How does vacuum distillation work?

Vacuum distillation is an important process often used in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Distillation is often used to separate the components of a liquid mixture. Liquid components have different boiling points and therefore they evaporate under different conditions and can then be reused or removed. Thus, vacuum distillation is also preferred for high boiling points or when they are explosive. 

By distillation under vacuum, heat-sensitive compounds can be handled more carefully. There are lower process temperatures and therefore the yield of the distillation process can be improved. This is because polymerization, cracking or other degradation of the product is prevented. 

Oil and gas 

Rough oil must first be completely broken down to make diesel, gasoline or heating oil. This process is carried out through distillation. Crude oil contains heavier hydrocarbons and lighter hydrocarbons, each with a different boiling point. Therefore, two distillation processes are also required. 

After atmospheric distillation, a second distillation is carried out under vacuum. Thus, the heavier hydrocarbons are separated at lower temperatures. It also minimizes component cracking and the formation of unwanted products. 

There are a lot of different products you can use to properly perform a vacuum distillation. With each end goal of vacuum distillation, a different type of product fits there. Therefore, it is very wise to have good knowledge about what exactly vacuum distillation is and what you need for it. Of course, it is always permissible to do more research to understand it better.

Difference between normal distillation and vacuum distillation

Reduced pressure distillation or vacuum distillation is used for the compounds that decompose only at a temperature below the normal boiling point. Other compounds cannot be purified by simple distillation. 

The main advantage of vacuum distillation is that it allows heavier materials to be distilled at lower temperatures than would be required at atmospheric pressure by controlling it with electrolysis pressure control, thus avoiding thermal cracking of the components. 

It is important to know the difference well so that you can also figure out what products you need for distillation. There are many websites that offer these products along with clear explanations. Also, you can contact companies if you are not sure of your case.