This paper sets out a cyclic operation policy for batch distillation with repeated filling and dumping of tile reflux drum. The cyclic policy has several advantages compared to conventional schemes; it achieves the maximum attainable separation in the column; there is a minimal need for control and it is less sensitive to disturbances anti therefore safer to operate. For small laboratory columns accurate measurement of flows may be difficult and cyclic operation is therefore well suited since no flow measurements are needed. In this paper, the practical implementation of a cyclic policy is discussed and results from a laboratory batch column with 8 sieve trays are presented. It is found that the cyclic policy is indeed easy to operate and yields a satisfactory separation of the mixture in question.