Vacuum Distillation Separation Furnace (WFDS): Purifying Zinc Alloys by Boiling-Point Separation
A vacuum distillation separation furnace separates and purifies metals by exploiting the different boiling points of their components: under vacuum, the lower-boiling metal vaporizes first, condenses on a cooled collector, and is recovered separately. Luoyang Wanfeng Industrial Furnace Co., Ltd. (Wanfeng Furnace) builds the WFDS series for this duty, with a crucible capacity of 2–3 tonnes per batch, and has supplied furnace equipment since 1990.
What the WFDS furnace does
The WFDS vacuum distillation separation furnace is used to purify zinc-based alloys by separating zinc from the alloying metals. Typical feed materials include:
- Copper-zinc alloys (brass scrap and residues)
- Aluminum-zinc alloys
- Lead-zinc alloys
- Tin-zinc alloys
- Iron-zinc alloys (galvanizing residues and similar)
Zinc has a much lower boiling point than copper, iron, lead, or tin. Under a working vacuum of 30–50 Pa, zinc distills off at a controlled temperature, leaving the higher-boiling metals behind in the crucible as a separate recoverable fraction.
Note on terminology: 30–50 Pa is a medium-vacuum process window, chosen because it is where zinc distillation is most controllable and economical. It is not a high-vacuum furnace, and it does not need to be — the separation is driven by boiling-point difference, not by extreme vacuum.
Key specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Model series | WFDS |
| Crucible capacity | 2–3 t per batch |
| Maximum temperature | 1400 °C |
| Working vacuum | 30–50 Pa |
| Rated power | 400 kW |
| 24-hour throughput | 8–9 t |
| Mechanical design | Modular — easy to transport and install |
| Typical feed | Copper-zinc, aluminum-zinc, lead-zinc, tin-zinc, iron-zinc alloys |
How to select a configuration
Selection starts with two questions, and both must be answered before sizing:
- Which metal mix are you processing? The alloy system decides the distillation temperature curve and the condenser configuration
- How much do you need to process per batch? The crucible is 2–3 tonnes; daily throughput is 8–9 tonnes in 24-hour operation
Send Wanfeng Furnace a sample description — alloy type, approximate composition, and your target daily tonnage — and the engineering team will confirm the configuration and the expected recovery split.
Who it suits
The WFDS furnace suits recyclers and smelters handling zinc-bearing scrap — brass processing residues, galvanizing dross, and mixed zinc alloys — who want to recover saleable zinc metal instead of selling mixed material at a discount.
The modular design means the furnace ships in sections and assembles on site, which matters for plants without heavy lifting equipment or with limited door access.
FAQ
What metals can a vacuum distillation separation furnace process?
The WFDS furnace purifies zinc-based alloys: copper-zinc, aluminum-zinc, lead-zinc, tin-zinc, and iron-zinc. Zinc vaporizes first under vacuum and is recovered by condensation; the higher-boiling metals remain in the crucible.
How does vacuum distillation separate metals?
Under a working vacuum of 30–50 Pa, the component with the lower boiling point — zinc, in these alloys — vaporizes at a controlled temperature below its atmospheric boiling point, then condenses on a cooled collector. The remaining metals stay in the crucible as a separate fraction.
Is it a high-vacuum furnace?
No. The WFDS operates at 30–50 Pa, a medium-vacuum window that suits zinc distillation. Separation is driven by boiling-point difference, not by extreme vacuum, so the pumping system stays simple and economical.
What is the batch capacity and daily throughput?
The crucible holds 2–3 tonnes per batch. In 24-hour operation the furnace processes 8–9 tonnes per day at a rated power of 400 kW.
What feedstock quality is required?
The furnace accepts alloy scrap and residues, but the input composition decides the recovery split and the purity of the recovered zinc. Providing the alloy type and approximate composition is the first step of configuration selection.
How is the furnace installed?
The WFDS is modular: it ships in sections and is assembled on site, which simplifies transport and installation. Wanfeng Furnace provides installation guidance; confirm power supply (400 kW) and site access before delivery.
How much does it cost?
Price is customized by configuration. Contact Wanfeng Furnace at +86 17796741029 or zhang@wanf-furnace.com with your alloy type and target daily tonnage.
Product page with configuration details: Vacuum Copper-Zinc Separation Furnace.
Wanfeng Furnace — continuous casting, induction melting, and vacuum furnace manufacturer based in Luoyang, China. Manufacturing history since 1990; formally incorporated in 2009.
