Molecular distillation is a highly specialized liquid-liquid separation technique.
It operates under extremely high vacuum conditions.
This process is based on the principle that different materials have different mean free paths due to their molecular motion.
It allows for separation at temperatures below the boiling point of the materials.
Molecular distillation is particularly effective for separating high boiling point, heat-sensitive, and easily oxidized systems.
Due to its lower distillation temperature, reduced pressure, and short heating times, molecular distillation offers a high degree of separation.
It significantly reduces the cost of separating high boiling point materials while preserving the quality of sensitive materials.
This technology is extensively used in the purification of natural health care products and functional oils.
It maintains their natural properties without the need for chemical treatments.
What is Molecular Distillation Process? 4 Key Points Explained
1. Operating Conditions and Principles
Molecular distillation operates under extremely high vacuum, typically at pressures as low as 0.001 mbar.
This high vacuum environment allows for the separation of materials based on their molecular mean free paths.
The mean free paths are determined by the equation L=0.707K*T/(πd^2P), where L is the mean free path, K is the Boltzmann constant, T is the temperature, d is the effective molecular diameter, and P is the pressure.
This principle allows for the separation of materials even at temperatures below their boiling points, which is crucial for heat-sensitive materials.
2. Process Characteristics
The process is characterized by short residence times at the operating temperature, high heat transfer coefficients, and the absence of hotspots.
This ensures minimal thermal degradation of the materials being processed.
The feed material is typically introduced into a wiped film molecular distillation plant where a unique roller-wiper system spreads the liquid on the heated evaporator.
The vapors are then condensed in a centrally located condenser to obtain the desired fractions.
3. Applications and Benefits
Molecular distillation is used in various industries including pharmaceuticals, food processing, and petroleum.
It is particularly beneficial for handling materials like Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Monoglycerides, insecticides, and essential oils.
The process offers significant advantages such as low working pressures, continuous operation capabilities, and the ability to handle heat-sensitive and easily oxidized materials without compromising their quality.
This makes it an ideal choice for purifying natural health care products and functional oils, ensuring they retain their natural properties without the need for chemical treatments.
4. Technological Implementation
In a typical molecular distillation unit, the process involves the use of a centrifugal molecular distillation system.
Here, the feed material is degassed and then fed into a spinning disc that is pre-heated.
The distillation occurs rapidly, often in less than a second, due to the expansion of the material on the heated disc.
The distillate condenses on the outer shell and flows into a collecting vessel, while the residual matter is collected separately.
This setup ensures that the distillation occurs at very low temperatures, preventing thermal decomposition, and under high vacuum to avoid oxidation due to atmospheric exposure.
In summary, molecular distillation is a sophisticated separation technology.
It leverages the differences in molecular mean free paths to separate materials under high vacuum conditions.
Its ability to operate at temperatures below the boiling points of materials and its minimal thermal impact make it invaluable for processing heat-sensitive and high boiling point materials.
It is particularly in industries where purity and natural properties are paramount.
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