Column stills are a type of distillation apparatus used to separate liquids based on their boiling points. They consist of a tall vertical column filled with packing material, which increases the surface area for vapor and liquid interaction. As the mixture is heated, the more volatile components rise through the column, while less volatile components condense and fall back down. This process allows for a more efficient separation compared to traditional pot stills. These stills are commonly used in the production of spirits like whiskey and vodka, as well as in the petrochemical industry for refining crude oil. The continuous operation of column stills enables large-scale production, making them essential for meeting high demand in various industries.