Enter Distillation Data
Use measured temperatures at fixed recovered percentages. Keep temperature units and volume units consistent across every field.
Example Data Table
This sample shows one simple hydrocarbon blend profile. You can enter these values directly or use the example button above.
| Recovered % | Temperature (°C) |
|---|---|
| 0 | 35 |
| 10 | 65 |
| 20 | 95 |
| 30 | 120 |
| 40 | 145 |
| 50 | 170 |
| 60 | 195 |
| 70 | 220 |
| 80 | 245 |
| 90 | 270 |
| 100 | 300 |
Example charge volume: 100 mL
Example recovered volume: 96 mL
Example residue volume: 2.5 mL
Example loss volume: 1.5 mL
Formula Used
1) Piecewise linear interpolation
Ttarget = T1 + ((Ptarget - P1) / (P2 - P1)) × (T2 - T1)
2) Distillation range
Range = Final boiling point - Initial boiling point
3) Volatility spread
Volatility spread = T90 - T10
4) Segment slope
Slope = Temperature change / Percent recovered change
5) Mass balance
Mass balance (%) = ((Recovered + Residue + Loss) / Charge) × 100
6) Area under curve
AUC uses the trapezoidal rule across every adjacent recovery interval.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the sample name and select the temperature unit.
- Provide charge, recovered, residue, and loss volumes.
- Type measured temperatures at each recovery percentage.
- Enter any target recovered percentage for interpolation.
- Click the calculate button to generate the curve.
- Review IBP, T50, T90, FBP, slopes, and balance.
- Check the chart for front-end and back-end behavior.
- Download CSV or PDF for reporting and comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) What does a distillation curve show?
A distillation curve plots recovered percentage against temperature. It reveals how light and heavy fractions leave the sample during heating. Lower early temperatures suggest lighter material. Higher late temperatures suggest heavier material.
2) Why is T10 important?
T10 reflects front-end volatility. It helps compare light ends, early evaporation, and handling behavior. A lower T10 often means lighter fractions distill sooner.
3) Why do many people look at T50?
T50 sits near the middle of the curve. It works as a quick indicator of average boiling behavior and mid-range composition.
4) What do T90 and final boiling point indicate?
T90 and final boiling point highlight heavy ends. Higher values usually mean more high-boiling material stays in the sample until late in the test.
5) Can I use Fahrenheit instead of Celsius?
Yes. Keep the same unit for every temperature entry. The curve shape stays valid, but comparisons should always use one consistent unit.
6) Why is mass balance included?
Mass balance checks whether recovered, residue, and loss volumes reasonably match the starting charge. Large gaps can signal handling or measurement errors.
7) Is the target cut temperature exact?
This page estimates target cut temperatures by linear interpolation between entered points. It is useful for screening and trending, but it does not replace a formal laboratory method.
8) How should I prepare my input values?
Enter measured temperatures in ascending recovery order, review the plot, then export the summary. Use the example table if you need a starting format.