Anyan AYAN-F100 Short-Path Molecular Distillation System

Overview

The Anyan AYAN-F100 Short-Path Molecular Distillation System is a precision-engineered laboratory-scale purification platform designed for high-boiling-point, thermally labile, and high-molecular-weight compounds. Operating under ultra-high vacuum (typically 0.001–100 Pa), it exploits the fundamental principle of molecular distillation: separation based on differences in mean free path length rather than boiling point differentials. In this regime, vapor-phase molecules travel unimpeded from the heated evaporator surface to the integrated condenser—located at a distance shorter than their mean free path—enabling near-instantaneous condensation without intermolecular collisions. The system employs a vertically oriented, internally cooled falling-film configuration with a motor-driven wiper rotor that continuously forms a uniform, thin liquid film on the heated cylindrical evaporator wall. This architecture ensures minimal residence time (<30 seconds), precise temperature control (±0.5 °C), and exceptional thermal homogeneity—critical for preserving integrity of sensitive actives such as vitamins, polyunsaturated fatty acids, sterols, and natural aroma compounds.

Key Features

• Stainless steel 316L construction throughout all wetted parts, compliant with ISO 8502-3 for surface cleanliness and ASTM A240 for corrosion resistance
• Integrated dual-stage vacuum system with digital pressure control (range: 0.001–100 Pa), featuring real-time feedback loop and automatic pressure stabilization
• Electrically heated vertical cylindrical evaporator (50 mm internal diameter) with PID-controlled heating jacket (max. 250 °C)
• Internally mounted concentric condenser (0.65 m² active surface area) cooled by recirculating chiller (−20 °C to +10 °C operating range)
• PTFE-coated stainless steel wiper rotor with adjustable rotational speed (50–400 rpm) for optimized film thickness and shear distribution
• Modular design supporting interchangeable 0.5 L and 5 L collection flasks; all glass components conform to DIN ISO 3585 borosilicate 3.3 specifications
• CE-marked electrical safety compliance; optional explosion-proof variants available per ATEX Directive 2014/34/EU

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AYAN-F100 accommodates viscous, non-Newtonian, and heat-sensitive feedstocks including triglyceride-rich oils (e.g., fish oil, krill oil), polymer intermediates (e.g., epoxy resins, silicone oligomers), natural extracts (e.g., lanolin, rosemary oil, clove bud oil), and pharmaceutical precursors (e.g., tocopherol acetates, phytosterol esters). It supports batch-mode operation with reproducible mass balance tracking across multiple distillation cuts. The system meets core requirements for GLP-compliant laboratories: full traceability of process parameters (temperature, pressure, rotation speed, feed rate), audit-ready electronic logs, and compatibility with 21 CFR Part 11–compliant data acquisition software when paired with validated third-party controllers. All materials contacting process streams comply with USP and EU Pharmacopoeia Chapter 3.1 for extractables and leachables profiling.

Software & Data Management

While the base AYAN-F100 operates via analog front-panel controls, it features RS-485 Modbus RTU and optional Ethernet/IP interfaces for integration into centralized lab automation networks. When connected to Anyan’s proprietary DistilSoft v3.2 (sold separately), users gain access to automated method storage, real-time parameter trending, deviation alerts, and exportable CSV/Excel reports aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation standards. The software enforces user role-based access control (admin/operator/auditor), timestamps all critical events with NTP synchronization, and maintains immutable audit trails—including parameter changes, start/stop commands, and calibration records—for regulatory review.

Applications

• Fine chemical purification: isolation of citral (>98.2% purity) from Litsea cubeba oil at 45 °C / 0.15 kPa; cinnamaldehyde recovery (>98.7%) from cinnamon leaf oil at 60 °C / 0.2 kPa
• Pharmaceutical excipient refinement: deacidification of glycerides, concentration of vitamin E (tocopherols) from soybean deodorizer distillate, purification of amino acid derivatives
• Food-grade lipid processing: EPA/DHA enrichment from marine oils, removal of cholesterol oxidation products, fractionation of mixed vegetable oils (e.g., palm/cottonseed blends)
• Materials science: monomer purification prior to polymerization, removal of catalyst residues from silicone fluids, recovery of high-purity fatty alcohols (C16–C22)
• Environmental analysis: concentration of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) from sediment extracts prior to GC–MS quantification

FAQ

What vacuum level is required for optimal performance?
The AYAN-F100 achieves highest separation efficiency within the 0.001–10 Pa range; typical operational setpoints are 0.1–5 Pa depending on feed volatility and desired cut resolution.
Can the system handle highly viscous feeds like lanolin or polymer melts?
Yes—pre-heating the feed vessel to 60–80 °C and using the low-speed wiper mode (50–150 rpm) ensures stable film formation without clogging or dry-spot formation.
Is the condenser removable for cleaning or maintenance?
The condenser is fixed-integrated but fully accessible via top-flange disassembly; all internal surfaces are polished to Ra ≤ 0.4 µm for CIP compatibility.
Does the system support continuous feed operation?
It is configured for semi-batch operation; continuous mode requires external peristaltic dosing pumps and is supported via optional flow-control module (Part No. FCM-SPD-01).
How is temperature uniformity verified across the evaporator surface?
Each unit undergoes factory calibration using embedded PT100 sensors at three axial positions; certificate of conformance includes thermal mapping data per ASTM E2251.