The temperature at which the distillate should be collected during distillation depends on the specific components being distilled and the type of distillation process used.
For crude oil distillation, it is crucial to avoid temperatures above 370 to 380 °C to prevent thermal cracking and the formation of petroleum coke.
In vacuum distillation, which is also referred to as "low-temperature distillation," the process is conducted at absolute pressures as low as 10 to 40 mmHg to limit the operating temperature to less than 370 to 380 °C.
For specific fractions in a distillation process, such as the "heads" fraction during the distillation of certain materials, temperatures around 180°-190°C are observed.
In the purification of CBD/THC oils, closely controlled temperatures are necessary to ensure a high-quality finished product.
4 Key Temperatures Explained
1. Crude Oil Distillation
During the distillation of crude oil, the temperature must be carefully controlled to prevent the degradation of high molecular weight components.
Temperatures above 370 to 380 °C can lead to thermal cracking and the formation of petroleum coke, which can cause operational issues such as plugging in the distillation equipment.
Therefore, the inlet temperature of the crude oil to the distillation column is maintained below this threshold.
2. Vacuum Distillation
To further process the residual oil from atmospheric distillation, which contains hydrocarbons that boil above 370 to 380 °C, vacuum distillation is employed.
This method involves reducing the pressure to as low as 10 to 40 mmHg, which allows for distillation at temperatures below the critical 370 to 380 °C.
This is essential for preventing the thermal degradation of the residual oil.
3. Distillation of Specific Fractions
In processes where specific fractions are targeted, such as the initial "heads" fraction during the distillation of certain materials, the temperature can range from 180° to 190°C.
This temperature range is specific to the onset of the distillation of the first fraction, which typically contains unwanted components.
4. Purification of CBD/THC Oils
In the distillation of CBD/THC oils, precise temperature control is vital to achieve the highest purity and quality.
The process requires careful management of temperature, pressure, and feed rates to ensure that the interactions during distillation result in a high-value product.
In summary, the collection temperature during distillation is highly dependent on the specific materials and the goals of the distillation process.
It is crucial to maintain appropriate temperatures to prevent degradation of the materials and to ensure the purity and quality of the distillate.
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