Short-Path Distillation Unit Technical Details​​

1. Equipment Overview

A short-path distillation unit is a ​​precision distillation device​​ that separates components based on ​​differences in molecular mean free path under high vacuum​​. Its key features include:

• o Extremely low operating pressure​​: Can achieve ​​10⁻³~10⁻⁵ mbar​​ (ultra-high vacuum)
• o Low-temperature separation​​: Utilizes molecular free path differences to prevent thermal degradation
• o Short residence time​​: Material exposure to heat typically ​​<1 minute​

2.Working Principle

• Material distribution​​: Liquid forms a uniform thin film on the heated surface
• Molecular evaporation​​​​: Molecules volatilize from the film surface under high vacuum
• Short-path separation​​​​: Vapor molecules travel only ​​a few centimeters​​ to reach the condenser (avoiding collision and remixing)
• Condensation and collection​​​​: Condenser surface rapidly captures vapor molecules to achieve separation

3.Core Structure

Evaporator main body​​:

• o Heating cylinder​​: Jacket with precise temperature control
• o Condenser​​: Built-in condensing surface (2-5 cm from evaporation surface)
• o Wiping system​​: Rotor with wipers creates ultra-thin liquid film

Vacuum system​​:

• o Fore pump​​: Rotary vane/screw pump (10⁻² mbar)
• o Booster pump​​: Roots pump (10⁻³ mbar)
• o High vacuum pump​​: Oil diffusion/turbomolecular pump (10⁻⁵ mbar)

Control system​​:

• o PID temperature control​​: Heating accuracy ±0.5°C
• o Vacuum interlock​​: Automatically cuts off heating if pressure exceeds limits
• o Feed rate control​​: Precision metering pump regulates input flow

4.Technical Parameters

5.Unique Advantages

Protects heat-sensitive materials​​:

1. o Low-temperature operation prevents decomposition of antibiotics, vitamins, essential oils, etc.

Separates high-boiling-point substances​​:

1. o Can separate substances with boiling points >400°C at temperatures far below atmospheric boiling points

Handles high-viscosity materials​​:

1. o Wiping system can process materials up to 20,000 cP

6.Application Fields

Pharmaceutical industry​​:

1. o Vitamin E purification, fish oil Omega-3 concentration, antibiotic extraction

Fine chemicals​​:

1. o Polymer monomer purification, silicone oil distillation, flavor/fragrance separation

Food industry​​:

1. o Natural pigment extraction, essential oil decolorization/deodorization

New energy​​:

1. o Lithium battery electrolyte purification, OLED material refinement

7.Selection Considerations

Material characterization​​:

1. o Molecular weight distribution, thermal sensitivity, viscosity, boiling point

Separation requirements​​:

1. o Target product purity, processing capacity, residual solvent requirements

Material compatibility​​:

1. o Corrosive materials require Hastelloy or titanium

Energy optimization​​:

1. o Multi-stage condensation and heat integration can reduce energy consumption by 30%