In the course of handling chemicals and other industrial processes, it is not uncommon to have to separate mixtures, purify substances and sterilize surfaces, to name but a few! Many methods and processes may be employed to accomplish these ends. The thin film distillation method stands out as the premier method to use.
However, to get the best thin film distillation effect, you need a high-quality thin film distillation system. And WKIE LAB glass thin film distillation can help you achieve this goal. Keeping reading and find out why to choose WKIE LAB thin film distillation and what it can do for you.
Who is WKIE LAB and Why Choosing WKIE LAB Thin Film Distillation?
WKIE LAB is a professional lab equipment manufacturer and supplier from China. And we have a long time experience in manufacturing a variety of lab apparatus.
After many years of development, WKIE LAB has built its own modernalized factory and professor teams. Besides, we have established long time cooperation with research institutions from over 80 countries. So, you can always trust WKIE LAB’s quality. And also, WKIE LAB thin film distillation.
What is A WKIE LAB Thin Film Distillation
We now get to the core of the discussions. The thin-film distillation is basically a way of separating mixtures and separating substances through the process of distillation. It makes use of the low evaporation temperatures and low vacuum to tackle the chore. In the course of doing that, it greatly cuts down the residence time as well.
Its wipe film variant generates a thin film of liquid on the inner surface of the vertical evaporator by use of a wiper system. A typical thin-film evaporation goes through three critical steps. Here below, we delineate those steps and explain their suitability and roles in the entire process.
Step I: Fermentation
In its entirety, the process commences with fermentation. At this stage, the substances to be distilled are left to basically rot. In the process, the yeast breaks down the heavy molecules in small and manageable sizes. It is mainly followed in the case of working with organic particles. The step is unnecessary when dealing with inorganic compounds and substances.
Step II: Filtration
The second stage entails sieving out the coarse and insoluble particles from the solutions or substances. This is accomplished in several ways depending mainly on the volume of substances to be handled. A small sieve would do for limited volume whereas a larger one is handy for similarly larger volumes.
Step III: Distillation
At this stage, the resultant solution is introduced in a heating chamber. At the chamber, the solution is super-heated to the point of boiling.
The temperature is adjusted upwards slowly and steadily till it gets to around 190 degrees (F). It turns into a vapor that subsequently rises through a column into a condensation chamber.
Step IV: Condensation
As the vapor gets to the condensation chamber, it turns back into liquid form. The condenser has a thick wall that prevents the loss of heat. In regard to this, it facilitates the conversion from the vapor or gas to the liquid stage. The condenser is connected to a collection container using a special network of pipes.
Step V: Finishing
It is the step that precedes the packaging or bottling. The exact thing that happens at this stage depends mainly on the nature of the industry or installation wherein this process is employed. In food packaging, the preservatives are added. In a beer production setting, the flavoring is done, and so on.
Two Methods of Thin Film Distillation
As is the norm, with any other chemical or industrial process, thin-film distillation is also available in numerous shades and forms. That brings with it the need to identify and find out the most suitable pick for the job. But just what methods is the best? We start out by examining the two main kinds:
Short Path Distillation
This is a condensed version of the thin-film evaporator. In this sense, the condenser is paired with or attached to the center of the evaporator. As such, the distance between the condenser and the evaporation surface is severely shortened. This also eliminates the loss of pressure in the course of a distillation.
Thin-Film (Wiped Film) Distillation
In this sense, the condenser and the evaporator are separated into distinct components. They are nonetheless interconnected by a nozzle. Whereas it is a great method to tackle huge quantities of substances, it suffers greatly from the loss of pressure not to mention taking up too many mounting spaces.
Of these two, the short path distillation is undoubtedly better. It is truly energy-efficient and also tackles the task of distilling substances more fairly and effectively. Thus, you have it for your prioritization. Choose a thin film if you have a huge volume of substances to tackle.
The Features of WKIE LAB Thin Film Distillation
To be able to discharge its roles appropriately, the thin film distillation is packed with a host of unique features. It is certainly a great thing to know these features and what each stands for. This forms the basis of our explanations in the following sub-segment of our discussions:
Vertical Glass Cylinder
Its premier trait is the vertical glass cylinder. This is the one that holds the substances to be distilled firmly in place. The cylinder is paired with a heating medium that furnishes the heat necessary to trigger the distillation process. Though made of glass, the cylinder is super strong and resistant to damages.
Rotating Wiper Elements
The rotating wiper elements come in next. They are used to stir and spread the substances that are being distilled. In the course of doing that, they give rise to more uniform outcomes not to mention cutting down the overall time that would be taken to bring about the necessary outcomes.
Centrifugal Forces
To be able to have the rotating wipers perform their designated tasks well, they rely heavily on the centrifugal forces. These forces are generated by a motor and transmit the necessary force to the inner chambers of the container. They result in a more uniform distribution of the liquid film.
Cooling Thermostat
A cooling thermostat exists at the condensation chamber of the distillation system. Its role is to hasten the process of condensing the vapor into liquid form. In many models, this thermostat occupies the place that is right at the center of the glass evaporator to allow for easier impacts.
Adjustable Rotation Speed
Overall, the equipment gives you the leeway to adjust the rotating speed as per your expectations. Due to this capability, you will be able to accrue the distillation process in a manner that is wholly acceptable and convenient for you. That also cuts down the waiting time you may have to put in.
Excellent Controls
Throughout the system are some excellent controls. You will use these to regulate the various parameters of the distillation process. Among these parameters are the speed of the wiper motor, thermostat, power supply for the vacuum pump, prevailing temperature, and the vacuum itself. They jointly put ahead of the game of distillation.
Super-tough Structural Makeup
When all factors are put into consideration, the distillation system is made of super-tough structures. These include the hard-covering, PTFE slide coating, and Aluminum, to name but a few! They prevent unnecessary accidents from arising not to mention ensuring long-term use and applications. With them at your fingertips, you also spend less to maintain the system.
System Requirements
For this system to discharge its roles, it makes use of its constituent parts and components. Each part plays a unique role in the entire mix. Let us now break down these parts to know what each stands for and what role each plays in the entire system:
High Vacuum Pump
The high vacuum pump ranks first among the list of its many features. It plays the role of eliminating the molecules of the air and other gases from the distillation chamber. The purpose of this is to create an environment that allows the liquids to boil at extremely low pressures.
Chiller/Heater
It is the chiller or the heater that ups or lowers the temperature levels of the liquids inside the chamber. The chiller cools the liquid whereas the heater warms it. These two are the ones that regulate the pace of the distillation process, overall. You will find them at the base of the chamber.
Cold Trap Requirements
It is the cold trap that actually condenses the vapors into the liquid form. A cold trap comprises a thicker outer layer that prevents the ambient heat from interfering with the interior settings or environments. The cold trap occupies the center of the container’s chamber and is also the most outstanding.
Feed
The feed is an entry-point or pathway via which the fluids may be fed into the system. A feed is larger and spacious. It is attached to a narrow tube or pipe that leads to the container. Being the most significant part or component of the system, it is placed strategically for easier viewing and notice.
Entrainment Separator
In the course of the fluids evaporating, it is not uncommon for the mist to rise and mix with the vapors. This is not only confusing but also comprises the final outcomes considerably. The entrainment separators exist to set these two by-products apart from each other to give rise to purer outcomes.
Rotor
As part of the inner workings of the system, it has to streamline the flow of the gases into the cooing chamber. The part that performs this task of streamlining the gases is the rotor. It contains some radiating aerofoils that fan the gases and streamline their flows appropriately.
Mechanical Seal
A mechanical seal exists at the top of the container and plays the role of fastening the opening of the container to prevent any moisture or vapor from escaping. That goes a long way in preserving the interior contents from escaping out in the atmosphere unnecessarily.
Bottom Bearing
At the bottom of the container is a bearing. It fastens and loosens the bottom of the container to regulate the outflow of the concentrate in the collecting container. In many cases, it is fastened or loosened by hand. For this reason, it has to be greased and lubricated to facilitate the smoother motions.
The Usages of Thin Film Distillation
This thin film distillation finds use and applicability in a variety of fields and disciplines. In this last phase of our discussions, we are going to look into the various uses of this system. Particularly, we shall peek into the practical applications of this system overall for you to know.
Purify Liquids
Its primary application is to purify the liquids. To do this it makes good use of the low temperatures and the low vacuum. The combination of these two traits minimizes the residence time while at the same time give rise to purer outcomes that are devoid of any contaminants.
Separating Substances
The system finds extensive use in those areas or applications that entail the separation of substances. These include but are certainly not limited to the food industries, pharmaceuticals, and the chemical industries. In these areas, the system sees to it that the substances are purified and made great for a reaction.
Partial Distillation
This system may be used in conjunction with the other systems to pursue matters that are closely related to the distillation of fluids. For instance, it may be used alongside the single-stage or multistage layouts as a separator or the rectification column as a bottoms evaporator.
Recovery of Contaminants
Sometimes, you may have to recover the contaminants and other useful substances from the liquid wastes. To do this, you will have to employ thin-film distillation as it is pretty great at separating substances. It hence goes that this system is also useful at conserving important things.
Product Purifications
As part of separating fluids and various substances from one another, the system also plays a great role in purifying products. You may hence get your hands on it to be able to make your water potable and great to drink. The same case applies to the affluence that is due to be discharged to the municipal drainage.
Thermal Degassing
Thermal degassing is a physical process that aims to eliminate the dissolved gases in demineralized water by leveraging their insolubility at temperatures exceeding 104ºC. In this sense, it creates a vacuum-like environment that may be used to up the temperatures of the water at a lower pressure.
Solves Ecologic Engineering Problems
The use of this system has also been noted to solve many environmental engineering problems. Top examples of these are desertification, ozone depletion, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and landfill wastes. It may be used alongside many other interventions to be able to yield forth the necessary solutions.
Treatment of Chemical Production Residues
As a last resort, the system may also be used to treat the chemical residues. This is prior to the same being drained to the landfill. The objective of this treatment is to deprive the residues of the chemical components that may in turn pose some harm to the environments.
Conclusion
The thin film distillation system is a pretty important item to make use of in a typical laboratory or real-life setting. You need not learn more about it and find ways of leveraging its awesome benefits. That is something you may typically do well by reading the explanations Is it not great also for you to pass it on to another person who might also want to make good use of it?
