Anyan AYAN-B200 Short-Path Molecular Distillation System

Overview

The Anyan AYAN-B200 Short-Path Molecular Distillation System is an engineered vacuum separation platform designed for high-precision thermal processing of heat-sensitive, high-boiling-point, and oxidation-prone substances. Operating on the principle of molecular distillation—where separation occurs via mean free path differences under ultra-high vacuum (≤0.1 Pa)—the system enables selective volatilization without bulk boiling. Unlike conventional distillation or falling-film evaporation, molecular distillation relies on surface evaporation from a thin, continuously renewed liquid film (<0.5 mm), minimizing residence time to seconds and eliminating bubble formation, foaming, or localized overheating. This architecture ensures structural integrity of labile compounds such as vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), cannabinoids, pharmaceutical intermediates, and natural fragrances—making it indispensable in R&D labs and pilot-scale GMP-compliant facilities across fine chemicals, nutraceuticals, and specialty polymer synthesis.

Key Features

• Ultra-high vacuum capability: Achieves operating pressure ≤0.1 Pa via dual-stage oil-sealed rotary vane pump + optional cold trap, ensuring minimal vapor-phase collisions and high separation selectivity.
• PTFE-coated SS316L刮板 rotor assembly: Corrosion-resistant刮板 with adjustable angular geometry; compatible with aggressive solvents (e.g., chlorinated hydrocarbons, strong acids) and high-viscosity feeds (up to 50,000 cP).
• Heated feed tank with PID-controlled preheating (RT–200°C): Enables precise thermal conditioning prior to film formation, reducing thermal shock and improving film uniformity.
• Fluoroelastomer (FKM) gasket sealing at all flanged interfaces: Ensures leak-tight operation under deep vacuum; optional perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) gaskets available for HF/HCl service.
• Modular evaporator body: Standard 200 cm² effective evaporation area; scalable to 500–2000 cm² upon custom engineering (subject to jacket pressure rating and condenser cooling capacity).
• No-boil operation: Absence of nucleate boiling eliminates scaling drivers—critical for feeds containing Ca²⁺/Mg²⁺, sulfate, or crystalline solutes that cause fouling in falling-film or forced-circulation evaporators.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AYAN-B200 accommodates thermally unstable liquids, viscous oils, and solvent extracts with boiling points exceeding 300°C at atmospheric pressure. It is routinely deployed for: solvent removal post-liquid–liquid extraction (e.g., ethyl acetate from botanical extracts), purification of omega-3 concentrates (EPA/DHA), isolation of phytosterols from tall oil, and deodorization of edible oils. The system conforms to ASTM D2879 (Standard Test Method for Vapor Pressure–Temperature Relationships of Substances Using Isoteniscope), supports GLP-compliant data recording when integrated with validated software (see below), and meets mechanical safety requirements per ISO 12100. All wetted parts comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards; SS316L components are electropolished (Ra ≤ 0.4 µm) to minimize particle shedding.

Software & Data Management

The system integrates with Anyan’s DistriSoft™ v3.2 control suite—a Windows-based application supporting real-time monitoring of vacuum level, feed temperature, evaporator wall temperature, condenser temperature, and rotational speed (0–300 rpm). Data logging occurs at 1 Hz resolution with automatic timestamping and CSV export. Audit trails comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when configured with user-role permissions, electronic signatures, and encrypted database storage. Optional OPC UA connectivity enables integration into LabVantage or Thermo Fisher SampleManager LIMS environments for full traceability from raw material intake to distilled fraction collection.

Applications

• Pharmaceutical R&D: Purification of synthetic peptides, removal of residual solvents from API crystallization mother liquors (ICH Q3C compliant).
• Nutraceutical manufacturing: Concentration of fish oil ethyl esters while preserving cis-double bonds; isolation of tocopherol homologs from soybean distillates.
• Polymer chemistry: Solvent recovery from silicone oligomer synthesis; monomer purification prior to ring-opening polymerization.
• Environmental analysis: Cleanup of PCB-contaminated transformer oil extracts prior to GC-MS quantification.
• Academic research: Kinetic studies of thermal degradation pathways under controlled residence time and surface temperature gradients.

FAQ

How does the AYAN-B200 prevent tube fouling or clogging?

It eliminates bulk boiling and avoids crystallization-prone flow regimes—unlike falling-film or rising-film evaporators. With no recirculation loop, no suspended solids, and sub-second residence time, salt precipitation and scale formation are physically suppressed. For feeds with suspended particulates, optional in-line 5-µm sintered metal filtration is recommended upstream.

Is the system suitable for crystallizing feeds?

No—molecular distillation is not intended for crystallization. For feeds prone to salt precipitation (e.g., NaCl brines), forced-circulation evaporators with CIP systems are recommended. The AYAN-B200 excels where volatility—not solubility—is the separation driver.

Can it handle highly viscous materials like rosin or pitch?

Yes—when equipped with fixed or hinged刮板 and preheated feed (≥120°C), viscosities up to 100,000 cP are processable. Film thickness remains stable due to centrifugal shear, not gravity-driven flow.

What vacuum level is required for typical applications?

0.05–0.1 Pa is standard for most heat-labile separations. For very low-volatility compounds (e.g., squalene), <0.01 Pa may be achieved using turbomolecular pumping augmentation.

Does the system support automated fraction collection?

Yes—via optional motorized multi-port collector (6-position) synchronized with vacuum and temperature profiles in DistriSoft™. Fractions are isolated based on real-time condensate temperature differentials.