Lab Vacuum Distillation
Lab Vacuum Distillation
(OP)
We are due to start up a Vacuum Distillation unit shortly, and I am seeking advice on the best laboratory testing method to follow our operation (feed plus products) and equipment for vacuum distillation, namely advice on whether to choose ASTM 1160 or ASTM 5236 (or other), plus recommended suppliers of the equipment.
Thanks
Thanks
RE: Lab Vacuum Distillation
For moderate size 'cuts' , the 'spinning band' method and apparatus gives fast, repeatable, and accurate fractionation into cuts from light ends to heavy vacuum gas oils in about 6 hours using 250ml of sample.
Large scale (more than 500ml) of cuts forces one into D1160 type apparatus and the attendant imprecision and poor fractionation. Alternatively, TBP (true boiling point) apparatus can be used wit hhigh reflux ratios and theoretical stage count to achieve high separation efficiencies and sharp cuts, but the procedure is time consuming and therefore costly.
In any of these methods, expertise in reviewing and analysis of the data is essential.Lots of 'deep cut' vacuum distillation designs failed to work as expected because process engineers failed to understand and appreciate (respect) the limitations of th etest methods.