Affizients Lowtemp Distillation Unit Advances Purification Tech

Traditional distillation methods often struggle with high-boiling-point and thermally sensitive materials, as the high-temperature environment can lead to product degradation and quality loss. The Affizient Short-Path Distillation Unit (SPDU) offers an innovative solution to these challenges.

The SPDU operates similarly to a thin-film evaporator but features a key difference: an integrated condenser within the rotor cage assembly. The process begins when material enters from the top of the unit, forming a thin film along the inner wall of the housing. Heating media in the jacket causes volatile components to evaporate, with the resulting vapor flowing directly to the internal condenser where it liquefies. This design creates an exceptionally short vapor path, minimizing pressure drop and enabling operation at ultra-high vacuum levels up to 0.001 mbar(a). Distilled products and residues exit through separate outlets.

• Ultra-High Vacuum for Low-Temperature Processing: Operating pressures as low as 0.001 mbar(a) allow distillation at significantly reduced temperatures, preventing thermal degradation of sensitive materials.
• High-Boiling-Point Capability: The combination of high vacuum and elevated heating temperatures enables efficient distillation of components with exceptionally high boiling points.
• Minimal Residence Time: Materials pass through the system in seconds, with single-pass processing that dramatically reduces heat exposure.
• Precise Process Control: The system offers excellent adjustability to accommodate various materials and process requirements.

The Affizient SPDU demonstrates exceptional performance across multiple industries:

• Pharmaceuticals: Purification of bulk active pharmaceutical ingredients and natural/synthetic vitamins while maintaining purity and efficacy.
• Fine Chemicals: Processing of high-value compounds including esters, epoxy resins, fatty acids, glycerides, and tocopherols.
• Lubricant Recycling: Regeneration of waste lubricating oils for sustainable resource utilization.
• Natural Products: Purification of fragrances and essential oils while preserving their characteristic profiles.

The SPDU is available in multiple configurations to meet diverse production needs:

• Distillation Area: Ranging from 0.1 m² to 20 m²
• Maximum Operating Temperature: Up to 350°C
• Vacuum Capability: Down to 0.001 mbar(a)
• Material Options: 316L stainless steel or corrosion-resistant alloys
• Heating Methods: Steam, thermal oil, or electric heating options
• Control Systems: Automated monitoring and adjustment of temperature, pressure, and flow parameters

Documented applications demonstrate the SPDU's effectiveness:

• A pharmaceutical manufacturer successfully purified heat-sensitive APIs while improving yield and reducing costs.
• A specialty chemical producer achieved high-purity separation of challenging ester compounds.
• A lubricant recycler implemented sustainable processing of waste oils with reduced environmental impact.