Discover the power of Molecular Distillation: The gentlest thermal separation technology for heat-sensitive materials. Explore our innovative solutions and revolutionize your separation, purification, and concentration processes.
*Glass/Stainless steel/Hybrid Series Molecular Distillation
*Effective evaporation area (m²) : 0.05 – 6.5
*Upgraded Multi-stage wiped film distillation is available
Welcome to our comprehensive guide on molecular distillation, the finest thermal separation machine designed specifically for heat-sensitive materials. With its unparalleled gentle nature, molecular distillation minimizes thermal degradation, making it the preferred choice for separation, purification, and concentration of natural products and complex, thermally sensitive molecules. In this article, we will explore the intricacies of molecular distillation, its applications in various industries, and its exceptional benefits. Join us as we delve into the fascinating world of molecular distillation and discover why it is a game-changer in chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, spices, plastics, oil, and other fields.
Molecular distillation, also known as wiped film distillation, is a cutting-edge thermal separation process that stands out for its gentle treatment of heat-sensitive materials. It is widely recognized as the most delicate form of distillation, causing minimal thermal degradation to the product. This technique excels in separating, purifying, and concentrating natural products and complex and thermally sensitive molecules.
Molecular distillation operates on the principles of short-path vacuum distillation, characterized by an extremely low vacuum pressure of 0.01 torr or below. A molecular still is employed to perform this precise process. During molecular distillation, the distillate liquid is exposed to high temperatures within a high vacuum environment (around 10−4 mmHg) in the distillation column. The evaporator and condenser are positioned in close proximity, with a minimal distance of approximately 2 cm. This setup ensures short-term exposure of the liquid to high temperatures and facilitates efficient separation. In molecular distillation, fluids operate under the free molecular flow regime, where the mean free path of molecules is comparable to the size of the equipment.
Unlike conventional distillation methods, molecular distillation does not rely on pressure for evaporation. Instead, it capitalizes on the line of sight motion of molecules. To achieve this, a short path is created between a hot surface (covered with a film of feed) and a cold surface. This configuration allows for direct vapor flow without the need for a continuous gas phase, resulting in optimal separation while minimizing thermal decomposition and loss of valuable components.
Classification of Molecular Distillation
Application
Molecular distillation finds extensive applications across various industries, thanks to its unrivaled ability to handle heat-sensitive materials. Let’s explore some key sectors where molecular distillation is crucial:
Chemical Industry: Molecular distillation plays a vital role in the separation and purification of complex chemical compounds, enabling the production of high-quality products.
Pharmaceutical Industry: With its gentle and efficient separation capabilities, molecular distillation is indispensable in pharmaceutical manufacturing. It allows for the extraction and purification of delicate compounds, such as vitamins and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Petrochemical Industry: Molecular distillation is extensively used in the petrochemical sector to purify petroleum products, including lubricants, waxes, and specialty chemicals.
Spices and Flavorings: The natural products industry benefits greatly from molecular distillation, as it aids in the concentration and purification of aromatic compounds found in spices, essential oils, and flavorings.
Plastics Industry: Molecular distillation plays a crucial role in producing high-quality plastics by removing impurities and effectively separating polymer mixtures.
Oil Industry: In the oil industry, molecular distillation assists in the refining of crude oil, allowing for the separation of different fractions based on their boiling points and molecular weights.
Advantages
Molecular distillation offers numerous advantages over conventional distillation techniques: Gentle Treatment: As the gentlest form of distillation, molecular distillation minimizes thermal degradation, preserving the integrity of heat-sensitive materials and ensuring the highest quality products.
Non-Toxic Process: Unlike techniques that employ solvents as separating agents, molecular distillation avoids toxicity concerns, making it a safe and environmentally friendly choice.
Minimal Losses: Operating under vacuum conditions, molecular distillation significantly reduces losses due to thermal decomposition, ensuring optimal yield and preserving the valuable components of the feed.
Continuous Feed Process: Molecular distillation can be seamlessly integrated into a continuous feed process, allowing for the efficient extraction of distillate without the need to break the vacuum. This saves time, increases productivity, and streamlines production workflows.
Comprehensive Range of Molecular Distillation Solutions
At our company, we offer a comprehensive range of molecular distillation systems tailored to meet your specific needs. Our product lineup includes: Glass Molecular Distillation: Designed for versatility and ease of use, our glass molecular distillation systems are suitable for a wide range of applications.
Stainless Steel Molecular Distillation: Built for durability and longevity, our stainless steel molecular distillation systems ensure excellent performance even in demanding industrial environments.
Hybird Molecular Distillation: Our hybrid molecular distillation systems combine the benefits of both glass and stainless steel components, offering the best of both worlds.
Dual Stage, Triple Stage, Multistage Molecular Distillation: We provide advanced multi-stage molecular distillation systems that allow for enhanced separation and purification efficiency, catering to even the most complex applications.
With our commitment to customization, we can tailor our molecular distillation systems to meet your unique requirements. Our team of experts will work closely with you to understand your needs and deliver a solution that perfectly fits your operational demands.
Molecular distillation is the ultimate solution for gentle thermal separation, providing exceptional results for heat-sensitive materials. With its gentle treatment, minimized thermal degradation, and unmatched precision, molecular distillation has become an indispensable tool in numerous industries, including chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, spices, plastics, and oil.
By embracing the power of molecular distillation, you can unlock new possibilities for your business and achieve the highest levels of separation, purification, and concentration. Contact us today to explore our comprehensive range of molecular distillation solutions and experience the pinnacle of thermal separation technology. Invest in our cutting-edge molecular distillation products and take your operations to new heights.
View more about Molecular Distillation on Wikipedia
Glass Molecular Distillation
Glass molecular distillation is a technique used for the purification and separation of substances with low volatility, high boiling points, or thermal sensitivity. It is a specialized form of distillation that operates under high vacuum conditions, allowing for the distillation of compounds at lower temperatures.
Technical Parameter of Glass Molecular Distillation
Glass series
FMD-60
FMD-80
FMD-100
FMD-150
FMD-200
FMD-230
Main evaporator diameter(mm)
60
80
100
150
190
220
Effective evaporation area(m²)
0.05
0.1
0.15
0.25
0.35
0.5
Feed speed(kg/h)
0.1-2.0
0.3-4.0
0.5-5.0
1.0-8.0
1.5-10.0
2.0-15.0
Jacketed feeding Tank Size (L)
2
2
2
2
5
5
Maximum speed(r/min)
450
300
Volume of light component collection bottle
1L
1L
2L
3L
5L
5L
Volume of heavy fraction collection bottle
1L
1L
2L
3L
5L
5L
Motor power(w)
120
200
Operating temperature
-9 ℃ to 220 ℃
Voltage
220V / 50Hz voltage can be customized according to customer needs
In glass molecular distillation, a thin film of the liquid mixture is created on the inner surface of a heated glass evaporation flask. The flask is typically designed with a long, cylindrical shape to provide a large surface area for evaporation. The flask is connected to a condenser, which is maintained at a lower temperature to facilitate condensation of the vapor.
The process begins by creating a vacuum in the system, lowering the boiling points of the substances being distilled. The heat applied to the flask causes the compounds with lower boiling points to evaporate and rise as vapor. As the vapor travels upward, it encounters the cooler condenser, where it condenses back into a liquid state. The condensed liquid is collected separately from the residue, which remains in the flask.
The use of glass equipment in molecular distillation offers several advantages. Glass is chemically inert, allowing for the distillation of a wide range of substances without contamination. It also provides excellent visibility, enabling operators to monitor the process and ensure efficient separation. Additionally, glass is resistant to high temperatures and vacuum conditions, making it suitable for the harsh operating conditions of molecular distillation.
Glass molecular distillation is commonly employed in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, essential oil extraction, food processing, and chemical research. It is particularly useful for separating heat-sensitive compounds or removing impurities from complex mixtures. The ability to operate under vacuum and at lower temperatures helps preserve the integrity of the distilled compounds, making it a valuable technique in many applications.
Stainless Steel Molecular Distillation
Stainless steel molecular distillation is a specialized technique used for the purification and separation of substances with high boiling points, low volatility, or thermal sensitivity. It is a form of distillation that operates under high vacuum conditions, allowing for the distillation of compounds at lower temperatures.
Technical Parameter
Stainless steel series
SSMD-0.1
SSMD-0.15
SSMD-0.25
Condenser pipe area(m²)
0.17
0.3
0.4
Effective evaporation area(m²)
0.1
0.15
0.25
Feed speed(L/h)
5~12
6~15
10~25
Speed(r/min)
30~350
Stainless steel
316/304
Feeding mode
Automatic continuous discharge of gear pump
Discharge mode
Gear pump can automatically feed continuously
Operating temperature
≤350℃
Voltage
220V / 50Hz voltage can be customized according to customer needs
Stainless steel series
SSMD-0.35
SSMD-0.5
SSMD-1
Condenser pipe area(m²)
0.7
1.7
2.7
Effective evaporation area(m²)
0.35
0.5
1
Feed speed(L/h)
15~30
20~60
50~120
Speed(r/min)
30~350
Stainless steel
316/304
Feeding mode
Automatic continuous discharge of gear pump
Discharge mode
Gear pump can automatically feed continuously
Operating temperature
≤350℃
Voltage
220V / 50Hz voltage can be customized according to customer needs
Stainless steel series
SSMD-1.5
SSMD-2
SSMD-3
Condenser pipe area(m²)
3.5
4.9
6.5
Effective evaporation area(m²)
1.5
2
3
Feed speed(L/h)
60~180
100~200
100~300
Speed(r/min)
30~350
Stainless steel
316/304
Feeding mode
Automatic continuous discharge of gear pump
Discharge mode
Gear pump can automatically feed continuously
Operating temperature
≤350℃
Voltage
220V / 50Hz voltage can be customized according to customer needs
In stainless steel molecular distillation, a thin film of the liquid mixture is created on the inner surface of a heated stainless steel evaporation flask. The flask is typically designed with a long, cylindrical shape to provide a large surface area for evaporation. The flask is connected to a condenser, which is maintained at a lower temperature to facilitate the condensation of the vapor.
The process begins by creating a vacuum in the system, which lowers the boiling points of the substances being distilled. The heat applied to the stainless steel flask causes the compounds with lower boiling points to evaporate and rise as vapor. As the vapor travels upward, it encounters the cooler condenser, where it condenses back into a liquid state. The condensed liquid is collected separately from the residue, which remains in the flask.
Stainless steel is commonly chosen as the material for molecular distillation equipment due to its excellent mechanical strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. It can withstand high temperatures and vacuum conditions, making it suitable for the rigorous operating environment of molecular distillation. Stainless steel also offers good thermal conductivity, ensuring efficient heat transfer during the distillation process.
Stainless steel molecular distillation finds applications in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, food processing, and chemical research. It is particularly useful for separating and purifying high-value compounds, such as essential oils, cannabinoids, fatty acids, and fragrance compounds. The ability to operate under vacuum and at lower temperatures helps preserve the integrity and quality of the distilled substances, making stainless steel molecular distillation a valuable technique in many scientific and industrial processes.
Multi-stage Wiped Film Distillation
Multi-stage wiped film distillation is a variation of the wiped film distillation technique that involves multiple stages of distillation to achieve further purification and separation. This approach allows for enhanced refinement of substances with high boiling points, low volatility, or complex mixtures. It can be designed as a dual-stage wiped film distillation or even a triple-stage wiped film distillation, depending on the specific requirements of the process.
In a dual-stage wiped film distillation setup, the process includes two consecutive stages of distillation. The first stage operates similarly to a standard wiped film distillation, where a thin film of the liquid mixture is formed on the heated surface, and the volatile components vaporize and rise upward. The vapor encounters a cooler condenser where it condenses and is collected separately.
However, instead of stopping the process at this point, the condensate from the first stage is redirected and introduced into a second wiped film distillation stage. This second stage provides further separation and purification of the remaining components, resulting in a higher level of refinement.
Similarly, a triple-stage wiped film distillation involves three consecutive stages of distillation. The process follows the same principles as the dual-stage setup, with the addition of a third stage for even greater purification and separation.
The advantage of multi-stage wiped film distillation is the ability to achieve higher levels of purity and separation compared to a single-stage process. Each additional stage allows for a more refined separation, eliminating impurities and obtaining a higher concentration of the desired compounds.
Customized services are often available for multi-stage wiped film distillation to cater to specific process requirements. This can include customized equipment design, such as the arrangement of the evaporators, condensers, and feed systems, to ensure optimal performance and efficiency for the desired purification objectives.
Multi-stage wiped film distillation finds applications in various industries, including pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, flavors and fragrances, and cannabis extraction, where high-purity products are required. The flexibility of this approach allows for tailoring the process to specific needs, enabling efficient and precise separation and purification of complex mixtures.
Hybrid Molecular Distillation
Hybrid molecular distillation is a specialized distillation technique that combines the advantages of both glass and stainless steel materials. This hybrid approach aims to optimize the separation and purification of substances with high boiling points, low volatility, or thermal sensitivity, while leveraging the unique properties of both materials.
Glass is known for its excellent visibility, chemical inertness, and resistance to thermal shock. It allows for easy monitoring of the distillation process, ensuring efficient separation and preventing contamination. Glass equipment is particularly suitable for applications where purity and visibility are critical, such as in the pharmaceutical and food industries.
On the other hand, stainless steel offers exceptional mechanical strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion. It can withstand high temperatures and vacuum conditions, making it ideal for the harsh operating environment of molecular distillation. Stainless steel is often chosen for its robustness and ability to handle rigorous processing conditions, making it suitable for industrial-scale operations.
In a hybrid molecular distillation system, the equipment is designed with a combination of glass and stainless steel components. For example, the main evaporation flask and condenser may be made of glass to take advantage of its transparency and chemical inertness. This allows for easy visualization and monitoring of the thin film formation during distillation.
At the same time, other parts of the system, such as the heating elements, vacuum connections, and support structures, can be made of stainless steel. This ensures mechanical strength, durability, and resistance to corrosion in critical areas of the distillation apparatus.
By combining the advantages of glass and stainless steel, hybrid molecular distillation systems aim to provide the benefits of both materials. The transparency of glass allows for visual inspection, while stainless steel provides robustness and reliability in areas that require mechanical strength and resistance to corrosion.
This hybrid approach finds applications in various industries where the purification and separation of high-value compounds are required, such as in the pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and food processing sectors. It offers improved efficiency, product quality, and flexibility, making it a valuable technique for demanding distillation processes.
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