Vacuum Distillation - Laboratory-scale Applications

Laboratory-scale Applications

Laboratory-scale vacuum distillation is used when liquids to be distilled have high atmospheric boiling points or chemically change at temperatures near their atmospheric boiling points. Temperature sensitive materials (such as beta carotene) also require vacuum distillation to remove solvents from the mixture without damaging the product. Another reason vacuum distillation is used is that compared to steam distillation there is a lower level of residue build up. This is important in commercial applications where heat transfer is produced using heat exchangers.

Vacuum distillation is sometimes referred to as low temperature distillation.

There are many laboratory applications for vacuum distillation as well as many types of distillation set-ups and apparatuses.

Safety is an important consideration when using glassware as part of the set-up. All of the glass components should be carefully examined for scratches and cracks which could result in implosions when the vacuum is applied. Wrapping as much of the glassware with tape as is practical helps to prevent dangerous scattering of glass shards in the event of an implosion.