What is the main mechanical difference between short-path and wiped-film distillation?

Short-path distillation is a batch process where crude oil is heated in a flask and vapors travel a short distance to a nearby condenser. Wiped-film distillation is a continuous process where a pump feeds material onto the inner wall of a heated cylinder, rotating wiper blades spread it into a thin film, and vapors immediately condense on an internal condenser — the material is never held in a pool at temperature.

Does wiped-film distillation produce higher purity distillate than short-path?

In most production contexts, yes. The short dwell time in a wiped-film system reduces thermal degradation of cannabinoids, and dual-stage configurations perform two separation passes in a single automated cycle, achieving purity levels that would otherwise require manually collecting and re-running short-path fractions. Decimal's 80.TF is rated for 95%+ pure distillate in a single pass.

Can a short-path system be used for GMP-compliant pharmaceutical production?

Short-path systems are generally difficult to validate under GMP frameworks because the process relies heavily on manual fraction collection and operator judgment. Continuous wiped-film systems with HMI controls that log temperature, vacuum, and feed rate in real time are far more compatible with the documentation and reproducibility requirements of EU-GMP and similar standards. Decimal's 30.TF Dual-Stage can be configured to EU-GMP standards on request.

What throughput should I expect when upgrading from short-path to a 30.TF?

The 30.TF Thin Film Distillation system is rated for an input of 25 L of distillate per hour. Compared to a manually-operated short-path setup that may process a few liters per operator-hour when setup and cleanup time are included, this represents a substantial step up in throughput with reduced hands-on labor per liter processed.

When does it make sense to choose the 80.TF over the 30.TF?

The 80.TF is appropriate when crude production volume has outpaced the 30.TF's 25 L/hr input rate, when automated feed and continuous process monitoring are required, or when the operation needs the highest throughput available in a single system. The 80.TF's automated feed exceeds 50 L/hr and includes a networkable HMI with real-time data monitoring — features that support high-volume, GMP-oriented facilities running multiple shifts.

Short-Path vs. Wiped-Film Distillation: How to Choose

Compare short-path and wiped-film distillation mechanics, throughput, and degradation risk. Learn when to upgrade to a continuous thin-film system.