• The process of distillation separates the components of a liquid based on their boiling points.petroleum distilation image by Heng kong Chen from Fotolia.com
  
  Distillation is the process used to separate the mixtures contained in a liquid. It is based on the principle that mixtures boil at different temperatures. Distillation is used to purify water, produce liquors and separate crude oils. Whiskey and bourbon distillers, for instance, use distillation processes to separate alcohol -- which boils at lower temperatures than water-- from the water in mash -- predistilled whiskey similar to beer. Water distillers, on the other hand, purify water by first boiling it and then condensing it, which leaves behind undesirable impurities. If you want to distill your own water at home, there are various options from which you can choose.
  
  

Batch Distillers

• Household batch distillers vary from the size of a coffeemaker to 10-gallon floor units. Bath distillers can produce 3 to 10 gallons of purified water a day. This will probably satisfy the drinking needs of a medium to large family.
  
  

Continuous Flow Distiller Unit

• Continuous flow distillers are connected to reserve tanks with a level switch that switches on a transfer pump to refill the distiller when reserve levels drop. The reserve tanks can be connected to special kitchen taps for extra convenience. This distilling option produces a regular flow of purified water which can satisfy the needs of a larger household or even a group of households.
  
  

Water Distilling Costs

• The cost of household water distilling is divided into the initial cost of buying a batch or continuous flow distiller and the running costs of electricity. According to a report published by the University of Minnesota, a small batch unit distiller can cost around $250, while a continuous flow distiller with a 4-gallon container can cost around $1,200. According to the same report electricity costs are around $0.33 a gallon.