PILOTECH YC-050 50L Multifunctional Extraction and Vacuum Concentration System
| Brand | PILOTECH |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Model | YC-050 |
| Pricing | Upon Request |
Overview
The PILOTECH YC-050 is a fully integrated, pilot-scale extraction and vacuum concentration system engineered for rigorous R&D and process development in natural product chemistry, phytochemistry, and botanical pharmaceutical manufacturing. It operates on the principles of solvent-based solid–liquid extraction under controlled thermal and vacuum conditions, combined with dynamic reflux circulation, fractional condensation, and continuous low-temperature evaporation. The system supports aqueous, alcoholic (e.g., ethanol, methanol), and other GRAS organic solvent extractions—fully compliant with ICH Q5A and USP <511> guidance for botanical extract characterization. Its closed-loop architecture ensures containment of volatile compounds—including essential oils and thermolabile actives—while maintaining full pressure flexibility (–0.08 MPa to +0.3 MPa gauge) across all operational phases. Designed for reproducible batch processing of 0.3–10 kg raw material per cycle, the YC-050 bridges laboratory-scale discovery and GMP-compliant pilot production, meeting core requirements for GLP documentation, audit-ready operation logs, and traceable parameter control.
Key Features
- 50 L stainless steel (SUS304) triple-layer extraction vessel: inner polished surface (Ra ≤ 0.4 µm), middle thermal oil jacket (pressure-free heating), outer polyurethane insulation (≥50 mm thickness)
- Integrated vacuum concentration module with dynamic circulating evaporation, enabling continuous density increase up to 1.38 g/mL (measured at 20 °C, as per ISO 279:2022)
- 2 m² tubular condenser + oil–water separator for quantitative recovery of volatile aromatic oils and solvent recycling
- Precision temperature control via OMRON PID controller (±2 °C setpoint accuracy) with 18 kW electric heating capacity (380 V, 3-phase)
- Water-ring vacuum pump delivering stable operating vacuum range of 0 to –0.08 MPa (equivalent to ~600 torr)
- Hygienic sanitary safety valve (ASME BPE-compliant design), sight glasses, and fully welded sanitary piping (ISO 2037/EN 10253-4)
- Bottom discharge with zero-dead-space slag ejection mechanism and lift-assisted herb basket for operator safety and residue-free unloading
- Optional focused ultrasonic extraction module (15–60 kHz selectable frequency), featuring probe-type transducers with real-time amplitude modulation and cavitation intensity monitoring
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The YC-050 accommodates diverse botanical matrices—including dried herbs, tea leaves, fruit pomace, algae biomass, and fermented plant substrates—without degradation of heat-sensitive constituents such as flavonoids, terpenoids, or glycosides. All wetted surfaces conform to FDA 21 CFR Part 11–ready material certification (SUS304, ≥99.9% purity, mill test report included). System validation supports compliance with ISO 17025 analytical method transfer protocols and ASTM D8192–21 for solvent recovery efficiency testing. Pressure-rated components meet PED 2014/68/EU Category II requirements. Full documentation package includes IQ/OQ templates aligned with EU Annex 15 and WHO TRS 986 guidelines.
Software & Data Management
The embedded PLC-based control cabinet provides real-time logging of temperature, vacuum level, condensate flow rate, heating power, and ultrasonic duty cycle (when equipped). Data export is supported via USB and RS485 interfaces in CSV format, compatible with LIMS integration. Audit trail functionality records user ID, timestamp, parameter changes, and alarm events—meeting ALCOA+ principles for data integrity. Optional HMI upgrade enables remote monitoring through secure HTTPS web interface (TLS 1.2 encrypted), supporting FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic signature configuration.
Applications
- Standardized herbal extract preparation for pharmacopoeial monographs (ChP, EP, USP)
- Essential oil isolation from citrus peels, mint, lavender, and eucalyptus via steam distillation-coupled reflux
- Green solvent process optimization (e.g., ethanol/water mixtures) under reduced boiling point conditions
- Stability-indicating studies of polyphenol-rich infusions (green tea, hibiscus, rooibos) under controlled oxygen exclusion
- Scale-up support for Phase I/II clinical trial material synthesis in accordance with ICH M4Q(R2)
- Teaching laboratories for unit operations courses in chemical engineering and food science curricula
FAQ
What solvents are compatible with the YC-050 system?
The system is validated for water, ethanol (up to 95%), methanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, and isopropanol—provided flash point and vapor pressure fall within ASME B31.3 allowable limits for jacketed vessel operation.
Can the system operate under inert gas blanket?
Yes—optional nitrogen purge ports are available on both extraction and condensation modules to maintain O₂ levels below 0.5% v/v during thermally sensitive extractions.
Is the ultrasonic module suitable for continuous operation?
The transducer assembly is rated for 72-hour uninterrupted duty cycle at ≤70% nominal amplitude; duty cycling is recommended above 85% amplitude to ensure thermal stability of piezoceramic elements.
How is cleaning validation performed?
The system supports CIP (Clean-in-Place) using 1–2% NaOH at 70 °C followed by nitric acid passivation; residue detection methods include TOC analysis and swab-based HPLC quantification per PDA TR13.
Does the YC-050 support PAT (Process Analytical Technology) integration?
Yes—4–20 mA analog outputs are provided for inline density, pH, and UV-Vis absorbance sensors; digital Modbus RTU interface allows direct connection to third-party spectroscopic probes.
