Multi Column Distillation Plant (MCDP)
Aqua Solutions is one of the leading Manufacturer, Supplier and Exporter of Multi Column Distillation Plant
A Multi Column Distillation Plant is a specialized system designed to produce high-purity distilled water, primarily Water for Injection (WFI), by utilizing the principle of multiple-effect distillation. The system efficiently generates pure steam and distillate using reduced energy consumption compared to single-effect systems.
A Multi Column Distillation Plant consists of multiple distillation columns (effects) arranged in series. Each subsequent column operates at a lower pressure than the previous one, allowing the plant to reuse energy, reduce steam consumption, and produce WFI with consistent quality.
Multi Column Distillation Plant (MCDP), commonly used in pharmaceutical and biotech industries for producing Water for Injection (WFI) with high purity and low conductivity.
Working Principle of Multi Column Distillation Plant :
A Multi Column Distillation Plant operates on the pressure - temperature principle and uses a series of columns to efficiently convert purified feed water into pyrogen-free, sterile distilled water (WFI). The system works through multiple evaporation - condensation stages, ensuring high purity and low energy consumption.
Working Principle of a Multi Column Distillation Plant (MCDP), typically used for producing Water for Injection (WFI) in pharmaceutical and biotech industries :
A Multi Column Distillation Plant works by :
- Heating feed water
- Multiple evaporation - condensation cycles
- Pressure cascading across columns
- Efficient steam - water separation
- Producing sterile, pyrogen-free WFI
Feed Water Preheating : Purified feed water enters the first column. It is preheated using Plant-generated pure steam, or Heat recovered from subsequent columns. Preheating improves thermal efficiency and reduces energy usage.
First Column - Evaporation : Steam is supplied to the first column’s shell (heat exchanger). This heat causes the feed water inside the tubes to boil and evaporate. The generated steam is centrifugally separated to remove Droplets, Impurities, Pyrogens. Only clean steam rises to the next column.
Subsequent Columns - Pressure Recompression : Each successive column operates at a lower pressure than the previous one. This allows the steam from the earlier column to condense in the next column’s heat exchanger, release its latent heat and evaporate the water in that column. This cascading pressure drop enables energy-efficient distillation.
Steam - Water Separation : Every column contains a centrifugal or gravity separator. Separators ensure removal of Moisture, Micron-level impurities, Pyrogens & endotoxins. Only dry, clean steam passes to the next stage.
Final Column - Condensation : In the last column, clean steam condenses into Water for Injection (WFI). Condensed water is cooled via Pure steam condensers and Heat exchangers. The final product meets pharmacopeial standards for WFI.
WFI Collection & Recirculation : The distilled WFI is collected in a sanitary storage tank. A portion of condensate can be recirculated for improved heat recovery. Continuous monitoring ensures Conductivity, TOC, Temperature, Flow rate
Automation & Safety Control : Automated PLC/SCADA system manages Pressure balance across columns, Feed water level control, Steam flow regulation and Alarm & shutdown safety logic
Key Features of Multi Column Distillation Plant :
Multi Column Distillation Plant operates using a series of columns (effects) where steam consumption is minimized. Each column operates at a progressively lower pressure. It utilizes the latent heat from one column to heat the next and results in significant reduction in overall steam usage.
High-Purity Distilled Water / WFI Production produces water that meets pharmacopoeia standards (USP, BP, EP, JP) and is free from pyrogens, endotoxins, and microbial contamination. Natural Falling Film / Rising Film Evaporation ensures efficient heat transfer and consistent distillation by minimizing scaling and thermal stress.
Multi Column Distillation Plant consists of PLC / SCADA Based Automation with fully automated operation with real-time monitoring, Automatic startup, shutdown, and safety interlocks. It has a Built-in Degassing & Venting System that removes non-condensable gases (NCGs) and ensures pure, sterile, and high-quality distillate.
It has Sanitary GMP-Compliant Construction made from SS 316L with internal surfaces electro-polished (Ra < 0.4 µm). Orbital welding, sanitary fittings, and pharma-grade valves. It also has a Self-Generating Clean Steam where the First column generates clean steam; subsequent columns use it for evaporation and eliminates need for external clean steam sources.
High Safety & Protection Features check Pressure/temperature monitoring. Safeties for low feed water, high pressure, high temperature, and column imbalance. Over-pressure release systems.
The multiple column design reduces footprint. It is easy to install, maintain and integrate with WFI storage and distribution systems. CIP (Cleaning in Place) and SIP (Sterilization in Place) enabled. It also ensures repeatable hygienic operation without manual intervention.
Consistent output quality provides continuous, uninterrupted WFI production. Stable operation even during feed water variations.
Types of Multi Column Distillation Plant :
- Thermosyphon Multi Column Distillation Plant : Operates on the natural circulation (thermosyphon) principle.
- Forced Circulation Multi Column Distillation Plant : Uses a circulation pump to maintain constant flow through evaporators.
- Falling Film Multi Column Distillation Plant : Ideal for large WFI production capacities.
- Rising Film Multi Column Distillation Plant : Good thermal efficiency for medium-capacity systems.
- Plate-Type Multi Column Distillation Plant : Efficient heat exchange and easier cleaning.
- Vapor Compression (VC) Assisted Multi Column Distillation : Best suited for energy-saving WFI generation.
- Pure Steam - Integrated Multi Column Distillation Plant : Preferred for sterile manufacturing environments.
Multi Column Distillation Plant application industries :
- Pharmaceutical Industry
- Biotechnology & Life Sciences
- Healthcare & Hospitals
- Food & Beverage Industry
- Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Chemical & Specialty Chemical Industry
- Research & Laboratory Facilities
- Power & Energy Industry
- Water Treatment & Environmental Engineering
