Anyan AYAN-F150 Short-Path Molecular Distillation System

Overview

The Anyan AYAN-F150 Short-Path Molecular Distillation System is a high-vacuum, low-temperature purification platform engineered for the gentle separation of thermally labile, high-boiling, or highly viscous compounds. Operating under ultra-high vacuum conditions (≤0.1 Pa), it enables molecular distillation — a surface-evaporation process governed by mean free path dynamics rather than boiling point equilibrium. In this regime, evaporated molecules travel directly from the heated evaporator surface to the opposing condenser without intermolecular collision, eliminating thermal degradation pathways associated with conventional fractional or wiped-film distillation. The AYAN-F150 integrates a precision-engineered 150 mm inner-diameter vertical evaporator with an optimized 0.45 m² internal condenser, delivering a high condensation efficiency ratio (1.8:1) and enabling sub-second residence times on the heated film surface. This architecture is particularly suited for isolating bioactive lipids (e.g., omega-3 concentrates), natural antioxidants (e.g., tocopherols, polyphenol esters), pharmaceutical intermediates, and specialty fragrance compounds where structural integrity, oxidative stability, and batch-to-batch reproducibility are critical.

Key Features

• Short-path geometry with direct-line-of-sight condensation ensures minimal vapor path length (<100 mm), maximizing molecular transmission efficiency under ≤0.1 Pa vacuum
• PTFE-coated SS316L wiper assembly with adjustable rotational speed (0–450 rpm) provides uniform, shear-controlled thin-film formation (<0.5 mm thickness) across variable-viscosity feeds
• Dual-collection configuration supports simultaneous light- and heavy-fraction recovery, with independently removable 1 L borosilicate glass receivers fitted with PTFE-sealed ground joints
• Integrated heating mantle with PID-controlled temperature regulation (ambient to 200 °C, ±0.5 °C accuracy) and real-time surface thermocouple feedback
• Fluoroelastomer (FKM) static seals throughout main body; optional perfluoroelastomer (FFKM) or virgin PTFE gasket kits available for aggressive solvent or acidic feedstock compatibility
• Modular vacuum interface compatible with dual-stage oil rotary vane pumps and optional cryogenic cold traps (–80 °C) to suppress backstreaming and protect pump oil integrity
• Stainless steel 316L construction for all wetted parts, including feed reservoir, evaporator housing, and condenser jacket — compliant with ASME BPE surface finish standards (Ra ≤ 0.8 µm)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AYAN-F150 accommodates feedstocks ranging from low-viscosity solvents (e.g., hexane, ethanol) to highly viscous materials (up to 50,000 cP at processing temperature), including crude fish oil, botanical extracts, polymer oligomers, and reaction mixtures containing residual catalysts. Its non-destructive, solvent-free separation mechanism aligns with ICH Q5C biopharmaceutical purity guidelines and USP particulate matter requirements for injectables when used in API purification workflows. The system’s traceability-ready design supports GLP/GMP environments: all temperature setpoints, vacuum levels, rotation speeds, and run durations are logged internally and exportable as CSV. While not pre-certified to FDA 21 CFR Part 11, the instrument’s audit trail capability and user-access control structure (via password-protected parameter lockout) facilitate validation under ISO/IEC 17025 and ASTM D6304-22 (standard test method for water in petroleum products).

Software & Data Management

The AYAN-F150 operates via a dedicated embedded controller with a 7-inch capacitive touchscreen HMI. All operational parameters — heating zone temperature, wiper speed, vacuum setpoint (with auto-compensation for outgassing), and runtime — are programmable and storable in up to 20 user-defined methods. Real-time graphs display vacuum pressure decay curves, temperature ramp profiles, and motor current draw — enabling rapid diagnosis of film instability or condenser icing. Data export is supported via USB 2.0 port (CSV format); optional RS-485 Modbus RTU interface allows integration into LabVantage or Empower LIMS environments. No cloud connectivity or proprietary software installation is required — full local control and data sovereignty are maintained at all times.

Applications

• Purification of heat-sensitive nutraceuticals: concentration of EPA/DHA from fish oil, isolation of astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis extract
• Deacidification and deodorization of edible oils without stripping natural tocopherols
• Removal of residual monomers, initiators, and solvents from synthetic polymers (e.g., silicone fluids, polyurethane prepolymers)
• Isolation of fragrance volatiles (e.g., linalool, citral) from steam-distilled botanical hydrosols
• Recovery and refinement of catalysts (e.g., Ru-, Pd-based complexes) from homogeneous catalysis reaction streams
• Preparative-scale separation of enantiomeric intermediates in chiral synthesis where racemization must be avoided

FAQ

What vacuum level is required to achieve true molecular distillation conditions?
True molecular distillation requires operating pressures below 0.1 Pa (1×10⁻³ mbar), where the mean free path of vapor molecules exceeds the distance between evaporator and condenser surfaces. The AYAN-F150 achieves this routinely using a two-stage vacuum pump with cold trap.
Can the system handle feedstocks with suspended solids or particulates?
No — the AYAN-F150 is designed for clarified, low-particulate liquids. Feed must be pre-filtered to ≤5 µm to prevent wiper blade jamming or seal abrasion. Optional inline filtration modules (not included) can be integrated upstream.
Is the heating mantle suitable for corrosive halogenated solvents?
The standard heating mantle uses silicone-insulated resistive wire and is compatible with chlorinated solvents under controlled temperature (<120 °C). For prolonged exposure to brominated or fluorinated media, optional Hastelloy C-276 heater sheaths are available upon request.
How is calibration verified for temperature and vacuum sensors?
Temperature sensors are factory-calibrated against NIST-traceable dry-block calibrators; vacuum transducers are certified to ISO 2533. Users may perform field verification using external reference gauges connected via the ¼” NPT vacuum port.
Does the system support continuous feed operation?
The AYAN-F150 is configured for semi-batch operation with manual or peristaltic-pump-assisted feed. Continuous-feed adaptation (e.g., with mass-flow-controlled syringe pump and level-sensing overflow loop) is feasible but requires custom engineering and is not part of the standard configuration.