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Short Path Distillation

Short path distillation gets its name from the distance in which the vapor stream is condensed. In this case, the evaporator wall generates the vapors as the feed moves by gravity, while being agitated and distributed evenly, down the evaporator wall. The vapor stream travels a "short path" directly to the condenser which is located within the evaporator chamber. Since the vapor stream is immediated condensed, the short path distillation process precludes the vapor from forming vapor pressure. This allows ultimate pressures of 0.001 mbar to be attained. This also allows heat sensitive materials to undergo purification at much lower temperatures preventing degradation. It also allows for very high ambient equivalent temperatures to be achieved. Short path distillation in a plant setting is a continuous process.

All UIC Short Path evaporators are comprised of five main assemblies: An evaporator body constructed of glass or stainless steel depending upon their size Roller/Wiper film distribution system Motor with variable speed drive for the roller wiper system Internal condenser with side-mounted vacuum connection Collections trays with drain lines for distillate and residue

Laboratory and Pilot Plant Modular Systems

All UIC Short Path systems are modular in design and so offer maximum flexibility when choosing the right evaporator, degasser, feed & discharge systems, heating and cooling systems, vacuum pump systems, control systems, and matching heat transfer systems for your unique application. Standard systems are available for laboratory applications such as the KDL1, KDL4, and KDL6 models. Scaled up versions in stainless steel are also available offering true pilot plant capabilities, our KD10 and KD30 systems can generate throughputs up to 30 kg per hour at temperatures up to 350°C and pressures as low as 0.001 mbar.

As needs change, select from a variety of upgrade packages to increase the size of your evaporator, go from a medium to high vacuum system, or add additional stages to your separation.

When a standard unit just won't do, UIC offers a full range of engineering capabilities. Our engineers and technicians have the know-how and experience to assist with everything from the customization of smaller lab units to the completion of large scale production plants.

Laboratory Single Stage Distillation Units
Unit Specifications	KDL 1	KDL 4	KDL 6
Nominal Processing Rate (kg/hour)	0.01-0.02	0.04-1.00	0.04-5.0
Evaporator Surface Area (square meters)	0.018	0.043	0.06
Condenser Surface Area (square meters)	0.007	0.022	0.06
Operating Pressure (square meters)	Atmospheric to 0.001 mbar
Length (mm)	1,000	1,000	1,000
Diameter (mm)	400	500	700
System Weight (approximate kg)	45	60	120

Production Systems

For production applications, choose one of eleven standard evaporator sizes from 0.3 to 50 square meters to meet your space, operating power, and production requirements. The photograph below illustrates a KD30 used at the Chemtech facility to facilitate scaling molecular separation to larger commercial scales.

Commercial Single Stage Distillation Units
System Information	UofM	Short Path System Model Number
		KD10	KD30	KD75	KD150	KD300	KD600	KD1200	KD1800	KD2400	KD3600	KD5000
System Capacity	kg/hr	10- 25	30- 90	75- 255	150- 450	300- 900	600- 1,800	1,200- 3,600	1,800- 5,400	2,400- 7,200	3,600- 10,800	5,000- 15,000
Evaporator Surface	mˆ2	0.10	0.30	0.75	1.5	3	6	12	18	24	36	50
Condenser Surface	mˆ2	0.14	0.38	1.20	2	5	10	24	27	35	80	120
Operating Pressure	mbar	Atmospheric pressure to 1 x 10ˆ-3 Absolute
System Length	mm	1,000	1,500	2,100	2,800	3,800	5,200	7,000	7,500	9,000	9,600	11,00
Evaporator Diameter	mm	120	160	280	350	500	800	1,200	1,400	1,500	2,000	2,200
Approximate Weight	kg/hr	80	100	200	500	900	1,500	6,000	9,000	12,000	23,000	30,000

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