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:

  1. Feeding the Material: The liquid mixture to be distilled is introduced into the system.
  2. 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.
  3. Short Path Travel: The vapor generated travels a very short distance to the internally mounted condenser, ensuring minimal resistance and no pressure drop.
  4. Condensation: The condenser cools the vapor, turning it back into liquid form.
  5. Collection: The separated liquid and residue are collected separately for further use or disposal.
  6. 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)

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

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

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

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

Separated Liquid Collection → (Purified distillate is collected separately)

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)

Heated Evaporator Surface (Provides precise heat transfer for evaporation)

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

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

Cooling System (Maintains temperature control for proper condensation)

Fractional Collection Tanks (Stores purified distillate and heavy residue)