The Distillation Group, Inc. describes two processing modes for distillation. In continuous distillation, the amount of solution is going into and leaving the still is equal. Continuous distillation is used for distilling large amounts of liquid. In batch distillation, the amount entering and exiting the still are different. Batch distillation is used for distilling small volumes, and it allows one to use the still to distill many different solutions.
Distillation has many applications.
Another is making alcoholic beverages. Since alcohol boils at 78.5 C and water at 100 C, the two can be separated by heating the mixture above 78.5 but less than 100 . All of the liquid that boils off will then be alcohol. The alcohol in this process comes from fermented molasses that has already been brewed. For more information, see the Tong Aik Distillery web page.