fractional distillation

noun

, Chemistry.

1. the separation of volatile components of different boiling points in a mixture by the gradual increase of temperature and the separate collection of each component.

fractional distillation

noun

1. the process of separating the constituents of a liquid mixture by heating it and condensing separately the components according to their different boiling points
2. a distillation in which the vapour is brought into contact with a countercurrent of condensed liquid to increase the purity of the final products

fractional distillation

1. A process by which a chemical compound is separated into components by distillation. In fractional distillation the compound is heated and, as each of its constituent components comes to a boil, its vapors are separated and cooled, so it can be removed in its pure form. Fractional distillation is used to refine petroleum.
2. See also distillation

Word History and Origins

Origin of fractional distillation¹

First recorded in 1855–60

Example Sentences

The scientist showed me round his lab, including a mini version of the huge fractional distillation columns that tower over oil refineries.

From BBC

Instead of exploring fundamentals like the solar system, Leo delves into the nuances of oil refining, teaching kids as young as eight about “fractional distillation” and “residuals.”

From The Guardian

If you clean, through fractional distillation, the coolant in the equipment, you restore it to its previous - identical to brand new- chemical composition.

From New York Times

Paging through a stack of chemical supply catalogs, he chose lavishly, not excepting a “Podbielniak fractional distillation apparatus with gold-plated seals and ground joints,” which he ordered mainly because he was curious to know what it looked like.

From Literature

A volatile, very inflammable liquid, C6H6, contained in the naphtha produced by the destructive distillation of coal, from which it is separated by fractional distillation.

From Project Gutenberg