Short-path distillation

[1][2] Short-path distillation systems often have a variety of names depending on the manufacturer of the system and what compounds are being distilled within them.

A classic example would be a distillation involving the distillate traveling from one glass bulb to another, without the need for a condenser separating the two chambers.

The advantage is that the heating temperature can be considerably lower at reduced pressure than the boiling point of the liquid at standard pressure, and the distillate only has to travel a short distance before condensing.

A short path ensures that little compound is lost on the sides of the apparatus.

The Kugelrohr is a kind of a short path distillation apparatus which can contain multiple chambers to collect distillate fractions.

Short-path vacuum distillation apparatus with vertical condenser ( cold finger ), to minimize the distillation path; 1: Still pot with stirrer bar/anti-bumping granules 2: Cold finger – bent to direct condensate 3: Cooling water out 4: cooling water in 5: Vacuum/gas inlet 6: Distillate flask/distillate.