Vacuum Concentration Tank

Vacuum Concentration Tank — Overview

I. Equipment Overview

The vacuum concentration tank is a core supporting unit for plant extraction production lines. It evaporates and concentrates plant extracts, herbal concentrates, juices and fermentation broths under low-temperature negative pressure, effectively preserving heat-sensitive active ingredients while recovering organic solvents such as ethanol and methanol. Widely used in herbal extraction, plant extracts, food, health supplements and cosmetic ingredient production. Constructed from SUS304 food-grade stainless steel (SUS316L for pharmaceutical grade), with mirror-polished interior, dead-zone-free piping, and CIP cleaning compatibility, meeting SC food and GMP pharmaceutical workshop certification requirements.

II. Working Principle

Operating under sealed negative pressure, the vacuum system lowers the liquid boiling point so the extract evaporates at low temperature. The resulting steam is condensed and liquefied through the condenser, enabling organic solvent recovery and reuse. The concentrated extract remains in the tank, achieving both concentration and solvent recovery. Low-temperature operation prevents thermal degradation of flavonoids, polyphenols, essential oils and other active substances, significantly improving extract quality.

III. Key Components

  1. Main Concentration Tank: Jacket steam heating with uniform heat distribution and rapid temperature rise.

  2. Gas-Liquid Separator: Prevents material entrainment and boiling overflow, reducing raw material loss.

  3. Shell-and-Tube Condenser: High-efficiency steam condensation for improved solvent recovery rates.

  4. Receiving Tank: Separate collection of recovered ethanol and other solvents.

  5. Water-Ring Vacuum Pump: Provides stable negative pressure. Explosion-proof models available for alcohol extraction workshops.

  6. Monitoring Instruments: Sight glass, level gauge, pressure gauge, and temperature sensor for real-time process monitoring.

Vacuum Concentration Tank — Technical Specifications (ZN Series)