Tyhjiöhaidutuksen

Tyhjiöhaidutuksen, also known as vacuum distillation, is a separation technique used to distill liquids that have a high boiling point or are sensitive to heat. This process involves reducing the pressure within the distillation apparatus, which in turn lowers the boiling point of the liquid. By operating at lower temperatures, the risk of thermal decomposition or degradation of the substance is minimized.

The apparatus for vacuum distillation is similar to that used in standard distillation, but it includes a vacuum pump and a manometer to control and measure the reduced pressure. The mixture is heated in a distillation flask, and as it vaporizes at the lowered boiling point, the vapor rises into a condenser. The condenser cools the vapor back into a liquid, which is then collected in a receiving flask. The vacuum is maintained throughout the process to ensure the boiling point remains below the decomposition temperature of the substance being purified.

This method is particularly useful in organic chemistry and the petrochemical industry for purifying sensitive compounds, separating mixtures with components having very close boiling points, or processing materials that would otherwise degrade at atmospheric pressure. Examples include the distillation of fatty acids, certain polymers, and high-boiling point organic solvents. The efficiency of separation is influenced by both temperature and pressure, requiring careful control for optimal results.