Reflux still function
Posted: Mon Jul 18, 2005 8:18 pm
I am constructing a reflux still and have studied many designs on this site and others. These reflux stills feature the return of a controlled flow of condensed distillate to the pot or to the top of the column. The most common way of controlling this flow seems to be by condensing vapors at the top of the column and collecting them in a reservoir that drains back through a needle valve. By adjusting the needle valve, it seems that the amount of return flow may be controlled.
I am unclear with regards to the importance of refluxing the condensate which has migrated to the top of the column. If my understanding of reflux theory is correct, each theoretical plate in the column contributes the equivalent of one complete simple distillation. Returning the distillate to the pot seems like a waste of time but returning it to the column might allow it to go through the top few theoretical plates one more time. Is this how the stills are designed?
I am unclear with regards to the importance of refluxing the condensate which has migrated to the top of the column. If my understanding of reflux theory is correct, each theoretical plate in the column contributes the equivalent of one complete simple distillation. Returning the distillate to the pot seems like a waste of time but returning it to the column might allow it to go through the top few theoretical plates one more time. Is this how the stills are designed?