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Checklist

Checklist for Preparing a Contract Distillation Project

Information on the parameters that must be known or ensured in order to carry out a contract distillation project. Laboratory tests or a feasibility study are required prior to the first contract distillation.

What information is required for contract distillation:

  • Chemical composition
  • Thermal stability/thermal sensitivity/maximum permissible temperature load for the material (VTA’s contract distillation services, utilizing thin-film and short-path distillation systems, specialize in thermally sensitive products and products with high viscosities. Classic examples include: essential oils, pharmaceutical and chemical products, separation of impurities from waxes, resins, polymers, etc., color improvement, and recycling. A complete list can be found here: Applications - VTA Verfahrenstechnische Anlagen GmbH & Co. KG)
  • Viscosity (approximate values are sufficient)
  • Does it contain solids? Percentage? (Important due to abrasive properties)
  • Melting point (approximate values are sufficient)
  • Corrosiveness
  • Toxicity/harmful to health
  • Explosiveness
     
  • Is the valuable substance the distillate, the concentrate, or both?
  • Desired purity level/specification of the end product
  • Desired yield
     
  • Total quantity per period (year, month)
  • Batch size and frequency of delivery
  • Hazardous material classification available?
  • MSDS safety data sheets available and up to date?
  • Is analytical monitoring of the process necessary? (Titration, gas chromatography, HPLC, color measurement, viscosity measurement, etc.)

What needs to be agreed upon:

  • Valuable product:
    • Into which containers should it be filled?
    • Will these containers be provided by the customer?
    • Logistics: Will the client arrange for pickup, or should VTA arrange for return shipping?
  • By product(s):
    • Suitable cleaning medium after distillation
    • Return to the customer or disposal by VTA against invoice
    • If returning to the customer:
      • Filling into which containers
      • Are these containers provided by the customer or by VTA?
      • Logistics for return transport
         

What must be guaranteed: