MDC Distillation Rate Improvement Fluconazole-III Production | API Pharma Plant
Background Product: Fluconazole-III Reactor: 4000L SSR Vapor Column: 6–7 m height, 5–6 inch dia Distillation: Plain, with shell & tube condenser
Identified Challenges Narrow and tall vapor column → high resistance Possibly insufficient heat input Condenser inefficiency Plain distillation limits driving force Possible air ingress
Recommendations (Part 1) Increase jacket temperature (within limits) Insulate vessel and lines to prevent heat loss Widen or shorten vapor line to reduce resistance Use chilled brine in condenser (≤10°C) Clean condenser tubes regularly
Recommendations (Part 2) Moderate agitation: 50–80 rpm Check for and prevent air leaks Apply slight vacuum if feasible Optional: install external reboiler Use pharma-grade defoamers if foaming occurs
Conclusion Optimize equipment design and heat input Explore vacuum distillation or reboiler use Ensure safety and validation before changes Review all changes with cross-functional teams