This paper sets out a cyclic operation policy for batch distillation with repeated filling and dumping of the reflux drum. The 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 and therefore safer to operate. In this study, the optimal operation of the policy is considered for different column configurations and it is found to have a considerable lower operating time than conventional policies for some separations. The practical implementation of the 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 satisfactory separation.