Wiped Film Still Components - Part VII

Just like feed systems, these system can be as complex or simple as the user desires.  For lab units, they are generally just flasks that are placed on the distillate and residue outlets.

  However, more complex lab glassware can also consist of rotatable collection flasks that allow for multiple sets of conditions to be explored without breaking vacuum. 

At pilot and plant scale, pumps are generally used.  These pumps work just like feed pumps.  They pump the material out of the still system, through a check valve to allow the vacuum level of the still to be uninterrupted.

These pumping systems can be setup to record temperature of the stream, flow rate, water content…  any type of sensor can be installed to monitor the products produced.  Simple systems generally consist of gear pumps with check valves.  Tanks can also be installed under the system rather than using pumps. 

Picture 1 shows a system with receiver tanks.  Picture 2 is a system with flasks as receivers.  Picture 3 is a system with pumps.

Pictures are courtesy of Pope Scientific Inc.