ACHIEVE CHEM - Short Path Distillation Kit

Short range distillation, also known as molecular distillation or thin film distillation, is a highly efficient separation technique. This technology takes advantage of the different properties of the mean free path of different molecules to escape the liquid surface under negative pressure, and achieves separation by heating the light molecules in the mixture to volatilize and quickly condense. Short-range distillation kits usually include key components such as distillers, condensers, vacuum systems, heating systems, and cooling systems.

Short heating time of the material: the rotary scraper pushes the material liquid on the heating surface to move downward continuously in a spiral shape and away from the heating surface, and the separated material escapes from the heating surface and is quickly cooled and collected by the condenser. This method minimizes the contact time between the material and the heating surface, thereby reducing the risk of thermal decomposition, polymerization or deterioration.

Low evaporation temperature: Due to the short distance between the heating surface and the condensing surface, the light molecules are quickly condensed after overflowing from the heating surface, reducing the pressure drop generated by the gas transfer, so it can be separated at a temperature far below the boiling point of the material.

High separation purity: Short-range distillation can efficiently separate the light molecules in the mixture, resulting in a high purity product.

High flexibility: short-range distillation kits can be customized according to different needs, including the capacity of the still, heating power, cooling capacity, etc.

 

Still: usually made of glass or stainless steel, with high temperature resistance, corrosion resistance and other characteristics. A rotary scraper or film evaporator is provided inside the still to distribute the material evenly on the heating surface.

Condenser: Used to quickly condense the volatilized light molecules into liquid. The condenser is usually of vertical construction and equipped with a cooling system to maintain a low temperature environment.

Vacuum system: Used to create a negative pressure environment in the distillation process, reduce the boiling point of the material and improve the separation efficiency. Vacuum systems usually include vacuum pumps, vacuum valves and other components.

Heating system: It is used to heat the still to evaporate the light molecules in the mixture. The heating system is usually in the form of electric heating sleeves or heating oil furnaces.

Cooling system: Used to cool the condenser to ensure that the light molecules that volatilize can quickly condense into a liquid. The cooling system usually includes equipment such as chiller or cryogenic circulation tank.

 

Air cooling

Principle: Heat is removed from the evaporator by forced air flow driven by natural wind or fan, keeping the surface of the evaporator cool. This method is suitable for small and medium-sized equipment, because it does not require additional cooling media, and the cost is relatively low.

Features: Simple, economical, but may be limited by ambient temperature and wind speed, and may not be ideal for applications requiring efficient cooling.

Water cooling

Principle: Heat is removed by lowering the temperature of the evaporator surface by passing water through the evaporator pipe. This method is suitable for large equipment requiring efficient cooling.

Features: Good cooling effect, can cope with large heat load, but the need for stable water and circulation system, while may increase the complexity of equipment and maintenance costs.

Coolant cooling

Principle: The cooling effect is achieved by injecting coolant into the evaporator to absorb the heat generated by evaporation. This method is suitable for occasions where the equipment has strict temperature requirements.

Features: The temperature can be precisely controlled, but requires the use of specific coolant, and may involve coolant recovery and disposal issues.

Cooling between refrigerants

Principle: The evaporator is cooled by injecting a low temperature refrigerant, and then the generated heat is transferred to the high temperature refrigerant through the circulation pump, which takes it away. This method is suitable for occasions where the temperature requirements are very strict.

Features: Can achieve high precision temperature control, but the system is complex, high cost, and requires professional operation and maintenance.

End temperature control cooling

Principle: A temperature probe is set up at the outlet of the evaporator to automatically adjust the cooling water flow according to the temperature change, so as to maintain the stability of the end temperature. This method is suitable for occasions with high requirements for temperature stability.

Features: It can achieve stable temperature control, but it needs to be equipped with a precise temperature control system and flow regulation device.

Special application: evaporative cooling

In specific industrial applications, such as evaporative coolers, the latent heat of evaporation from water can also be used to cool process fluids. This method reduces the temperature of the flue gas by spraying water directly into the high temperature flue gas and using the evaporation of the water mist to absorb heat. This method is suitable for occasions where the water consumption is not large and the cooling effect is required.

 

Advantages and disadvantages of air cooling

(advantage)

Low cost: Compared to other cooling technologies, air cooling technology has lower equipment and maintenance costs, and does not require a large amount of additional energy consumption (such as electricity or water).

Flexible installation: The air cooling system does not require complex water distribution and return pipes, so the installation is relatively convenient, and can be flexibly arranged according to actual needs.

Easy operation: Using air cooling technology, the temperature and humidity in the laboratory or equipment can be accurately controlled through simple adjustment and control, and the operation is simple and easy.

(shortcoming)

The cooling effect is affected by environmental factors: environmental factors such as ambient temperature, changes in air pressure and air humidity will affect the cooling effect of air cooling, which may not meet the cooling demand under some extreme conditions.

Big pollution to the environment: During the cooling process, air cooling technology may release coolant or related substances into the environment, resulting in certain environmental pollution. While this pollution may be small relative to other industrial processes, there are still concerns about its long-term effects.

Limited effectiveness: In environments where particularly low temperatures or constant humidity are required, air cooling technology may be less effective and unable to meet specific requirements.

 

Advantages and disadvantages of coolant cooling

(advantage)

High cooling efficiency: Coolants (such as water, oil, etc.) usually have a high heat conduction capacity, which can quickly absorb and take away a lot of heat, so as to achieve an efficient cooling effect.

Wide range of application: Coolant cooling method can be applied to a variety of different industrial occasions and equipment types to meet different cooling needs.

Good stability: under appropriate conditions, the coolant can maintain stable physical and chemical properties to ensure the continuity and reliability of the cooling process.

(shortcoming)

Higher cost: Compared to air cooling, coolant cooling systems usually require more equipment input and energy consumption, so the cost is relatively high.

Complex maintenance: Coolant cooling systems require regular coolant replacement and maintenance, as well as equipment cleaning and maintenance to ensure proper operation and extend service life. This increases the complexity and maintenance cost of the system.

Environmental risks: Some coolants may cause some pollution and harm to the environment, so it is necessary to strictly comply with relevant environmental regulations and standards during use and disposal.