Distillation

The following day, Li Ming and Li Xuan had successfully completed the construction of the final system in the production process. Elder Han had joined them, as his expertise was essential for operating the system until the members of the Dragon Houses became familiar with it.

Inspecting the distillation barrel, Li Ming asked, "How does it look?"

Elder Han studied the barrel, which appeared unassuming from the outside but housed intricate mechanisms within. The complexity of its design had resulted in a longer construction time. "The process is as straightforward as you described, and I can easily replicate it. However, I have made some adjustments to the length and size," he explained, pointing at the barrel's bottom section. "The liquid should enter from the bottom, correct?"

Li Ming nodded in confirmation. "Yes."

"We will increase the temperature to around two hundred degrees, causing the liquid to boil. As the temperature decreases to a certain extent, the vapor will fill the upper section of the barrel and begin to condense," Elder Han elaborated, pointing to the second section from the bottom. "This is where the condensed liquid will collect."

"Exactly. The condensed liquid will then flow through another pipe," Li Ming added.

"However, some vapor will likely remain hot and fail to condense. These vapors will rise to the uppermost section of the barrel, gradually losing heat until they do condense. As a result, we will have several liquids condensing at different temperatures," Elder Han continued, gesturing toward the upper barrel.

"You've grasped the concept of the process quite well," Li Ming praised, a smile forming on his lips.

"To be honest, I never imagined such a thing could be achieved," Elder Han admitted with a helpless shake of his head. "The main challenge lies in controlling the temperature. If the temperature drops too low, the liquids may separate."

"Yes, that's why..." Li Ming pointed to the side of the barrel.

"Exactly. The flow of water. By circulating water outside the system, we can regulate the temperature within each barrel. Of course, maintaining a constant supply of cooling water will be necessary. Initially, it may prove challenging, but once we become accustomed to it, we can separate the liquids at a high rate," Elder Han explained.

Li Ming nodded in agreement. He wished he had access to modern tools like computers to automate and control the entire process more easily, but for now, that was not feasible.

"In any case, I will assign a few people from my workshops to conduct the demonstration. I hope that is acceptable," Elder Han proposed.

"Of course, it will be a valuable learning experience," Li Ming replied, his smile unwavering.

"Very well." Elder Han turned around and summoned his subordinates with a wave of his hand.

Meanwhile, Li Xuan stood alongside the members of the Dragon Houses, observing the forthcoming demonstration attentively.

Li Ming and Elder Han remained in their positions, ready to oversee the entire process.

"Please begin!" Li Ming announced, extending his hand and indicating the time had come.

Two individuals ignited a fire at the bottom of the barrel, heating the entire system. Li Ming had only instructed them to heat it from the bottom at this stage, as he was still assessing the extent to which he could intervene in the process. The vapor would naturally transfer heat to the upper sections. However, Li Ming could regulate the temperature in each barrel using his Eyes ability to scan the heat.

Once the barrel had reached a significant heat level, two others stepped forward, carrying a basin filled with crude oil. They carefully poured the oil into the tube that flowed into the bottom of the barrel, ensuring they did not introduce it into an excessively heated environment that could cause an explosion.

As soon as the barrel was filled with oil, they increased the fire. Additionally, the two individuals brought another barrel and began pouring its contents.

"It appears that the success of the process hinges on the rate of flow. If it is too fast, we need to adjust the input," Elder Han remarked, furrowing his brow.

"Yes, I can measure the flow rate for now. Elder Han, have you implemented the flow control mechanism?" Li Ming inquired.

Elder Han nodded. "Yes, I have. We can only monitor the progress for now."

"Indeed." Li Ming fell silent and positioned himself to the side, instructing his Eyes ability to measure the flow rate.

After a few minutes, liquid began to flow out of the barrel. It started from the bottom section, where the boiling point was lowest. Gradually, the second section from the bottom also produced liquid, which possessed a distinct color.

Soon, more sections began yielding their respective liquids.

"As expected..." Li Ming murmured, his gaze fixed on the flowing liquids as thoughts raced through his mind.

Elder Han, briefly glancing at Li Ming, signaled his workers to initiate the water flow. The heat had become too intense, and the barrel required some cooling. Simultaneously, the water would help regulate the temperature within the barrel. This constituted Li Ming's first traditional heat exchanger.

"Continue," Li Ming directed, observing the flow rate. Each section had its own dedicated path to prevent the liquids from mixing again. At the end of each path was another basin.

When he inspected the basins, the liquids appeared remarkably similar to those produced during their testing.

"Eyses," Li Ming whispered.

"It is impossible to achieve 100% purity," Eyses responded.

"I suppose so," Li Ming sighed. "But the current result should be pure enough for marketability." He waved his hand, signaling Li Xuan to come.

As Li Xuan approached, she noticed a slight difference in color, but it would go unnoticed by those unaware of the original color. "It is not completely pure."

"We can achieve complete purity, but the costs would skyrocket. Besides, the current result should suffice," Li Ming affirmed.

"I understand." Li Xuan bent down and examined the lubricating oil. "Ordinary people would never imagine such clear lubricating oil. Clear oil is typically associated with vegetable oil."

"Indeed. Based on what we can see, it should be feasible to produce up to one thousand liters per day. However, we will need to establish multiple shifts so that workers can operate the system continuously throughout the day. This way, we can avoid reheating the barrel each time we restart, reducing costs," Li Ming proposed.

"I will follow your lead," Li Xuan agreed.

"For now, let's generate some results and use them to demonstrate the new oil to potential investors. You will handle the negotiations, and I will focus on increasing crude oil production," Li Ming outlined their next steps.

Li Xuan nodded. "And the craftsmen will continue constructing the necessary tools?"

"Yes. Since you will be handling the negotiations, is there someone who can act in your stead if I need assistance?" Li Ming inquired.

"I will provide you with a badge later. You can approach the Dragon Houses, and they will have the authority to address your requests," Li Xuan assured him.

"Very well." Li Ming clenched his teeth, determined to build a successful oil empire.