Distillation is a physical process in which liquid is converted to vapor and back again, an integral component of many industrial chemical processes and commonly employed to extract alternative fuel or purify existing types of hydrocarbons. Distillation flasks or complex industrial towers must be managed carefully in order to achieve the best results without risking catastrophe.

Though it is normal for distillation columns to encounter issues from time to time, it’s also essential to keep in mind that they do not work in isolation from upstream and downstream equipment – their condition therefore has a direct bearing on how effective their entire process system performs.

As part of your distillation process, it is a good idea to utilize several collection containers in order to collect droplets that form from the vapor. Beginning with smaller-volume containers and gradually increasing in size as temperature stabilizes or fluctuates rapidly helps prevent peroxides from forming and potentially exploding and igniting into flames once they have vaporized.

Design and condition of distillation trays can also contribute to foaming issues, particularly when tray height is too high, or their size and layout result in entrainment (where liquid in one tray mixes with that on another). One way of solving this problem is through anti-fouling designs proven through grid packings or fouling-resistant trays.