Short Path Evaporator - How It Works

In a short path evaporator, the rotor cage assembly (top view illustrated below) surrounds an internal condenser and revolves at moderate speeds. Feed enters through a nozzle at the top of the unit and is spread into a thin film on the inside surface of the shell via the rotor blades.

The rotor blades gently agitate the process liquid as it travels down the heated surface in a very short time while vapors are generated on the heating surface. These vapors flow through the rotor cage and entrainment separator before condensing on the internally-located condenser.

The cage-type construction and location of the internal condenser create a short vapor flow path or “short path”, extending the operating pressure capability from 1 mbar to 0.001 mbar compared to a standard thin-film evaporator. Typical heating media temperatures are 300°F to 650°F (149°C to 343°C).

The distillate and the remaining liquid concentrate drain out through separate outlets at the bottom of the unit.

short path evaporator rotor illustration
Top View
Short Path Evaporator side view
Rotor

Related Products

Get in touch

Speak with one of our process experts to find your solution today!