What is short path distillation
Short path distillation is a precise and efficient method of separating and purifying liquids through a process of distillation. The technique involves the distillate traveling a very short distance, typically only a few centimeters, and is performed at reduced pressure. This allows for a decrease in boiling temperature, making it ideal for separating compounds that are unstable at high temperatures or for purifying small amounts of compound.
A classic example of short path distillation is a distillation involving the distillate traveling from one glass bulb to another, without the need for a condenser separating the two chambers. By reducing the operating pressure, the boiling temperature is decreased, allowing the distillate to travel a shorter distance before condensing. This short path ensures that little compound is lost on the sides of the apparatus, making the process highly efficient.
One popular type of short path distillation apparatus is the Kugelrohr, which often contains multiple chambers to collect distillate fractions. This allows for even more precise separation and purification of the liquid compounds. The Kugelrohr is a continuous process with very short residence time, which makes it highly efficient and often used in laboratories and small-scale industries.
The main structure of short path distillation
Those are the main components of a short path distillation setup:
- Chiller: The term "chiller" can be misleading when talking about short path distillation. This device is used to keep the condenser at a specific temperature (usually between 40C and 60C) to ensure that the distillate re-condenses easily and to prevent clogging of the short path.
- Vacuum pump: A chemically resistant vacuum pump is an essential component of short path distillation. It is used to create a vacuum within the system, allowing the vaporized compounds to travel through the short path and re-condense. A rotary vane (oil) pump is the preferred type of pump for distillation and should be able to achieve a vacuum depth of at least 50 microns.
- Cold trap: The cold trap is used to catch any vapors that pass through the condenser, protecting the vacuum system and prolonging its lifespan.
- Short path: The short path itself is made up of 4 major glass components and the heating mantle. These include the boiling flask, the short path head, the receiving cow, and the receiving flasks. The short path head is the key component of the distillation process, where the vapors come into contact with the small indentations called "vigreaux" which create theoretical plates needed for distillation and purify the vapors before they enter the condenser path.
- Heating mantle: This is similar to a heat bath on a rotovap and is used to heat the mixture inside the boiling flask.
- Receiving flasks: These correspond to the three main fractions of the distillate, and are used to collect the purified compounds as they re-condense. Additional components such as single cows, swapable adapters, and head packing may also be used in more advanced short path distillation setups.
The main application of short path distillation
Short path distillation is a versatile technique with a wide range of applications. Some of the main applications of short path distillation include:
- Extracts: Short path distillation is commonly used to purify extracts from plants, such as essential oils and resins. The technique allows for the separation of specific compounds from the extract, resulting in a highly pure product.
- Pharmaceuticals: The process is used to purify and isolate specific compounds from natural products, such as alkaloids and terpenoids, which are used in the production of pharmaceuticals.
- Flavors and fragrances: Short path distillation is used to purify and isolate specific compounds, such as terpenes and esters, which are used in the production of flavors and fragrances.
- Cannabis and hemp derivatives: Short path distillation is used to purify and isolate specific compounds such as CBD, THC, and terpenes from cannabis and hemp derivatives.
- Environmental analysis: Short path distillation is also used in the field of environmental analysis, where it is used to purify and isolate specific compounds, such as volatile organic compounds, from air and water samples.
- Biotechnology: Short path distillation is used in biotech for the purification of enzymes and proteins.
- Research and development: Short path distillation is also used in research and development, where it is used to purify and isolate specific compounds for use in scientific experiments and to study their properties.
The process of short path distillation
Short path distillation is a relatively simple process once a thorough understanding of the components and chemical process is attained. It is a technique used to achieve a pure compound known as "distillate," which is often a clear or golden liquid with little to no taste or color. During the short path process, the original oleoresin is stripped down to less than a quarter of its total active compounds, losing all terpenes (smell and flavor) in the process. The final product is extremely potent and can be used as a precursor for isolation and crystallization.
The process of short path distillation involves the oleoresin being placed in a boiling flask, where a combination of temperature and vacuum pressure is used to force the active compounds to evaporate and turn into a vapor. These vaporized compounds are then pulled into the path of the condenser by a vacuum pump, where they re-condense into a solid form and are collected in individual flasks attached to the receiving cow.
This process is quite similar to that of a rotovap, with the main difference being the length of the condenser and the substance being distilled (ethanol in a rotovap and oleoresin in a short path distillation). The length of the condenser in a short path distillation is much shorter than that of a traditional condenser, allowing the distillate to travel a shorter distance and minimizing the loss of compound.
Short path distillation is highly efficient and precise, making it a useful technique for purifying high-value compounds such as essential oils, flavors, and fragrances and for isolating specific compounds from natural products.
Conclusion
short path distillation is a precise and efficient method of separating and purifying liquids through a process of distillation. The technique involves the distillate traveling a very short distance, typically only a few centimeters, and is performed at reduced pressure. This allows for a decrease in boiling temperature, making it ideal for separating compounds that are unstable at high temperatures or for purifying small amounts of compound.
The main components of a short path distillation setup include a chiller, vacuum pump, cold trap, short path, heating mantle and receiving flasks. Each component plays an important role in the distillation process, from creating a vacuum to collecting the purified compounds.
Short path distillation has a wide range of applications, including the purification of extracts, pharmaceuticals, flavors, and fragrances, and the isolation of specific compounds from natural products. It's a powerful and precise technique that is used in many industries and research and development.
CONTACT US FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
KINTEK LAB SOLUTION's products and services have been recognized by customers around the world. Our staff will be happy to assist with any inquiry you might have. Contact us for a free consultation and talk to a product specialist to find the most suitable solution for your application needs!
