture. This process is commonly used in laboratories, industries, and medical facilities.
Classification of Centrifugation
Centrifugation can be classified into several types based on the speed, duration, and purpose of the process. Here are some of the main types of centrifugation:
- Low-Speed Centrifugation
- High-Speed Centrifugation
- Ultracentrifugation (Example: Separating viruses from a solution)
- Differential Centrifugation
- Density Gradient Centrifugation (Example: Separating lipoproteins from a blood sample)
Examples of Centrifugation
- Blood Separation
- Cell Culture
- Protein Purification
- Virus Separation
- Food Processing
Size Separation
Size separation is a process used to separate particles of different sizes from a mixture. This process is also known as classification or sorting.
Objectives of Size Separation
- Separate particles of different sizes
- Improve product quality
- Increase efficiency in downstream processes
Methods of Size Separation
- Screening
- Air classification
- Hydrocycloning
- Centrifugation
Applications of Size Separation
- Mineral processing
- Food processing
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Chemical industry
Size Reduction
Size reduction is a process used to reduce the size of particles or materials into smaller pieces.
Objectives of Size Reduction
- Increase surface area
- Improve mixing and blending
- Enhance chemical reactions
- Reduce material size for easier handling
Methods of Size Reduction
- Crushing
- Grinding
- Milling
- Pulverization
Applications of Size Reduction
- Mineral processing
- Food processing
- Pharmaceutical industry
- Chemical industry
- Construction industry
Both size separation and size reduction are important unit operations in various industries, and are used to improve product quality, increase efficiency, and enhance process effectiveness.
Fluid Flow
Fluid flow refers to the movement of fluids (liquids or gases) from one point to another. It is a fundamental concept in fluid mechanics.
Fluid Dynamics
Fluid dynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the study of fluids in motion. It involves the analysis of the behavior of fluids under various forces and conditions.
Fluid Statics
Fluid statics is the branch of physics that deals with the study of fluids at rest. It involves the analysis of the behavior of fluids under various forces and conditions when they are not moving.
Difference between Orifice and Venturimeter
| Orifice | Venturimeter | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | An orifice is a small opening in a pipe through which fluid flows. | A venturimeter is a device used to measure the flow rate of fluid in a pipe. |
| Flow Pattern | The flow pattern through an orifice is turbulent and irregular. | The flow pattern through a venturimeter is smooth and laminar. |
| Pressure Drop | There is a significant pressure drop across an orifice. | There is a gradual pressure drop across a venturimeter. |
| Accuracy | Orifices are less accurate than venturimeters for measuring flow rates. | Venturimeters are more accurate than orifices for measuring flow rates. |
Venturimeter Details
A venturimeter is a device used to measure the flow rate of fluid in a pipe. It consists of:
- Converging Section: A converging section where the pipe diameter decreases.
- Throat: A narrow throat section where the pipe diameter is minimum.
- Diverging Section: A diverging section where the pipe diameter increases.
- Manometer: A manometer is connected to the venturimeter to measure the pressure difference between the inlet and throat sections.
Working of Venturimeter
- Fluid Flow: Fluid flows through the converging section and into the throat.
- Pressure Drop: The pressure of the fluid decreases as it flows through the throat.
- Flow Rate Measurement: The pressure difference between the inlet and throat sections is measured using a manometer.
- Calculation: The flow rate is calculated using the pressure difference and the venturimeter’s dimensions.
Advantages of Venturimeter
- High Accuracy
- Low Pressure Drop
- Simple Installation
Applications of Venturimeter
- Water Supply Systems
- Chemical Processing
- Power Plants
Classification of Mixing Equipment for Semisolids
1. Agitators
- Anchor Agitators
- Helical Agitators
- Paddle Agitators
2. Kneaders
- Sigma Kneaders
- Double-Arm Kneaders
3. Planetary Mixers
- Single-Planetary Mixers
- Double-Planetary Mixers
4. Ribbon Blenders
- U-Type Ribbon Blenders
- V-Type Ribbon Blenders
5. Specialized Mixers
- Static Mixers
- Ultrasonic Mixers
- Vacuum Mixers