What is a thin-film evaporator?

IPP offers used thin film evaporators for gentle, efficient separation of heat-sensitive compounds in pharmaceutical and chemical processing systems.

A guide to wiped film and falling film evaporation systems

With more than 47 years of experience and 15,000+ pieces of equipment across 20 global plant sites, IPP offers immediate access to used thin film evaporators. These systems are engineered to separate volatile and non-volatile compounds efficiently while minimizing thermal degradation of the product.

Where thin film evaporators are used

Thin film evaporators are ideal for high-value, heat-sensitive products that require precision separation. They’re commonly used in:

• Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) concentration
• Vitamin, essential oil, and botanical processing
• High-purity chemical separation
• Polymer, resin, and specialty chemical production
• Solvent recovery and distillation of fragile compounds

How thin film evaporators work

Thin film evaporators use an internal rotating wiper to spread the feed material into a thin, turbulent film across a heated surface. Volatile components evaporate under controlled temperature and vacuum conditions, while heavier components collect separately.

Key advantages include:

• Gentle processing with minimal residence time
• Reduced risk of fouling and thermal degradation
• High evaporation rates and product purity
• Excellent suitability for viscous or sensitive materials

Construction and configurations

 IPP stocks thin film evaporators in:

• Wiped film, falling film, and short path designs
• Borosilicate glass, stainless steel, or Hastelloy materials
• Jacketed options with vacuum and pressure ratings
• Models with integrated condensers and feed tanks

IPP customers choose thin film evaporators for continuous separation with exceptional heat transfer and product quality:

• Low residence time: Ideal for thermal sensitivity
• Clean separation: Minimizes degradation or contamination
• Broad chemical compatibility: From pharma to polymers
• Immediate delivery: In-stock and mechanically verified
• Specs available: Rotor type, heating surface, flow rates

Browse available thin film evaporators now.

Contact IPP to find the right evaporator size, configuration, and materials of construction for your operation.

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Frequently asked questions – thin film evaporators

What’s the difference between a wiped film and falling film evaporator?

Wiped film units use a mechanical rotor to spread product thinly, while falling film relies on gravity to maintain the film along vertical walls.

Can these systems be used in GMP or sanitary environments?

Yes. Many units are glass, stainless steel, or Hastelloy and suitable for pharma, food, or high-purity use.

Are vacuum-rated and jacketed options available?

Absolutely. IPP stocks vacuum-capable and temperature-controlled evaporators for precise process control.

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