Vacuum distillation...

[Externet]

Hi.

Trying to learn on the subject, found some good literature and principles of the process but I have this doubt:

-Assuming plain water and not extreme vacuum ; the vacuum pump creates 24 inches of mercury, enough heat supplied to the liquid.

 

The vapor starts filling the vacuum above the liquid surface, decreasing the vacuum reading or not?

In other words, the vacuum pump must operate constantly and not only to achieve an initial amount?

 

If the vacuum has to suction all the time to maintain said 24"Hg , why is an internal condenser used inside the distillation chamber ? The condensation could be collected at the vacuum pump discharge.

 

Thanks for the light.

Miguel

[mbeychok]

Yes, the vacuum pump must be kept running during the distillation. Any internal or external condenser is probably used to provide reflux to aid the distillation.

 

Milt Beychok

(Visit me at http://www.air-dispersion.com)