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

By the process of fractional distillation mineral oils of all grades can be obtained.

From Project Gutenberg

The first step in the operations is fractional distillation, after the manner just described for petroleum.

From Project Gutenberg

The process of purification is thus far one of fractional distillation combined with chemical washing.

From Project Gutenberg

The undissolved hydrocarbon is similarly purified by fractional distillation, and furnishes the solid crystalline naphthalene.

From Project Gutenberg

The principle of fractional distillation has already been explained sufficiently for our present purpose.

From Project Gutenberg