AYAN F80 Lab-Scale Wiped-Film Molecular Distillation System
| Brand | AYAN |
|---|---|
| Origin | Zhejiang, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Product Category | Domestic |
| Model | AYAN-F80 Wiped-Film Molecular Distiller |
| Price | USD 12,800 (FOB) |
| Feed Rate | 0.5–4.0 L/h |
| Effective Evaporation Area | 0.1 m² |
| Evaporator Internal Diameter | 80 mm |
| Condenser Surface Area | 0.15 m² |
| Collection Vessels | 2 × standard KF-25 or ISO-KF 25 ports |
Overview
The AYAN F80 is a benchtop wiped-film molecular distillation system engineered for high-vacuum, low-temperature separation of thermally sensitive, high-boiling-point, and high-molecular-weight compounds. Operating under ultra-high vacuum (typically < 0.001 mbar), it exploits the mean free path principle—where the distance traveled by evaporated molecules exceeds the physical gap between evaporator and condenser surfaces—enabling direct molecular condensation without bulk-phase vapor transport. Unlike conventional distillation, this process avoids thermal degradation by minimizing residence time (< 30 seconds) and maintaining precise wall temperature control (±0.5 °C). The F80 is purpose-built for laboratory-scale purification of complex mixtures including edible oil fractions (e.g., removal of free fatty acids, odorous aldehydes/ketones, and pesticide residues), natural product isolates (e.g., tocopherols, sterols, phospholipids), and specialty chemicals (e.g., polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrates, CBD distillates, and silicone oligomers).
Key Features
- Stainless steel (316L) evaporator body with precision-machined 80 mm internal diameter cylinder—optimized for uniform film formation and minimal back diffusion.
- PTFE-coated, spring-loaded wiper blade assembly ensuring consistent, sub-100 µm liquid film thickness across variable feed viscosities (up to 500 cP at operating temperature).
- Electrically heated evaporator jacket (0–250 °C, ±0.3 °C stability) and air-cooled or optional water-chilled condenser (−10 to +20 °C range) with 0.15 m² active surface area.
- Integrated high-efficiency vacuum train: dual-stage rotary vane pump (base pressure ≤ 5×10⁻³ mbar) plus optional secondary cold trap (−80 °C) for volatile contaminant capture.
- Digital PID temperature controllers for independent regulation of feed preheater, evaporator wall, and condenser; all parameters logged via RS485 Modbus interface.
- Modular design with ISO-KF25 flanges throughout—compatible with standard vacuum gauges (capacitance manometer), residual gas analyzers, and external fraction collectors.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AYAN F80 accommodates feedstocks ranging from low-viscosity triglyceride oils (e.g., sunflower, fish, or algae oil) to viscous polymer melts and crude botanical extracts. Its non-contact, short-path geometry eliminates entrainment and foaming—critical for processing unstable lipids prone to oxidation or hydrolysis. All wetted parts comply with FDA 21 CFR §177.2600 (food-contact polymers) and EU Regulation (EC) No. 1935/2004. Vacuum system components meet ISO 2859-1 sampling standards for leak integrity verification. While not certified for GMP manufacturing, the unit supports GLP-compliant documentation when paired with validated data acquisition software (see Software section) and fulfills method development requirements per ASTM D6304 (water in petroleum products) and ISO 660 (determination of free fatty acids in animal and vegetable fats and oils).
Software & Data Management
The system interfaces with AYAN’s proprietary DistilSoft™ v3.2 (Windows-based), enabling real-time monitoring of six analog inputs (evaporator temp, condenser temp, feed temp, vacuum level, wiper speed, feed rate) and automated sequence programming. Data export supports CSV, Excel, and PDF report generation with embedded timestamps, operator ID, and audit trail metadata. Optional upgrade includes 21 CFR Part 11-compliant configuration—featuring electronic signatures, role-based access control, and immutable raw-data archiving—validated for QC/QA use in regulated environments. All firmware updates are delivered via secure HTTPS portal with SHA-256 checksum verification.
Applications
- Refining of edible oils: selective removal of free fatty acids (FFA), monoglycerides, and off-flavor volatiles without stripping tocopherols or phytosterols.
- Purification of omega-3 concentrates (EPA/DHA ethyl esters) from fish oil hydrolysates with >92% recovery and < 0.5% trans-isomer formation.
- Isolation of phospholipid fractions (e.g., phosphatidylcholine) from soy lecithin under nitrogen blanket to prevent oxidation.
- Deodorization of fragrance intermediates (e.g., geraniol, citronellol) where steam distillation causes thermal decomposition.
- Recovery of catalyst residues (e.g., metal soaps, transesterification byproducts) from biodiesel production streams.
FAQ
What is the minimum operational vacuum required for effective molecular distillation on the F80?
A base pressure of ≤ 0.001 mbar (1×10⁻³ mbar) is recommended; performance validation requires measurement with a calibrated capacitance manometer—not Pirani gauges.
Can the system be operated under inert gas purge (e.g., N₂ or Ar)?
Yes—integrated gas inlet port with mass flow controller allows continuous blanketing during feed introduction and collection, critical for oxygen-sensitive samples.
Is the wiper speed adjustable during operation?
Yes—stepless DC motor drive enables 0–300 rpm adjustment via front-panel encoder or software command, allowing optimization for film stability across viscosity gradients.
What maintenance intervals are specified for the vacuum pump?
Rotary vane pump oil must be changed every 200 operating hours or quarterly (whichever occurs first); cold trap cartridges require replacement after 50 distillation cycles or visible saturation.
Does the F80 support continuous feed mode?
It operates in semi-batch mode with programmable feed pump (peristaltic or gear type); true continuous operation requires integration with external PLC-controlled feed and fraction collection systems.
