the process of purifying a liquid by boiling it and condensing its vapors; distillment
a purified liquid produced by condensation from a vapor during distilling; the product of distilling; distillate
Oil and Gas Field Glossary
(Fractional distillation) A process based on the difference in boiling points of the liquids in the mixture to be separated. Successive vaporisation and condensation of crude oil in a fractionating column will separate out the lighter products, leaving a residue of fuel oil or bitumen. Distillation is carried out in such a way as to avoid any cracking. It is the basic process that takes place in an oil refinery.
