Pressure vessels play a crucial role in many industries, such as oil refineries and hospitals. Even though they are common, many people don’t know what they are or why they’re important. Let’s look at these containers that safely hold gases and liquids under pressure. Defining a Pressure Vessel A pressure vessel is a closed container made to hold gases or liquids at pressures that are significantly different from normal atmospheric pressure. This can mean higher pressure, which is most common, or lower pressure, as in vacuum vessels. The main point is that pressure vessels are specifically designed and built to handle internal or external pressure without breaking or changing shape. Because of the risks associated with the contents under pressure, these vessels must meet strict design codes and safety regulations. Why Are They Necessary? Many industrial processes need materials to be stored or processed under pressure. For example, chemical reactions may require high pre...
Distillation columns are tall structures found in refineries and chemical plants. They play a key role in separating liquid mixtures into their individual parts. But what are they, and how do they work? What Is a Distillation Column? A distillation column is a vertical vessel that separates liquid mixtures based on their boiling points. This process, called fractional distillation, is essential in industries like petroleum refining, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and beverage production. The Basic Principle The operation relies on a straightforward idea: different liquids boil at different temperatures. When heating a mixture, components with lower boiling points turn into vapor first. Those with higher boiling points stay as liquids. The distillation column uses this characteristic to separate the components. How Does It Work? The process starts when the liquid mixture enters the column and is heated. As vapor rises through the column, it interacts with a series of horizont...