The distillation technique most suited for separating glycerol from sp...
The distillation technique most suited for separating glycerol from spent-lye in the soap industry is distillation under reduced pressure.At atmospheric pressure, the boiling point of glycerol is 290oC. At this temperature, it decomposes before it distills. Hence, the distillation is carried out under reduced pressure by applying vacuum which decreases the boiling temperature of glycerol and prevents its decomposition. that's why option "d" is correct .
The distillation technique most suited for separating glycerol from sp...
Understanding the Separation of Glycerol
Glycerol, a valuable byproduct in the soap industry, needs to be effectively separated from spent lye. Among various distillation techniques, distillation under reduced pressure is the most suitable method. Here’s why:
1. Boiling Point Considerations
- Glycerol has a relatively high boiling point (290°C).
- In spent lye, the presence of other substances can further complicate the distillation process.
2. Distillation Under Reduced Pressure
- Reducing the pressure lowers the boiling point of glycerol significantly.
- This allows for glycerol to be distilled at much lower temperatures, preserving its quality and preventing thermal degradation.
3. Advantages Over Other Methods
- Simple Distillation: Ineffective for separating glycerol due to the close boiling points of other components.
- Fractional Distillation: While better than simple distillation, it still may not be efficient due to the complex mixture in spent lye.
- Steam Distillation: Not suitable for glycerol as it is not volatile enough to be separated effectively using steam.
4. Conclusion
- Distillation under reduced pressure is optimal for separating glycerol from spent lye because it efficiently reduces thermal stresses and enhances purity.
- This method maximizes glycerol recovery while minimizing the risk of decomposition, making it the most effective choice in industrial applications.
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