The spherical vacuum concentration tank reduces the boiling point of the solvent by drawing a vacuum, allowing rapid evaporation of the solvent at a lower temperature and achieving material concentration. This approach improves efficiency while reducing the loss of heat-sensitive components.
I. Core Working Principle
Vacuum Environment Creation
A matching vacuum unit (such as a water ring vacuum pump or rotary vane vacuum pump) extracts air and solvent vapor from the tank, reducing the pressure inside to 0.02–0.08 MPa depending on the material. Under negative pressure, the boiling point of the solution is typically 30–70°C lower than at atmospheric pressure.
Heating and Evaporation
Heating media such as steam or hot water pass through the external jacket or internal coil, transferring heat to the material. A stirring device ensures even heating, and the solvent continuously evaporates at low temperature.
Solvent Recovery and Material Concentration
The solvent vapor generated passes through a gas-liquid separator at the top to remove entrained liquid droplets, then enters a condenser where cooling water condenses it into recovered liquid. The concentration of the material in the tank gradually increases until it reaches the preset concentration ratio and is discharged.
II. Key Operating Process
Feed the material into the spherical tank through the feed pump, close the feed valve, and seal the tank.
Start the vacuum unit to reduce the pressure inside the tank to the set value.
Start the heating medium circulation system to heat the material, and simultaneously start the stirring device to avoid localized overheating.
Continuously collect the condensed solvent and monitor the material concentration, temperature, and pressure in real time.
When the material concentration meets the process requirement, stop heating and vacuum, and open the discharge valve to release the concentrated product.
Clean the tank and prepare for the next cycle.
III. Applicable Scenarios and Precautions
Applicable Scenarios
It is commonly used for concentrating heat-sensitive materials in the food, pharmaceutical, and biological product industries, such as fruit juice, TCM extracts, and antibiotic fermentation broth, helping retain active components and nutrients to a greater extent.
Safety Precautions
Check tank sealing before operation to prevent efficiency loss caused by vacuum leakage.
Strictly control the heating medium temperature according to material characteristics to avoid high-temperature damage.
Take protective measures during vacuum unit operation to avoid high-pressure airflow and noise.
After shutdown, thoroughly drain residual material and condensate from the tank to prevent corrosion and deterioration.
For non-standard parts such as tank seals, stirring shafts, and flange connectors on the spherical vacuum concentration tank, we can provide single-piece or small-batch machining according to customer drawings.
