GB584330A - Improvements in or relating to distillation - Google Patents

Abstract

<PICT:0584330/III/1> <PICT:0584330/III/2> A liquid is distilled by preheating it to a temperature above that of the vapours in a still at a pressure above that therein and then admitting it to a space in the still of which the horizontal cross section is circular and which extends vertically upwards from the point of admission towards an outlet, the liquid being directed into the space through one or more nozzles in directions having substantial tangential and horizontal components so that the vapours follow spiral paths as they pass upwardly through the still. Steam may be admitted to the still below the level of the liquid inlet nozzles. The process is particularly applicable to the distillation of fatty acids. Crude fatty acids, heated to about 270 DEG C., are introduced through nozzles 13 into a still 1 maintained at a temperature of 200 DEG C. and a pressure of about 6 to 12 mm., and provided with a heating jacket 5 and an inner drum 9 the lower portion of which, i.e., the portion below partition 12, is also heated. Substantial volatilization occurs and the vapours formed swirl rapidly around the drum 9 towards the gooseneck 3 which is connected to a total condenser, or to several partial condensers, or, if sharp fractionation is required to a rectifying column. Steam, if used, is superheated to 270 DEG C. and introduced through nozzles 13a, which are disposed similarly to nozzles 13, and enhance the spiral swirling effect. The non-volatilized material flows down the heated walls of the still, thereby evaporating further, and is collected in drum 21, or passed, via a heat exchanger, to a second still. Diphenyl and diphenyloxide may be used to preheat the feed and also to heat the jacket 5 and drum 9. Alternatively, electrical induction heating may be applied. The process may also be used for the deodorization of fats and fatty acids.