Distillation Simulator

This simulator provides a simplified depiction of the natural course of ethanol-water distillation. It visually demonstrates two golden rules of distillation: as the process progresses, the temperature in the boiler rises steadily while the strength of the vapour and collected distillate falls.

How it works: The application does not use mathematical approximations; instead it solves the complex NIST VLE model iteratively, drop by drop (steps of 0.05 L). Using the estimated power input, it converts volumetric losses into a distillation time scale.

Disclaimer: This is explicitly a simplified two-component model (ethanol, water) of ideal gases at 1 atm (101.3 kPa). In practice, the still design (shape, height, sensors), passive reflux (cooling of the cap), varying boiling pressures at the base, and additional volatile compounds from fruit or grain will distort real curves, especially the time axis.