There are many different methods for distilling a substance from a compound. One of the more popular types of distillation is known as short path distillation. Since its development in the 1930s, short path distillation has been used in a wide variety of applications. To learn more about this process, how it works, and what some of its main advantages are, consult this complete guide to short path distillation.
What is Short Path Distillation
Short path distillation is a distillation technique that involves the distillate travelling a short distance. It is method of separating mixtures based on differences in their volatilities in a boiling liquid mixture under reduced pressure. As the sample mixture to be purified is heated, its vapors rise a short distance into a vertical condenser where they are cooled by water. This technique is used for compounds which are unstable at high temperatures because it allows a lower boiling temperature to be used.
Advantages of Short Path Distillation
There are many benefits of the short path distillation process that make it a highly advantageous option for a variety of different uses and applications. Some of the most notable benefits of this process include:
Compact Size: Short path distillation is a compact purification method. Because it does not take up much space, it is highly advantageous for laboratory applications in which a minimal instrumentation footprint is necessary.
Easy To Use: Another key benefit of short path distillation is that it is relatively easy to implement. While the majority of conventional distillation methods rely on large, complex apparatuses, short path distillation requires more compact, simple equipment that is still able to achieve high distillate purity levels.
Reduced Waste: As previously stated, the compound in a short path distillation apparatus only needs to travel a distance of a few centimeters from the heated flask to the condenser tube. As a result, a minimal amount of the compound is lost on the sides of the equipment. Thus, short path distillation can help reduce waste and is highly advantageous for situations in which an expensive compound needs to be distilled.
Ideal for Compounds That Are Unstable at Higher Temperatures: Because short path distillation uses vacuum pressure to reduce the boiling point of the compounds inside the apparatus, the process can be completed at a lower temperature. For this reason, short path distillation is an ideal option for distilling compounds that are unstable at higher temperatures.
Distilling Small Quantities of Compound: In addition to distilling compounds that are unstable at higher temperatures, short path distillation is also advantageous for applications that require small quantities of a compound to be distilled. Because the liquid compound travels across a shorter surface area, less compound is lost on the equipment. Thus, smaller quantities can effectively be distilled without losing a large percentage of the product along the way.
Faster Completion Time: Many conventional evaporation apparatuses can take several hours to complete a separation. Short path distillation, on the other hand, can complete a separation in a matter of seconds due to the pressure vacuum it implements, which helps greatly speed up the process.
Common Applications of Short Path Distillation
Short path distillation has a variety of uses and applications across several different industries, from the pharmaceutical industry to the food industry. Some of the most common applications of short path distillation include:
- Extracting CBD oil from hemp plants
- Processing edible oils Creating fragrances
- Producing fuels
- Distilling polyurethane
- Distilling compounds that are unstable at high temperatures
- Distilling small quantities of a compound Short path distillation stands as a versatile and effective method for separating mixtures based on differences in volatility. With its compact size, ease of use, and reduced waste, this technique offers significant advantages for various applications. It caters to compounds that are unstable at higher temperatures, allowing for distillation at lower boiling points.
Furthermore, Short Path distillation excels at handling small quantities of compounds, minimizing product loss and maximizing efficiency. Its faster completion time, compared to traditional methods, accelerates the separation process, making it a valuable tool in numerous industries. Whether it’s extracting CBD oil, processing edible oils, creating fragrances, or distilling unstable compounds, Short Path distillation proves its wide-ranging capabilities. By harnessing the power of this technique, researchers and professionals can achieve high levels of purity and enhance their processes. Explore the possibilities of Short Path distillation and unlock its potential in your field of expertise.
Ai Vacuum short path distillation kits provide an effective and affordable solution for the separation and purification of various substances. By offering multiple sizes and configurations, including 2L, 5L, and 10L Short Path Distillation Kit, we have created a line that is ideal for applications ranging from research and process chemistry to essential oil and cannabis distillation.
Request a quote for Ai’s short path distillation kit for labs today.
