Separation of Acetone Butanol Ethanol (ABE) mixture solvent using fractional distillation

Abstract

Fractional distillation is the most common separation method used to separate and purify liquid sample. In this study, ABE mixture in the ratio of 3:6:1 combined with a volume of water undergo fractional distillation, separating the products into different fractions with various concentration of elements. The objective of this study is to identify the best packing materials used in a fractional column which produces a separation in ABE mixture solution. The best packing material used in the fractional column is Steel Sponge packing. The characteristics of Steel Sponge packing which is in sponge formed, and made up from metal, ensure a high purity separation. The concentration and purification of elements had been investigated by using Gas Chromatography (GC). The distillation using three different packing material shows small different in temperature and volume produced. Using steel sponge, first distillate produces at 80°C to 82°C with the volume of 30 mL. Second distillate produces at 83°C to 88°C with the volume of 15 mL while third distillate begins to produce at 88°C to 94°C with the volume of 70 mL. The fourth distillate produces at 100°C to 102°C with the volume of 55 mL. Using glass bead, first distillate produces at 81 oC to 84°C with the volume of 25 mL. Second distillate produces at 87°C to 88°C with the volume of 10 mL while third distillate begins to produce at 89°C to 93°C with the volume of 80 mL. The fourth distillate produces at 98°C to 101°C with the volume of 55 mL. Using Raschrig Rings, first distillate produces at 79°C to 84°C with the volume of 30 mL. Second distillate produces at 87 oC to 89°C with the volume of 15 mL while third distillate begins to produce at 91°C to 93°C with the volume of 65 mL. The fourth distillate produces at 100°C to 101°C with the volume of 60 mL. The problem associated with the separation of ABE mixture solution is investigated and it is proved that fractional distillation is not suitable for separation of four mixture element into the different individual product.