Sciencemadness Discussion Board
Not logged in [Login ]
Go To Bottom

Printable Version  
Author: Subject: Strange behavior (temp drop when more heat is added) during distillation
RogueRose
International Hazard
*****




Posts: 1594
Registered: 16-6-2014
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 22-7-2016 at 01:19
Strange behavior (temp drop when more heat is added) during distillation


When I am running a distillation of ethanol and putting 1 kw through it, the temp during the end of the run may be 200F and if I use a 1500w heatgun to heat the outside of the container, the temp right before the condenser drops drops about .1-.2 degree every second and dropped 4-5 degrees after 20-30 seconds.

Is this normal? Why does this happen?
View user's profile View All Posts By User
Marvin
National Hazard
****




Posts: 995
Registered: 13-10-2002
Member Is Offline

Mood: No Mood

[*] posted on 22-7-2016 at 01:46


You've not described your set-up, but if you are fractionating there can be a delay before the next fraction hits and it's the lack of vapour that can make it look like the temperature is dropping.
View user's profile View All Posts By User
RogueRose
International Hazard
*****




Posts: 1594
Registered: 16-6-2014
Member Is Offline


[*] posted on 22-7-2016 at 01:49


Quote: Originally posted by Marvin  
You've not described your set-up, but if you are fractionating there can be a delay before the next fraction hits and it's the lack of vapour that can make it look like the temperature is dropping.


Simple pot still with a 2' vertical to a T (that is where the temp is taken) a short 4" connector to a T to a long condenser going down. The column is copper.

Also in ethanol distillation what happens if "too much" heat is used (if the purpose is to just "strip" a mix that has a low alcohol % - so it is just a fast stripping run. can too much heat be used?

[Edited on 22-7-2016 by RogueRose]
View user's profile View All Posts By User
Magpie
lab constructor
*****




Posts: 5939
Registered: 1-11-2003
Location: USA
Member Is Offline

Mood: Chemistry: the subtle science.

[*] posted on 22-7-2016 at 05:54


I agree with Marvin that you are not getting any vapor to the bulb. the pot residue is not sufficiently volatile for the heat delivered.



The single most important condition for a successful synthesis is good mixing - Nicodem
View user's profile View All Posts By User

  Go To Top