Available for centuries, distillation is one of the oldest physical processes known to man. Today, distillation plays an important role in several industrial processes, including creating alcohol, water, and oil products.
Distillation relies on changes in the concentration of the composition of a fluidic solution through controlled heating and cooling.
Short path distillation refers to distillation on a smaller scale basis. This is distinct from normal distillation techniques and allows the separation of similar compounds in weight, boiling point, and concentration.
These can include hydrocarbons and alcohols, facilitating the generation of chemicals such as ethanol and water.
With short path distillation, the initial boiling point of the material is lowered significantly. This reduction improves distillation controls and recoveries. This post will look at how short path distillation should be your number one choice for all your distillation needs.
Good for Purifying Small Amounts of Compound
Without a doubt, if you are looking to purify large amounts of small compounds, fractional distillation is the best option. However, if you’re just in need of a small amount of purified compound, it is easy and efficient with short-path distillation.
The difference with short path distillation from other methods is that it has a shorter distance for the vapor to travel through, thus reducing the number of contaminants retained on the equipment.
Instead of a long tube condenser, these devices are often U-bends or packed columns.
Ease of Use
Short path distillation is a simple, cost-effective alternative to conventional distillation. With minimal apparatus, short path distillation can purify liquids by increasing their purity levels through distillation.
The equipment used in short path distillation is much smaller than conventional distillation and requires little maintenance- great for processes requiring high purity levels while on a budget.
Quick Heating Process
The quick heating process allows condensing a wide range of components simply through a short boiling tube. It is coated inside with a catalyst that helps speed up the condensation of the vaporized substances.
In addition, short path distillation tends to be a cheaper concentration method than freeze-drying. It is also better for the environment since it saves energy. However, the risk of explosion is small since the containment vessel used in this process is not pressurized.
Conclusion
Short path distillation can act as the solution to all of your bio-based production issues. If you are looking for a way to reduce costs, boost yields and improve product quality, a short path distillation is an answer.
It works not only for standard organic chemicals but also for specialty chemicals that other conventional methods cannot handle, such as certain wastes, oils, fatty acids, plant extracts, and oligosaccharides/polyols.
