Thermal separation process

The thermal separation process is a commonly used separation process in process engineering. In this process of thermal separation of media, part of the medium is evaporated by distillation and condenses elsewhere in the process. It is important to maintain the correct temperature window for the medium in question, as many organic substances decompose at comparatively low temperatures. The end product would suffer from considerable quality losses as a result.

Gear pump for distillation

The distillation pump is used in the thermal separation process to convey the more volatile medium at the column head. Depending on the application, the distillate can be the valuable material itself or a solvent that is to be fed back into the process and reused. This has the advantage that resources can be conserved and cost-intensive disposal processes avoided.

Features distillate pump

The low-friction and hard material pairing of the plain bearings and gear shafts is specially adapted and optimized for this low-viscosity application. Magnetic couplings or double, locked mechanical seals provide hermetic shaft seals so that even hazardous or toxic media can be pumped safely. Optional heating enables reliable pump operation even at high operating temperatures > 300 °C.

Due to the low viscosity of the medium, this pump is operated at a relatively high speed. This has a positive effect on the efficiency and the bearing lubricant film.

Technical design

Housing: 1.4571, for better pump efficiency especially at higher operating temperatures, stainless steel 1.4313 can also be used as an option. The low thermal expansion of this stainless steel ensures tighter operating clearances even at higher temperatures.
Friction Bearings: SiC (adapted material selection due to poor lubricating properties of the medium)
Gears: 1.4112 with ceramic coating (adapted material selection due to poor lubricating properties of the medium)