Distillation is a basic separation process used extensively in chemical, pharmaceutical, petrochemical, and food industries. It incorporates the separation of constituents based on the difference in boiling points. At ACME Process Systems, we design and manufacture various distillation units to suit different industrial requirements.
Here, we‘ll be discussing various types of distillation units, their operation, and where they‘re applied commonly.
1. Simple Distillation Unit
Application: For separating mixtures with very different boiling points.
How it works: A mixture is heated in a boiler, the constituent that has the lower boiling point is evaporated first, and the vapor is liquefied back in a condenser.
Common Uses:
- Solvent recovery
- Water purification
- Small-scale laboratory uses
2. Fractional Distillation Unit
Application: For separating mixtures with similar boiling points.
How it works: It employs a fractionating column between condenser and boiler. Vapors, as they rise in the column, go through repeated cycles of condensation and evaporation, resulting in improved separation of constituents.
Typical Applications:
- Crude oil refining
- Alcohol distillation
- Liquid air components separation
3. Vacuum Distillation Unit
Usage: When heat-sensitive material or high–boiling points are involved.
Operation: The pressure within the system is lowered, causing boiling to take place at reduced temperatures and preventing thermal degradation.
Typical Applications:
- Pharmaceutical compounds
- High-boiling organic chemicals
- Specialty chemicals
4. Steam Distillation Unit
Use: For immiscible with water and high–boiling point compounds.
How it functions: Steam is passed through the mix, taking volatile compounds along. The vapor is then condensed and recovered.
Applications:
- Extraction of essential oils
- Fragrance industry
- Distillation of herbs
5. Azeotropic Distillation Unit
Use: To unmix azeotropes — mixtures that boil at constant temperature and composition.
How it functions: Another solvent (entrainer) is introduced to rupture the azeotrope, altering the relative volatility.
Common Applications:
- Ethanol-water separation
- Dehydration of solvents
6. Molecular (Short Path) Distillation Unit
Use: For separation of heat-sensitive compounds under ultra-high vacuum.
How it operates: It employs a short path for vapor travel, with a condenser positioned very near the evaporator. This decreases pressure and exposure time.
Common Applications:
- Pharmaceuticals
- Cannabinoid and nutraceutical purification
- High-purity chemicals
Selection of the Proper Distillation Unit
- The selection of the distillation unit is based on:
- Nature of the mixture
- Required purity
- Thermal sensitivity
- Scale of operation (laboratory vs. industrial)
We at ACME Process Systems design specialized distillation columns and systems to meet precise process parameters to deliver maximum efficiency, safety, and international standards compliance.
Require a Custom Distillation Solution?
Let us talk about your process needs and design the correct solution for you.
Email us at: sales@acmeprocess.net
Visit: www.acmeprocess.ne
