Hi everyone,
For my project, there is a filter dryer in which the contents shall undergo vacuum distillation - heating up and pulling a vacuum in the filter dryer (via vacuum pump) in order to remove solvent vapor, which then gets condensed at the overhead condenser.
With regards to the Operating Pressure in the filter dryer, I am rather confused. Is it physically possible for it to be less than the vapor pressure of the solvent?
My take is that it is not possible, as at the low operating pressure, the higher vapor pressure will cause the solvent to boil, which will then ultimately increase the operating pressure. So its not physically possible for the operating pressure to be lower than the vapor pressure of the solvent. The operating pressure has to be at least at the vapor pressure. I don't know if I am right, and I would really appreciate any enlightening advice.
Cheers
Kai