Spinning Band Distillation

Spinning Band Types

There are two main types of spinning bands, Teflon and metal.

Teflon spinning bands are the most common an have a maximum of 50 theoretical plates at atmospheric pressure. They are suitable for distilling solvents that can be distilled up to 225 ºC. Teflon is not suitable above this temperature because it becomes soft and can come apart under the spinning force.

In situations where the boiler temperature will go above 225 ºC a metal spinning band can be used. The most common metal used to make spinning bands is Monel. This is a stainless steel with a high content of molybdenum to maximize corrosion resistance.

All distillations attempt to separate a lower boiling material (A) from a higher boiling material (B). Spinning band distillation uses a spinning band to force the rising vapors into close contact with the descending condensate. This intimate contact between the two phases produces a very good separation of the components.