Lab Glass 20 Plate Silver Vacuum Jacketed Oldershaw Distillation Column

Used High-Resolution Borosilicate Glass Fractional Distillation Column with 20 Plates, Silver Vacuum Jacket, and Expansion Bellows

The Lab Glass 20 Plate Silver Vacuum Jacketed Oldershaw Distillation Column is a used, high-efficiency laboratory fractional distillation column designed for demanding chemical separation workflows that require more theoretical stages than shorter 5 plate or 10 plate Oldershaw columns. Constructed from borosilicate glass, this column features 20 perforated plates, 1-inch plate spacing, a silver vacuum jacket, corrugated vacuum jacket, expansion bellows, and mixed ground glass joints with a 29/42 top joint and 35/25 bottom joint.

An Oldershaw column is a laboratory-scale fractional distillation column built with a series of perforated plates, also called trays, and downcomers. Each plate acts as an individual theoretical stage, maximizing vapor-liquid contact as vapors rise and condensed liquid flows back through the column. This repeated vapor-liquid interaction helps separate chemical mixtures more precisely based on boiling point differences.

This particular 20 plate Oldershaw column stands out because it offers a higher number of separation stages in a laboratory glassware format. With a 31-inch / 787.4 mm overall length, 1-inch / 25.4 mm inside diameter, and 20 plates spaced 1 inch apart, it is well suited for laboratories that need improved resolution, cleaner fraction cuts, and more controlled separation performance than shorter fractional distillation columns can typically provide.

For related chemical processing and analytical equipment, browse HiTechTrader’s used laboratory equipment, laboratory reactors, laboratory pumps, and analytical instruments.

High-Resolution 20 Plate Oldershaw Column for Advanced Fractionation

The key advantage of this Lab Glass Oldershaw column is its 20 plate design. Each internal plate provides another vapor-liquid contact point, helping improve separation efficiency for mixtures that require more refined fractionation.

Compared with shorter 5 plate or 10 plate columns, a 20 plate Oldershaw distillation column may be better suited for applications where the target components have closer boiling points or where the lab needs sharper separation between fractions.

Common uses include:

• high-resolution fractional distillation
• solvent purification
• solvent recovery
• reaction product purification
• boiling point fractionation
• petrochemical and hydrocarbon separation
• specialty chemical separation
• essential oil refinement
• pharmaceutical process development
• organic chemistry research
• QA/QC method development
• small-scale process optimization

This column is especially useful for laboratories that need more separation power than a simple distillation apparatus or shorter Oldershaw column can provide.

Why a 20 Plate Oldershaw Column Stands Out

This column is not just another vacuum-jacketed glass column. It is best positioned as a higher stage laboratory fractionation column for buyers who need more precision from their separation setup.

This model stands out because it includes:

• 20 theoretical plate stages for improved vapor-liquid contact
• 31-inch length for a taller, higher-resolution column format
• 1-inch inside diameter for laboratory-scale separations
• 1-inch plate spacing for consistent internal stage layout
• silver vacuum jacket for reduced radiant heat transfer
• corrugated vacuum jacket for jacketed glassware performance
• expansion bellows to help reduce thermal stress
• mixed 29/42 and 35/25 joints for specialized glassware assemblies

For labs comparing multiple Oldershaw columns, this unit is a strong choice when separation quality matters more than compact size.

Silver Vacuum Jacket for Better Thermal Stability

The silver coating on a vacuum-jacketed Oldershaw column is used primarily to reduce heat transfer by radiation. During fractional distillation, thermal stability is important because uncontrolled heat loss can affect vapor-liquid equilibrium, reflux behavior, and the consistency of fraction collection.

A silver vacuum jacket helps support:

• reduced radiant heat transfer
• improved thermal isolation
• more stable internal column conditions
• better support for vapor-liquid equilibrium
• reduced influence from ambient laboratory temperature
• improved repeatability between distillation runs
• better performance in temperature-sensitive separations

For laboratories working with solvent purification, hydrocarbon fractionation, specialty chemical separation, or process development, thermal control can make a significant difference in separation consistency.

Corrugated Vacuum Jacket with Expansion Bellows

This Lab Glass Oldershaw column includes both a corrugated vacuum jacket and expansion bellows. This is an important feature for a longer vacuum-jacketed glass column because heating and cooling cycles can place stress on glass components.

The expansion bellows help accommodate thermal expansion and contraction, supporting more dependable operation during repeated use.

Benefits include:

• reduced glass stress during thermal cycling
• better durability in repeated distillation workflows
• improved support for vacuum-jacketed operation
• added flexibility compared with rigid jacketed glassware
• better long-term usability in laboratory fractionation setups

For a 31-inch column, this feature is especially valuable because longer glassware can be more sensitive to handling, alignment, and thermal stress.

29/42 Top Joint and 35/25 Bottom Joint

This column is configured with a 29/42 top joint and a 35/25 bottom joint, making it useful for specialized or custom laboratory glassware assemblies.

The mixed joint configuration may support:

• custom fractional distillation setups
• solvent purification systems
• vapor transfer assemblies
• chemical process glassware
• reflux and condensation workflows
• laboratory-scale purification rigs
• specialty glassware arrangements

Because the top and bottom joint sizes are different, buyers should confirm compatibility with their existing boiling flasks, adapters, condensers, receivers, clamps, and vacuum system components before purchase.

Borosilicate Glass Construction for Chemical Separation

This Oldershaw column is constructed from borosilicate glass, which is commonly used in laboratory distillation glassware because it offers chemical resistance, thermal stability, and clear visibility during operation.

Borosilicate glass benefits include:

• compatibility with many laboratory solvents and reagents
• visibility of internal vapor liquid activity
• resistance to thermal stress in lab workflows
• suitability for repeated distillation use
• usefulness in research, QA/QC, and teaching labs

The transparent glass design allows users to observe internal column behavior, which can help with method development, troubleshooting, reflux control, and visual inspection during operation.

Technical Specifications

Typical Applications

The Lab Glass 20 Plate Silver Vacuum Jacketed Oldershaw Distillation Column is designed for laboratories needing high-efficiency fractionation and controlled separation performance.

Common applications include:

• high-resolution fractional distillation
• solvent purification and recovery
• boiling point separation
• reaction product purification
• hydrocarbon fractionation
• petroleum testing
• essential oil refinement
• specialty chemical purification
• pharmaceutical R&D
• organic chemistry research
• process development
• quality control method development
• academic laboratory demonstrations

This column is especially useful when a lab needs more separation capability than a 5 plate or 10 plate column can provide.

Key Benefits

20 Plate High-Efficiency Design

Provides more theoretical stages than shorter Oldershaw columns, helping improve separation precision.

Silver Vacuum Jacket

Helps reduce radiant heat transfer and supports more stable internal distillation conditions.

Corrugated Jacket with Expansion Bellows

Helps reduce glass stress during heating and cooling cycles.

31-Inch Column Length

Provides a taller laboratory fractionation format for advanced separation workflows.

1-Inch Plate Diameter and 1-Inch Plate Spacing

Supports consistent vapor-liquid contact across the internal plate structure.

Mixed Joint Configuration

The 29/42 top joint and 35/25 bottom joint may support specialized laboratory glassware assemblies.

Used Equipment Value

Gives laboratories access to specialty fractional distillation glassware at a lower cost than many new custom glass columns.

Why Buy This Lab Glass Oldershaw Column from HiTechTrader?

HiTechTrader helps laboratories source scientific, analytical, chemical processing, and laboratory equipment for research, testing, purification, process development, and education. This used Lab Glass 20 Plate Silver Vacuum Jacketed Oldershaw Distillation Column is a strong option for buyers who need higher-stage laboratory fractionation equipment without paying full new-equipment pricing.

This column can be paired with compatible laboratory systems and equipment, including:

• laboratory reactors
• Parr reactors
• laboratory pumps
• analytical instruments
• used GC-MS systems
• containment and safety equipment
• used laboratory equipment

For laboratories building a complete separation or purification workflow, this Oldershaw column may be used alongside compatible boiling flasks, condensers, receiving vessels, vacuum systems, heating mantles, pumps, reactors, GC-MS instruments, and other analytical tools.

Used Lab Glass 20 Plate Oldershaw Distillation Column for Sale

HiTechTrader offers this used Lab Glass 20 Plate Silver Vacuum Jacketed Oldershaw Distillation Column for laboratories needing high efficiency fractional distillation glassware.

This column is a strong fit for solvent purification, chemical separation, hydrocarbon fractionation, petroleum testing, essential oil refinement, pharmaceutical development, organic chemistry research, and small-scale process optimization.

Contact HiTechTrader to request pricing, confirm availability, verify joint compatibility, or source additional laboratory glassware and chemical processing equipment for your setup.

FAQ Section

What is a 20 plate Oldershaw distillation column?

A 20 plate Oldershaw distillation column is a laboratory fractional distillation column with 20 internal perforated plates. Each plate acts as a theoretical stage to improve vapor-liquid contact and help separate liquid mixtures by boiling point.

What is this Lab Glass Oldershaw column used for?

This column is used for high-efficiency fractional distillation, solvent purification, solvent recovery, chemical separation, hydrocarbon fractionation, reaction product purification, and laboratory-scale process development.

Why choose a 20 plate column instead of a 5 plate or 10 plate column?

A 20 plate column provides more vapor-liquid contact stages, which can help improve separation performance for more demanding fractionation workflows or mixtures with closer boiling points.

Why is the vacuum jacket silvered?

The silver coating helps reduce heat transfer by radiation. This supports better thermal isolation and helps maintain more stable internal column conditions during distillation.

What are the joint sizes on this column?

This column has a 29/42 top joint and a 35/25 bottom joint.

What is the inside diameter of this column?

The column inside diameter is 1 inch / 25.4 mm.

What is the outside diameter of this column?

The column outside diameter is 2.5 inches / 63.5 mm.

How long is this Oldershaw column?

This column is 31 inches / 787.4 mm long.

Does this column have expansion bellows?

Yes. This column includes expansion bellows and a corrugated vacuum jacket, which help support vacuum-jacketed performance and reduce glass stress during thermal cycling.

Is this Oldershaw column new or used?

This Lab Glass 20 plate Oldershaw distillation column is listed in used condition. Buyers should confirm glass condition, joint integrity, silvering, vacuum jacket condition, and compatibility before use.