Improper handling and disposal of hazardous solvents can lead to environmental damage and threaten human health. As a result, many companies turn to solvent recovery and distillation to manage their solvents safely and effectively. What are the differences between the two? Let’s explore the key factors of solvent recovery and distillation.
Solvent Recovery
At its most basic level, solvent recovery involves using solvent recovery equipment to extract usable solvents from contaminated waste streams. The primary advantage of solvent recovery is that it allows companies to recycle and reuse solvents they would otherwise discard.
This results in significant cost savings, as buying new solvents is expensive. Solvent recovery also reduces hazardous waste generation, which lowers the risk of environmental damage.
Various solvent recovery methods include adsorption, membrane separation, and liquid-liquid extraction. They share the common goal of extracting usable solvents while minimizing waste.
Distillation
Distillation uses heat and pressure to separate solvents. It heats the contaminated solvents until they vaporize, then condenses them into a liquid form to separate impurities or contaminants. Distillation accommodates various solvent types, making it versatile for companies in many industries. Moreover, distillation removes contaminants, resulting in high-quality recycled solvents.
Distillation is more energy-intensive than other solvent recovery methods and may require larger spaces and equipment. Additionally, the process can be more time-consuming and expensive, especially when dealing with complex solvents.
Which Should Your Company Choose?
The main difference between solvent recovery and distillation is their approach to extracting solvents from waste. Solvent recovery involves separating chemicals from contaminants or impurities, while distillation involves heating a liquid mixture to create vapor and cooling it to obtain a purified liquid.
While both methods are effective, the best approach will depend on your operation’s needs. If you require high-purity, distilled solvents, you may opt for distillation. Solvent recovery could be better if you’re seeking cost-effective and sustainable solvent management.