Overview
The Bubble Cap Distillation Column is a multi-tray glass distillation unit fitted with bubble cap trays, which are classic gas-liquid contact devices in which vapour bubbles through liquid held on each tray. Binary liquid mixtures are separated by continuous vapour-liquid contact as vapour rises and liquid flows down across the bubble caps. Students determine tray efficiency, number of theoretical plates (NTP), McCabe-Thiele diagram points, and overall column efficiency. The glass construction allows direct visual observation of bubbling action, liquid levels on trays, and froth formation, making it an excellent teaching apparatus for distillation principles.
Specifications
| Column type | glass, bubble cap trays |
| Number of trays | 4 to 8 |
| Column diameter | 50 to 80 mm |
| Reboiler | electric immersion heater, 1 to 3 kW |
| Condenser | shell and tube, water cooled |
| Reflux ratio | variable, manually set |
| Temperature sensors | thermocouples per tray |
| Power supply | 220V AC, 50 Hz |