vacuümverdampers

Vacuümverdampers (vacuum evaporators) are equipment used to remove solvent from liquids by evaporation under reduced pressure. They concentrate solutions, recover valuable solvents, and enable processing of heat-sensitive materials by lowering boiling temperatures.

Operating principle: the liquid is heated by a heat-transfer medium while the pressure inside the evaporator is reduced with a vacuum pump or similar device. Lower pressure lowers the boiling point of the solvent, allowing evaporation at temperatures that minimize thermal degradation. The vapor is condensed in a separate condenser and collected or routed for solvent recovery. The concentrate remains in the evaporator and can be withdrawn for further processing. Systems can be batch or continuous.

Designs vary: batch vacuum evaporators are common in laboratories and small plants; continuous designs include thin-film and wiped-film evaporators, falling-film evaporators, and multi-effect configurations that reuse vapor to preheat incoming feed. Materials of construction often include stainless steel or glass-lined steel to resist corrosion and for ease of cleaning. Cleaning in place (CIP) is commonly possible in industrial plants.

Applications: vacuum evaporators are used for concentration of fruit juices and dairy products, sugar syrups, pharmaceutical intermediates and active ingredients, aroma oils and essential oils, and solvent recovery from chemical processes. Benefits include reduced energy consumption, lower thermal load, improved product quality, and solvent reclaim; limitations include fouling, foaming, corrosion, scale build-up, and higher capital and maintenance costs.

Safety and operation: corrosion resistance, vapour handling, and condensation management are important. Operators monitor pressure, temperature, and levels; proper venting and condensate handling are standard requirements.