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Molecular Distillation Unit /Short-Path Distillation）
Molecular distillation is a specialized vacuum separation technology that relies on differences in molecular mean free paths (not boiling point difference) for purification. It operates under ultra-high vacuum (typically ≤0.01 mbar, even down to 0.001 mbar) with an extremely short distance between the heated evaporation surface and internal condensation surface (usually 1–2 cm).
Degassing & Feed: Raw material is degassed to remove dissolved gases, then fed evenly into the evaporator.
Wiped Thin Film Formation: Rotating scrapers spread the material into an ultra-thin liquid film (0.1–0.5 mm) on the heated wall.
Molecular Evaporation: Light molecules with longer free paths escape the liquid surface and directly reach the cold condenser to form distillate. Heavy molecules can’t reach the condenser and flow down as residue.
Fraction Collection: Distillate and residue are collected separately; the system maintains continuous, closed-loop operation.
Main Evaporator (Wiped-Film/ Centrifugal/ Falling-Film, with built-in condenser): core module
Ultra-high Vacuum System (Diffusion pump+Mechanical pump): to reach 10⁻³ mbar class pressure
Feed/ Discharge System: precise flow control
Heating/Cooling Circuits: jacket heating (up to 250–350°C), refrigerant cooling
PLC+Touch Screen Control System: full automation, data logging
| Parameter | Typical Value |
|---|---|
| Operating Vacuum | ≤ 0.001–0.01 mbar |
| Heating Temperature | Up to 250°C (lab), 300–350°C (industrial) |
| Residence Time | 10–30 seconds (minimal thermal degradation) |
| Evaporation Area | 0.1 m² (lab) to 10+ m² (full-scale plant) |
| Feed Rate | 10–100 L/h (pilot), 1–50 m³/d (industrial) |
| Material of Construction | 316L Stainless Steel, Duplex Steel, PTFE linings (corrosion resistance) |
| Desalination/Purification Purity | Up to 99.5%+ for specialty oils, pharmaceuticals, etc. |
Food & Nutraceuticals: Purification of fish oil (EPA/DHA), squalene, vitamin E, natural flavors, and plant essential oils.
Pharmaceuticals: Purification of APIs, steroids, herbal extracts, removal of solvents and heavy metals.
Chemical & Petrochemical: Separation of polymer additives, lubricant base oils, specialty waxes, and heat-sensitive resins.
Cosmetics: Refinement of jojoba oil, shea butter, and high-purity cosmetic raw materials.
