The column contained 8 equilibrium stages, which were constructed in jacketed, glass fractionation
modules that were 7.5 cm tall with an inner diameter of 5 cm and filled with Rasching rings (8 mm characteristic size). In addition, temperature sensors (thermocouples) were installed throughout the column to monitor the column’s temperature. The flask-type column reboiler had a capacity of 5 L, and the initial volume used was 2 L. To heat the flask, an electric heating mantle, with a maximum power of 698 W and controlled by a power controller, was used. The tests were conducted with full power with the goal of a faster stabilization of the process. The total-type condenser used public water as a refrigerant. The reflux rate of the system was determined by a refluxer module (a drive system with an electromagnet that directs the condensed steam).