Short Path Distillation

The Short Path Distillation Unit, also called the Molecular Distillation Unit, is an advanced system for distilling high boiling and heat-sensitive substances at lower temperatures. It has an in-built condenser located inside the unit. This unique design ensures that the vapor travels only a very short distance to reach the condenser, eliminating any pressure drop. It also allows the system to operate under extremely high/ critical vacuum conditions.

How It Works:

  • Feeding the Material: The liquid mixture to be distilled is introduced into the system.
  • Heating Process: The mixture is heated, causing the lighter components to evaporate. Heating temperatures can go up to 400°C, depending on the material being processed.
  • Short Path Travel: The vapor generated travels a very short distance to the internally mounted condenser, ensuring minimal resistance and no pressure drop.
  • Condensation: The condenser cools the vapor, turning it back into liquid form.
  • Collection: The separated liquid and residue are collected separately for further use or disposal.
  • Vacuum Assistance: The system operates under fine vacuum conditions (down to 0.001 mbar), lowering boiling points by 100–150°C, making it ideal for heat-sensitive substances.

Benefits:

  • Gentle Processing: Ideal for handling heat-sensitive, high boiling materials without degrading their quality.
  • Fast Operation: The residence time of substances within the system is just a few seconds, reducing the risk of thermal damage.
  • Efficient Performance: The required distillation is achieved in a single pass, saving time and energy.
  • Enhanced Vacuum: Operating under ultra-low vacuum conditions reduces boiling points, ensuring safer and more efficient processing.
  • High Flexibility: Features like wiper baskets and splash guards allow for customized operations to suit different materials.
  • Wide Range of Applications: Can handle a variety of substances, including pharmaceuticals, fatty acids, chemicals, oils, and waxes.

Applications:

  • Pharmaceutical Industry: Used for distilling bulk drugs, esters, and tocopherols.
  • Chemical Industry: Processes epoxy resins, plasticizers, stabilizers, and fine chemicals.
  • Fatty Acids and Oils: Ideal for refining fish oil, omega-3 fatty acids, glycerides, and silicone oils.
  • Oil Re-Refining: Helps in re-refining spent lubricating oils to remove impurities.
  • Wax Purification: Purifies natural and synthetic waxes for various uses.

Why Choose Our SPDU?

  • Advanced Technology: Designed with precision-engineered components for reliable performance.
  • Eco-Friendly: Operates efficiently with minimal energy consumption and waste.
  • Customizable Design: Tailored solutions to meet unique industrial needs.
  • Durability: Built with high-quality materials to ensure long-term reliability.
  • After-Sales Support: Includes training, spare parts availability, and maintenance services.

Material of Construction: SS 304 / SS 316 / MS / As per client needs

Process Flow for Short Path Distillation (SPD) System

Feed Solution Inlet → (Liquid mixture enters the distillation system)

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Heating Unit (Boiler/Reboiler) → (Liquid is heated to initiate evaporation, up to 400°C)

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Vacuum System Activation → (Reduces boiling points by 100–150°C, operating at ultra-low pressure down to 0.001 mbar)

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Short Path Travel → (Vapor moves a short distance to the condenser, minimizing resistance and avoiding pressure drops)

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Internally Mounted Condenser → (Directly cools vapor for rapid condensation)

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Separated Liquid Collection → (Purified distillate is collected separately)

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Residue Removal Outlet → (Heavier fractions are removed for further use or disposal)

Key Equipment Involved

Feed Pump (Ensures controlled material entry into the distillation chamber)

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Heated Evaporator Surface (Provides precise heat transfer for evaporation)

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Vacuum System (Ultra-fine vacuum lowers boiling points for optimal separation)

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Short Path Condenser (Minimizes vapor travel distance, ensuring efficiency)

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Cooling System (Maintains temperature control for proper condensation)

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Fractional Collection Tanks (Stores purified distillate and heavy residue)

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