Product Code: ICA10_M705

Design of a Microdistillation Column
Authors:
Matti Manninen, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Laser Processing Technology Research Group; Lappeenranta Finland
Aarne Sundberg, Aalto University, Department of Biotechnology and Chemical Technology, Faculty of Chemistry and Materials; Espoo Finland
Heidi Piili, Lappeenranta University of Technology, Laser Processing Technology Research Group; Lappeenranta Finland
Antti Salminen, Machine Technology Centre Turku Ltd.; Turku Finland
Presented at ICALEO 2010

Laser microprocessing is one of the fastest spreading and developing areas of all laser processes in the world. In the wide field of micromachining the laser is a novel tool, which enables the realization of new ideas, solutions and applications for designing devices down to even micron scale in size.

Distillation is the predominantly used separation method in chemical engineering. This device is called a microdistillation column, because the distillated volumes are measured in milliliters and dimensions in millimeters or less. There are two main reasons for need of development of a small distillation unit; first, it could theoretically be used in production, maybe parallel with many such units (the number-up principle rather than scale-up). It could be used for example for hazardous or expensive materials, or in any case for applications which do not require large volumes to be distilled. More importantly, however, it could be used to study the distillation process in a very small scale for the industrial scale device. Process development could then move with number up principle from laboratory scale straight to industrial scale without need for expensive pilot plants.

This study focuses on the design and manufacturing process of such a microdistillation column. To the knowledge of the authors it is the smallest continuous distillation column in the world at the moment. As such, the small size of the device posed several challenges in manufacturing. This case serves as a single and relatively simple example on how to design for advanced manufacturing methods; in this case laser processing. Special importance is given on the more difficult choices and challenges along the process. The final purpose of this paper is to give a clearer view of the advantages as well as disadvantages and limits of laser processing in small scale manufacturing. It is important to understand where and when the use of laser processing is really justified and when more conventional methods are more suitable.