Final answer:
A successful fractional distillation requires a distillation column, heat source, separation of fractions, and cooling system. Problems that may arise include deposition, overlapping boiling points, and changes in pressure, which can be resolved through adjustments to temperature, design, or additional separation techniques.
Step-by-step explanation:
For a successful fractional distillation, there are several requirements:
- A distillation column: This is a tall tower with trays or packing material to create a large surface area for vaporization and condensation.
- Heat source: The crude mixture needs to be heated to vaporize the components.
- Separation of fractions: The column should be designed to allow the separation of different components based on their boiling points.
- Cooling system: The vapor needs to be condensed back into liquid form to collect the different fractions.
During the process, several problems can arise:
- Deposition: If the temperature is too low, some components may freeze or solidify instead of condensing, leading to deposition on the trays or packing material. This can be solved by adjusting the temperature or design of the column.
- Overlapping boiling points: If two or more components have similar boiling points, they may not separate completely. This can be addressed by using additional separation techniques or modifying the distillation setup.
- Pressure changes: Changes in pressure can affect the boiling points of the components and their separation. This can be managed by controlling the pressure within the distillation column.
Overall, a successful fractional distillation requires careful design and control of the distillation column, along with appropriate heating and cooling systems to separate the different components effectively.