Abstract: The distillation plant comprises a column (1) and a heat pump (4, 5) which operates between a sump vaporizer (3) and an exhaust vapor compressor (2) of the column. The heat pump is substitutable by devices (6, 7) which can be switched to the sump vaporizer and the exhaust vapor compressor when required. These substituting devices comprise devices (6 and 7 respectively) for the production of vapor or the provision of a coolant respectively as well as connection means (63, 63′, 72, 72′). The coolants can be liquids (water) or gases (air).

Abstract: A distillation plant contains a column with packings as well as a vaporizer. The elements of the column are arranged along a vertical axis and assembled as a constructional unit. They are executed in such a manner that a slight pressure drop sets in during the operation of the plant between a sump and a head. At least two vaporizers are provided, namely a first vaporizer, which is arranged in or directly above the sump, and an intermediate vaporizer which is arranged above the first vaporizer and a lower packing section; and/or at least two liquefiers are provided, namely a first liquefier, which is arranged in the head of the column, and an intermediate liquefier, which is arranged below the first liquefier and an upper packing section.

Abstract: A distillation plant is constructed with an evaporator, separator and distillation column integrated together on a common vertical axis so as to eliminate bends and reduced cross sections in the product flow. The distillation column employs a regular packing to further reduce the pressure drop and operating temperatures over the height of the column. The overall pressure drop in the distillation plant is held to a range of less than 20 mbar.