Tech Team · Kintek Solution

Molecular distillation is a specialized separation process used for heat-sensitive materials, requiring precise equipment to operate under high vacuum and controlled temperatures. The setup typically includes a vessel with a heating jacket, wipers connected to a rotating head, vacuum pumps, and a condenser. Additionally, it features provisions for feeding material at the top and collecting distillate and residue at the bottom. The equipment also includes independent vacuum, chilling, and heating systems, along with a control cabinet. Key components such as cooling coils, gear pumps, and continuous collection units ensure efficient operation. Molecular distillation units come in various configurations, including centrifugal and rotary film types, each tailored for specific applications.

Key Points Explained:

1. Vessel with Heating Jacket:

   • The vessel is the core component where the distillation process occurs. It is typically 1 meter in diameter and features a jacket for heating, allowing precise temperature control.
   • The heating jacket ensures uniform heat distribution, which is crucial for the efficient evaporation of the feed material.

2. Wipers and Rotating Head:

   • Wipers are attached to the vessel walls and connected to a rotating head via a rotor. These wipers help spread the feed material into a thin film, increasing the surface area for evaporation.
   • The rotating head ensures consistent movement of the wipers, maintaining an even film thickness across the vessel walls.

3. Vacuum Pumps:

   • Vacuum pumps are connected to the vessel via a large diameter pipe. They create and maintain the high vacuum required for molecular distillation.
   • The high vacuum reduces the boiling point of the materials, allowing distillation at lower temperatures, which is essential for heat-sensitive substances.

4. Condenser:

   • A condenser is attached to the vessel wall to cool and condense the vaporized molecules. This component is critical for separating the distillate from the residue.
   • The condenser ensures that the vaporized molecules are efficiently captured and converted back into liquid form for collection.

5. Feed and Collection Provisions:

   • The setup includes provisions for introducing feed material at the top of the vessel. This feed is then spread into a thin film by the wipers.
   • At the bottom, the equipment collects both the distillate (the desired product) and the undistilled liquid residue, ensuring a continuous and efficient process.

6. Independent Vacuum, Chilling, and Heating Systems:

   • Each molecular distillation unit typically includes independent systems for vacuum, chilling, and heating. These systems allow for precise control over the process conditions.
   • The control cabinet integrates these systems, providing a centralized point for monitoring and adjusting the distillation parameters.

7. Control System:

   • The control system is a key component that manages the operation of the entire distillation unit. It includes sensors, controllers, and interfaces for setting and monitoring process parameters.
   • This system ensures that the distillation process runs smoothly and efficiently, with real-time adjustments as needed.

8. Cooling and Heating Condenser:

   • The cooling and heating condenser plays a dual role in the distillation process. It cools the vaporized molecules to condense them and also provides heating to maintain the desired temperature gradient.
   • This component is essential for achieving the separation of different molecular species based on their boiling points.

9. Continuous Collection Unit:

   • The continuous collection unit is designed to collect both the distillate and the residue in a continuous manner. This feature is particularly useful for large-scale operations.
   • It ensures that the distillation process can run uninterrupted, improving overall efficiency and productivity.

10. Gear Pump for Feeding:

    • A gear pump is used for constant and automatic feeding of the material into the distillation vessel. This pump ensures a steady flow rate, which is crucial for maintaining the thin film required for effective distillation.
    • The gear pump enhances the automation and efficiency of the process, reducing the need for manual intervention.

11. Cooling Coils and External Condenser:

    • Cooling coils are used for cold molecule trapping, ensuring that the vaporized molecules are effectively condensed.
    • The external condenser provides additional cooling capacity, further enhancing the efficiency of the condensation process.

12. Types of Molecular Distillation Units:

    • Molecular distillation units come in two main types: centrifugal and rotary film blowing. Each type has its own set of components and operational characteristics.
    • The rotating film-type molecular distillation device, for example, includes a variable-layer jacket, a condenser, and a rotating scraper system, which are tailored for specific applications.

13. Short Path Evaporators:

    • Molecular distillation is often carried out in short path evaporators, which are designed to minimize the distance that the vaporized molecules must travel before condensing.
    • This design reduces the risk of thermal degradation and ensures high purity of the distillate.

By understanding these key components and their functions, one can appreciate the complexity and precision required in molecular distillation equipment. Each component plays a vital role in ensuring the efficiency, effectiveness, and reliability of the distillation process, particularly for heat-sensitive and high-value materials.

Summary Table:

Component	Function
Vessel with Heating Jacket	Core component for distillation; ensures uniform heat distribution.
Wipers and Rotating Head	Spreads feed material into a thin film for efficient evaporation.
Vacuum Pumps	Creates and maintains high vacuum for low-temperature distillation.
Condenser	Cools and condenses vaporized molecules for separation.
Feed and Collection Provisions	Enables continuous feeding and collection of distillate and residue.
Independent Systems	Includes vacuum, chilling, and heating systems for precise control.
Control System	Manages and monitors the distillation process in real-time.
Cooling and Heating Condenser	Dual role: cools vaporized molecules and maintains temperature gradient.
Continuous Collection Unit	Collects distillate and residue continuously for large-scale operations.
Gear Pump	Ensures constant and automatic feeding of material into the vessel.
Cooling Coils	Traps cold molecules for efficient condensation.
Types of Units	Includes centrifugal and rotary film types for specific applications.
Short Path Evaporators	Minimizes vapor travel distance, reducing thermal degradation risks.

Discover how molecular distillation can optimize your process—contact our experts today for a tailored solution!