Distillation Column Manufacturer
for Oil, Petrochemical, and Chemical Processing
Gelan provides custom distillation columns for oil, petrochemical, and chemical plants. Whether you need a distillation tower for fractionation, purification, or process separation, we support your project from design review to fabrication, inspection, and delivery.
- ASME-compliant fabrication
- Tray or packed tower design
- Inspection and handover documents
- Custom columns beyond distillation
How Distillation Columns Work in the Process
Distillation columns are used to split mixed streams into the product cuts your process needs. In most projects, they are installed between feed heating and product recovery.
Crude Oil Distillation
It separates crude feed into the required fractions, so your downstream units can receive the right stream for the next process step.
Petroleum Fractionation
It splits mixed hydrocarbons into usable product cuts, so your process can run with clearer separation targets and more stable product recovery.
Vacuum Distillation
It helps separate heavier fractions under vacuum, so your project can continue processing residue that cannot be handled well under normal pressure.
Chemical Product Purification
It removes unwanted components from the mixed stream, so your process can achieve the product purity needed for the next step or final use.
Turns flue gas heat into useful steam instead of letting it leave through the stack. This helps reduce fuel demand, improve heater efficiency, and make better use of heat already paid for.
It splits mixed hydrocarbons into usable product cuts, so your process can run with clearer separation targets and more stable product recovery.
It helps separate heavier fractions under vacuum, so your project can continue processing residue that cannot be handled well under normal pressure.
It removes unwanted components from the mixed stream, so your process can achieve the product purity needed for the next step or final use.
Distillation Column Types: Tray vs Packed
Tray and packed designs are the two most common internal options for distillation columns. Gelan supports both configurations based on process requirements and project conditions.
Tray Distillation Column
- Uses distillation column trays for staged vapor-liquid contact
- Common in many refining and general process services
- Easier to inspect and maintain in many operating conditions
- Common where internal access matters more
Packed Distillation Column
- Uses distillation column packing to create vapor-liquid contact area
- Common in vacuum and lower-pressure-drop services
- Supports efficient separation in many industrial applications
- Preferred where lower pressure drop is important
Typical Industrial Distillation Column Design Range and Configuration
Each industrial distillation column is customized around separation duty, operating conditions, and project layout. Below are the main items customers usually confirm with Gelan before design and fabrication.
| Item | Typical Option from Gelan |
|---|---|
| Separation duty | Distillation column, fractionation column, crude, petroleum, vacuum, or other process separation service |
| Tower configuration | Tray or packed |
| Operating pressure | Based on project requirement |
| Operating temperature | Based on operating condition |
| Material requirement | Carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex, clad, or specified material |
| Tower size | Customized based on capacity, layout, and transport limit |
| Internal requirement | Distillation column trays, packing, distributor, collector, demister, and other specified internals |
| Nozzle and connection | Based on process and piping requirement |
| Fabrication basis | ASME-compliant fabrication or project-required standard |
| Inspection scope | NDT, dimensional check, hydrotest if required, and internal inspection records |
| Project documents | Drawings, material certificates, inspection records, and handover documents |
*All specifications are customized based on process duty, operating conditions, and project requirements.
How Gelan Supports Your Distillation Column Project
Built for Your Separation Target
If the column does not match the required product split, purity target, throughput, or allowable pressure drop, the whole separation section will be harder to run.
Gelan approach:
- Design the tower around required product purity, separation target, flow rate, and operating conditions
- Support tray or packed configuration based on allowable pressure drop and service requirement
- Match tower size, stage arrangement, and internal layout to actual process needs
Internals Matched to Stable Operation
For many projects, stable operation depends on whether trays, packing, distributors, and other internals are matched to the real service.
Gelan approach:
- Support distillation column trays or distillation column packing based on process conditions
- Configure distributor, collector, demister, and other internals to fit operating duty
- Consider fouling tendency, maintenance access, and long-cycle operation in the internal arrangement
Materials Selected for Corrosion and Service Conditions
Customers do not choose material for the drawing only. They choose it to handle corrosion risk, operating temperature, pressure, and long-term service life.
Gelan approach:
- Support carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex, clad, and other specified material options
- Select fabrication materials to match corrosion resistance and operating conditions
- Support ASME U Stamp fabrication and project-required code compliance where applicable
Fabrication Capability for Large Industrial Towers
Tower size, section layout, and structural details should match your project dimensions, transport route, and installation method.
Gelan approach:
- Support custom distillation column fabrication for tower shell, nozzles, internals support, and structural parts
- Customized diameter beyond 6,000 mm
- Customized length beyond 50 m
- Support sectional fabrication and shipment planning when required
Clear Records for Review and Handover
A finished tower is not enough if inspection records, certificates, and handover documents are incomplete.
Gelan approach:
- Prepare drawings, material certificates, inspection records, and handover documents with delivery
- Support NDT, dimensional check, and other required inspection items
- Organize document packages for EPC review, shipment, and site handover
Typical Process Applications of Distillation Columns
Distillation columns are used in projects where mixed streams need to be separated into the right product cuts, purity levels, or downstream feed streams. Below are some of the most common industrial applications.
Representative Distillation Column Project Support
Extractive Distillation Column for a Large-Scale Coking Upgrade and Gas Utilization Project
Project Background:
Key requirement:
- Equipment: Extractive Distillation Column
- Column Size: Ø2400 × 46100 mm
- Shell Thickness: 20/24 mm
- Material: Q345R
- Equipment Type: Class II pressure vessel
- Weight: About 93 tons
Gelan support:
- Fabrication support for a large industrial distillation column
- Tower fabrication matched to project size, thickness, and material requirements
- Support for pressure vessel manufacturing and delivery preparation
Result:
The project demonstrates Gelan’s capability in handling large custom distillation columns for demanding industrial applications.
Types of Waste Heat Boiler by Heat Source and Process
Different heat sources and process duties lead to different WHB designs. Among them, HRSG is one of the most common and most recognized types.
Other tower types used in industrial processes |
Absorber Tower
|
Stripper Tower
|
Contact Tower
|
| Typical Stream | Gas stream | Liquid stream | Gas-liquid stream |
| Main Purpose | Gas treatment or recovery | Remove light components from liquid | Provide vapor-liquid contact |
| Typical Tower | Amine Absorber, Scrubber Tower |
Steam Stripper, Solvent Stripper |
Quench Tower, Wash Tower |
Gelan supports custom tower solutions based on process function and operating conditions.
Related Equipment Around a Distillation Column
Gelan also supports upstream and downstream equipment commonly used around distillation columns.
Atmospheric Furnace
Used to heat crude or process feed before it enters the atmospheric distillation section.
Vacuum Furnace
Used to heat heavier feed before it enters the vacuum distillation section under controlled conditions.
Preheater
Used to raise feed temperature before the stream enters the distillation column.
Shell & Tube Heat Exchangers
Used for feed preheating, product cooling, condensing duty, or heat recovery around the tower system.
Air Cooler
Used where overhead or downstream streams need air cooling before collection, storage, or further processing.
Separator Vessel / Drum
Used for phase separation, reflux drum duty, or stream stabilization around the tower section.
Storage Tank
Used to collect, buffer, or store separated products before transfer or downstream use.
FAQ About Distillation Columns
What information is needed before asking for a quote?
Please share separation duty, feed condition, required product split, operating pressure and temperature, material requirement, and any layout or transport limits. Gelan can review this and recommend a suitable tower configuration.
What is the difference between tray and packed distillation columns?
A tray distillation column uses trays for staged contact. A packed distillation column uses packing to create contact area. The right choice depends on pressure drop, fouling, and maintenance needs.
How do I choose the right internal design?
It depends on your process target, allowable pressure drop, and service conditions. Gelan supports both tray and packed designs for custom projects.
What materials are used for industrial distillation columns?
Common materials include carbon steel, stainless steel, duplex, and clad construction. The final choice depends on pressure, temperature, and corrosion risk.
Can a distillation column be customized for crude oil or vacuum service?
Yes. A crude oil distillation column or vacuum distillation column is usually customized around the actual separation duty and operating conditions.
What should I check when comparing distillation column manufacturers?
Check process fit, internal design support, fabrication capability, material options, and inspection documents. A good distillation column manufacturer should support both fabrication and project documentation.
Can Gelan provide fabrication and inspection documents?
Yes. Gelan can provide drawings, material certificates, inspection records, and handover documents with delivery.
Besides distillation columns, can Gelan also provide other towers?
Yes. Gelan also supports custom absorber, stripper, and other process towers for industrial applications.
Need a Custom Distillation Column for Your Project?
Share your process requirements with Gelan for a custom tower solution.