FRACTIONAL FREEZING Meaning and
Definition
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Fractional freezing is a process in which a mixture or solution is gradually cooled to separate its components based on their different freezing points. It is commonly used in various industries such as food processing, chemistry, and pharmaceuticals.
During fractional freezing, the mixture is placed in a controlled environment and cooled slowly. As the temperature decreases, different components with varying freezing points begin to solidify at different stages. The solidified components are then separated from the remaining liquid, allowing for the isolation and purification of specific substances.
This method exploits the principle that different substances present in a mixture freeze at distinct temperatures. By controlling the cooling rate and temperature, it is possible to selectively freeze and separate specific components. For example, in the food industry, fractional freezing can be used to remove excess water from fruits, vegetables, or even ice cream to improve their texture and quality.
Fractional freezing has significant pharmaceutical applications as well. It is commonly used to separate and purify proteins, enzymes, and other medicinal compounds from biological sources. This process helps in obtaining higher concentrations of the desired product, removing impurities, and achieving better overall quality.
In conclusion, fractional freezing is a separation technique that utilizes the differential freezing points of the components in a mixture. By gradually cooling the mixture, specific substances can be isolated and purified, making it a valuable method in various industries.
Etymology of FRACTIONAL FREEZING
The word "fractional freezing" has a straightforward etymology that can be broken down as follows:
1. Fractional: The word "fractional" is derived from the Latin word "fractus", which means "broken" or "divided". The term "fraction" refers to a part or a proportion of a whole, indicating that something is being divided or separated.
2. Freezing: The word "freezing", as a verb, originates from the Old English word "freosan", meaning "to freeze" or "to become solid through cold". It has been used to describe the process of transforming a liquid into a solid state due to low temperatures.
When combined, "fractional freezing" refers to the process of separating different components of a mixture by gradually cooling it below their individual freezing points, causing them to freeze and thus become solid while other components remain in the liquid state.
