Principle:
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When a hot mixture is allowed to enter from a high-pressure zone into a low pressure zone, the entire liquid mixture is suddenly vaporized. This process is known as flash vaporization.
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During this process, the chamber is cooled.
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The less volatile fraction is condensed and the more volatile component remains in the vapor phase.
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This process requires time, hence liquid and vapor are kept in intimate contact until equilibrium is achieved.
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Flash distillation is also called equilibrium distillation because separation of two liquids takes place when liquid and vapor phases are at equilibrium.
Equipment used for Flash Distillation:
Construction:
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It consists of a pump, which is connected to a feed reservoir.
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Pumps help in pumping the feed into the heating chamber.
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The heating chamber is heat supplied by steam.
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The other end of the pipe is directly introduced into the vapor-liquid separator through a reducing valve.
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The vapor outlet is provided at the top of the separator and liquid outlet is provided at the bottom.
Working:
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The feed is pumped through a heater at a certain pressure.
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The temperature of the liquid is raised in the heating chamber but the liquid does not boil under high pressure (because boiling point increases).
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When the liquid enters into the vapor-liquid separator, due to drop in pressure, the liquid reaches the boiling point under that reduced pressure and the liquid suddenly boils.
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The vapor flashes out from the hot liquid.
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Since the vapor takes the latent heat, the liquid gets cooled down.
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The less volatile component of the vapor is condensed and the more volatile component remains in the vapor phase.
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The mixture is allowed for sufficient time so that vapor and liquid come to equilibrium.
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The vapor is separated through an outlet provided at the top and the liquid is collected at the bottom.
Commonly Asked Questions.
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Define distillation and write in detail about the flash distillation.
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With help of a well labelled diagram describe the principle and working of the apparatus used for flash distillation.