STKJ TFEL5 Thin-Film Evaporator
| Brand | STKJ |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | TFEL5 |
| Feed Rate | 0.5–2.5 kg/h |
| Effective Evaporation Area | 0.05 m² |
| Evaporator Internal Diameter | 180 mm |
| Condenser Area | 0.085 m² |
| Collecting Flasks | 3 |
| Operating Pressure | Down to 1 mbar |
| Max Evaporation Temperature | 250 °C |
| Construction Material | Borosilicate Glass 3.3 |
| Film Formation System | Self-Cleaning Roller-Type |
| Heating Method | External Oil Bath |
Overview
The STKJ TFEL5 Thin-Film Evaporator is a precision-engineered laboratory-scale purification system designed for continuous, high-efficiency solvent removal and thermal separation under controlled vacuum conditions. It operates on the principle of thin-film evaporation—where feed material is distributed as a uniform, turbulent film across a heated vertical cylindrical surface, enabling rapid mass transfer and minimal residence time. This configuration minimizes thermal degradation of heat-sensitive compounds such as natural extracts, pharmaceutical intermediates, polymers, and fine chemicals. The system maintains operating pressures as low as 1 mbar, ensuring effective volatilization of low-boiling components while preserving molecular integrity. Its borosilicate glass 3.3 construction ensures chemical inertness, optical clarity for process monitoring, and compliance with standard laboratory safety protocols. Unlike conventional rotary evaporators, the TFEL5 delivers scalable, reproducible performance with predictable throughput and consistent film dynamics—making it suitable for both process development and small-batch production in regulated R&D environments.
Key Features
- Vertical cylindrical evaporator with self-cleaning roller-type film formation mechanism, ensuring uniform film thickness and eliminating wall fouling during extended operation
- Borosilicate glass 3.3 construction throughout main process path (evaporator body, condenser, feed and collection ports), certified to ISO 3585 standards for thermal shock resistance and hydrolytic stability
- Externally heated oil bath system with PID-controlled temperature regulation (range: ambient to 250 °C), calibrated traceable to NIST standards
- Integrated condenser with 0.085 m² active cooling surface, optimized for high-condensation efficiency at sub-millibar pressures
- Modular design compatible with SPDL5-series short-path distillation modules, enabling seamless integration into multi-stage molecular distillation workflows
- Three-position collecting flask manifold with individual valve control and pressure-balanced venting, supporting sequential fractionation or parallel recovery
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The TFEL5 accommodates a broad range of thermally labile and viscous feedstocks—including crude botanical extracts, polymer melts, silicone oils, vitamin concentrates, and reaction mixtures containing residual solvents (e.g., hexane, toluene, ethyl acetate). Its low-residence-time operation (<60 seconds typical) and precise vacuum control (1–10 mbar) align with ASTM D2892 and ISO 11749 methodologies for fractional evaporation characterization. All wetted parts comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility requirements, and the system supports GLP-compliant documentation when paired with validated data logging hardware. While not intrinsically certified for GMP manufacturing, its architecture meets prerequisite engineering controls outlined in FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for audit-trail-capable instrumentation when integrated with compliant software.
Software & Data Management
The TFEL5 operates as a stand-alone analog-controlled unit; however, optional digital interfaces (RS-485/Modbus RTU) enable integration with third-party SCADA or LIMS platforms. Temperature, pressure, and feed rate signals can be logged externally using validated data acquisition systems meeting IEC 62304 software lifecycle requirements. For full traceability, users may deploy STKJ’s optional TFEL-DataLink module—providing timestamped CSV export, real-time graphing, and electronic signature support aligned with ALCOA+ data integrity principles. All firmware updates undergo regression testing per ISO/IEC 17025 Annex A.3 guidelines.
Applications
- Pre-concentration of natural product extracts prior to chromatographic purification or crystallization
- Devolatilization of polymer melts to remove catalyst residues and monomer traces prior to extrusion
- Recovery and recycling of high-value solvents from pharmaceutical synthesis streams
- Stabilization of omega-3 fatty acid concentrates by selective removal of oxidation-prone low-molecular-weight impurities
- Process intensification studies comparing single-stage thin-film evaporation versus cascaded thin-film + short-path distillation sequences
FAQ
What vacuum level is required for optimal operation?
The TFEL5 is engineered for stable operation at 0.5–5 mbar; a two-stage vacuum pump with ultimate pressure ≤0.01 mbar is recommended for consistent performance.
Can the system handle highly viscous feeds (e.g., >50,000 cP)?
Yes—its roller-type film distributor maintains effective spreading up to ~100,000 cP at elevated temperatures; preheating the feed stream to reduce viscosity is advised for maximum throughput.
Is glass replacement covered under warranty?
Borosilicate glass components are excluded from standard warranty due to mechanical handling risk; STKJ offers extended consumables coverage plans upon request.
How is temperature calibration verified?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate referencing three independent PT100 sensor points; users may perform field verification using a NIST-traceable dry-block calibrator.
Does the TFEL5 meet CE or UL certification requirements?
The base configuration complies with CE marking directives (2014/30/EU EMC, 2014/35/EU LVD) for laboratory equipment; UL 61010-1 listing is available under custom OEM configuration.
