Distillation (vacuum & short path)

Maximizing Purity, Yield, and Efficiency

Gentle separation for heat-sensitive & high-boiling compounds

EcoProcess provides advanced vacuum and short path distillation solutions for compounds with high boiling points, explosive properties, or thermal sensitivity. By reducing system pressure, we significantly lower boiling temperatures, preventing thermal decomposition while delivering substantial energy savings, increased yield, higher uptime, and enhanced safety.

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process overview

Two advanced distillation methods designed for different thermal separation challenges.

Vacuum Distillation

The method of choice for compounds with very high boiling points, explosive properties, or thermal sensitivity. By reducing pressure, boiling temperature is significantly lowered, preventing thermal decomposition of substances that would degrade at atmospheric boiling temperatures (>200°C).

 

Critical Applications: Chemical, Pharmaceutical, food & beverage (plant essences), and oil refining industries.

Short Path Distillation 

Advanced thermal separation for purifying highly heat-sensitive, high-molecular-weight, and easily oxidizable organic compounds. Operates under high vacuum with extremely short residence time (seconds) and minimal distance between evaporator and condenser. Evaporation occurs at very low temperatures and pressures (below 1 mbar). 

Ideal Applications: Deodorization, decolorization, and concentration of Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and APIs. 

Key Performance Metrics

Proven results that drive operational excellence

Pressure Ranges

  • Vacuum: 10-50 mbar (oil & gas)
  • Down to 10⁻³ mbar (fine chemicals)
  • Short Path: 1 to 0.001 mbar

Residence Time

  • Short Path: Seconds
  • vs. hours in conventional batch distillation
  • Minimizes thermal exposure    

Yield and Purity

  • Wiped film evaporators (WFE)
  • > 95% separation efficiency
  • Maximum product recovery     

Energy Savings

  • Up to 25% more energy recovery
  • vs. traditional steam distillation
  • Lower operating costs     

products & equipment

Comprehensive solutions for every distillation requirement

Vacuum Systems

Comprehensive vacuum solutions for all pressure requirements

 

Dry Screw Vacuum Pumps

Oil-free operation, preventing product contamination

Liquid Ring Vacuum Pump

Ideal when process solvent can be operating fluid

Rotary Vane Vacuum Pumps

Reliable performance for various applications

Vacuum Boosters

Increase pumping speed, achieve deeper vacuum to 10⁻³ mbar

Short Path & Distillation Equipment

Advanced separation technology from lab to industrial scale

 

Short Path / Wiped Film Evaporators (WFE)

Internal condenser, rotating wiper system, lab to industrial scale

Distillation Columns

Fractionating columns for multi-stage separation

Heat Exchangers

Falling film condensers, integrated internal condensers

SUSTAINABILITY & COST EFFICIENCY

Environmental & Economic Benefits

Advanced distillation technology that reduces environmental impact while maximizing profitability

Solvent Recovery

Highly effective for recovering and recycling solvents, significantly reducing waste and disposal costs.    

Energy integration

Reduced energy consumption due to lower operating temperatures and optimized thermal processes.     

cost savings

Substantial operational cost reductions through improved efficiency and reduced resource consumption

Real-world cost savings example

Steam ejector to dry pump replacement

 

€1,082,002

Previous Annual Cost

€132,266

New Annual Cost

8 months

Payback Period

Process Diagrams

Understanding the flow of vacuum and short path distillation systems

Typical Vacuum distillation system

 

Step 1

Heater/ Vessel

Initial liquid mixture heated

Step 2

Fractionating Column

Vapor rises for separation

Step 3

Condenser

Purified vapor cooled to liquid

Step 4

Receiving Vessel

Final distillate collected

Step 5

Vacuum Unit

Pump system reduces pressure

Typical Short Path Distillation System

Feed System
→
Wiped Film Evaporator
→
Evaporation
→
Internal Condenser
→
Collection
→
Vacuum System
Key Advantage: Extremely short residence time (seconds) and minimal distance between evaporator and condenser ensures maximum product quality
Proven results

case studies

Real-world success stories from industry leaders

Citrus Oil Production

Capua 1880 & Busch Vacuum

 

Challenge

Distilling delicate citrus oils requiring precise temperature and pressure control to preserve aromatic compounds and prevent degradation.

 

Solution

Replaced liquid ring pumps with dry screw vacuum pumps and boosters with frequency control, enabling precise pressure management.

 

Results
  • Improved product quality and aroma preservation
  • Prevented oil contamination with oil-free operation
  • Lower operating temperatures and reduced maintenance

Deodorization Process

Edwards Vacuum

 

Challenge

Extremely high operating costs from outdated steam ejector and liquid ring pump system, with excessive energy consumption and maintenance requirements.

 

Solution

Complete system replacement with modern dry pump technology, optimized for energy efficiency and reduced operational complexity.

 

Results

 

€1,082,002

Previous Annual Cost

€132,266

New Annual Cost

8 months

Payback Period

industries we serve

Trusted distillation solutions across critical manufacturing sectors

Food & Beverage

Plant essences, aromas

Agrochemical 

Pesticide purification

Plastics

Polyurethane, epoxy resins

Fine chemicals

Omega-3, monoglycerides

chemical

Monomer purification, solvent recovery

Pharmaceutical

API manufacturing, vitamin purification

oil & gas

Lube oil, Crude oil vacuum distillation

Optimize Your Distillation Process with EcoProcess

Contact us for a process audit or pilot test to discover how our vacuum and short path distillation solutions can enhance your yield, purity, and energy efficiency.

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Case Study

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