Vacuum Pump for Polyglycolic Acid (PGA)
Vacculex has developed high-precision vacuum pumps specifically for the polyglycolic acid (PGA) production industry. These pumps efficiently handle gas evacuation, stabilize polymerization reactions, and ensure consistent product quality. Our advanced equipment supports industrial-scale chemical production with smooth, reliable operation, significantly improving process efficiency and reducing downtime. Designed with durability and energy efficiency in mind, these vacuum pumps perfectly meet the demanding performance requirements of modern chemical production facilities.
Contact Vacculex today to discuss your PGA production process and receive a customized quotation tailored to your manufacturing needs.
What is Polyglycolic Acid and How Does It Work?
Polyglycolic acid (PGA) is a linear aliphatic polyester with excellent biodegradability and biocompatibility. Its simple chemical structure allows it to degrade naturally into carbon dioxide and water without toxic residues. PGA is widely used as a green polymer material in various applications.
Applications of PGA
- Medical Applications:PGA serves as an essential absorbable medical material, used in surgical sutures (which naturally degrade within months to reduce infection risk), fracture fixation pins/plates (eliminating the need for secondary surgery), tissue engineering scaffolds (e.g., temporary supports for skin or cartilage regeneration), and drug delivery systems (controlled release to enhance efficacy and reduce side effects).
- Packaging:PGA can produce fully biodegradable packaging materials, such as single-use shopping bags, food films, and cushioning materials, replacing non-degradable plastics and reducing “white pollution.” It can also be blended with other biodegradable materials (like PLA) to improve flexibility and heat resistance.
- Agriculture:PGA is used in biodegradable mulch films (which degrade over the crop cycle), slow-release fertilizer coatings, and seedling pots (allowing direct soil transplant without affecting root growth).
Stepwise Production Process of PGA
Modern PGA production using dimethyl oxalate (DMO) involves the following core steps:
- Raw Material Preparation:DMO is converted into methyl glycolate (MG), which is hydrolyzed into glycolic acid (GA). After separation and purification, GA undergoes catalyzed distillation to produce cyclic intermediate glycolide (purified for high-quality polymerization).
- Ring-Opening Polymerization:Under specific catalysts, temperature, and pressure, glycolide rings open and polymerize into long-chain polyglycolic acid (PGA).
- Post-Processing:The crude PGA is dried, granulated, and prepared into pellets suitable for further processing, such as injection molding or fiber spinning.
How Vacculex Vacuum Pumps Provide Solutions for PGA Production
VSP Series Screw Vacuum Pump
- High Efficiency and Vacuum:Progressive screw design achieves high efficiency and final vacuum up to 10 Pa(A).
- Stable Operation:Special screw design reduces exhaust temperature, vibration, and noise.
- Precise Temperature Control:Prevents coating peeling, screw deformation, adhesion, corrosion, or damage; ideal for temperature-sensitive, carbonization-prone media.
- Anti-Condensation Design:Reduces gas condensation, prolonging pump life and preventing corrosion.
- Advanced Coating:Optional PEEK coating with nickel plating enhances stability and durability compared to traditional nickel, PTFE, or Hastelloy coatings.
MB Series Mechanical Vacuum Booster
- Reliable Bearings and Seals:Five-point bearing and multi-seal design ensures high reliability.
- Stable Operation:Dual oil tanks enhance stability.
- Silent Drive:Helical synchronous gears reduce noise and improve smoothness.
- Extended Service Life:Nitrogen barrier prevents gas ingress, extending lifespan.
- Corrosion Resistance:Internal coatings suitable for flammable, toxic, or condensable gases.
- High Differential Pressure:Handles up to 120 mbar.
- Flexible Cooling:Air or water cooling options.
- Custom Coatings:Nickel or PFA/PTFE coatings available for fluid contact.
- Mechanical Seal Options:Multiple configurations, including oil-sliding and labyrinth designs.
- High Pumping Speed:Inlet flow up to 110,000 m³/h.
VLRC Series Liquid Ring Vacuum Pump
- Two-Stage Compression:Low compression ratio per impeller for higher pressure differential.
- High Reliability:Handles higher exhaust back pressure during operation.
- Low Temperature Rise:Water temperature minimally affects suction and inlet pressure.
- Cavitation Prevention:Reduces cavitation, vibration, and noise; prolongs service life.
- Stable Efficiency:Pumping curve maintains ~90% efficiency at 50 Torr; ideal for Roots pumps.
Why Choose Vacculex Vacuum Pumps for PGA Production
Stable Vacuum and Temperature Control
Vacculex pumps maintain precise vacuum levels and stable temperature, ensuring high-purity PGA production:
- Consistent process conditions prevent deviations.
- Minimizes fluctuations that may affect molecular structure or yield.
- Supports continuous, reliable production, reducing downtime.
Preventing Coking and Carbonization
Advanced pump design prevents coking, carbonization, and unwanted polymerization at high temperatures:
- Protects pump components from thermal and chemical damage.
- Reduces maintenance frequency and unplanned shutdowns.
- Extends service life even under harsh process conditions.
Vacuum Pump Application in PGA Production
- Glycolic Acid Refining:Vacuum at distillation towers removes low-boiling impurities, ensuring pure GA for polymerization.
- Glycolide Synthesis:Pumps remove water and by-products, promoting forward reaction, improving yield, and preventing GA decomposition.
- Glycolide Purification:High vacuum ensures glycolide vaporizes at 120–150°C, separating high-boiling impurities; purity ≥99.5%.
- PGA Polymerization:Pumps evacuate oxygen, remove volatile monomers and by-products, maintaining molecular weight and purity.
- PGA Post-Processing:Vacuum drying removes moisture at low temperature, preventing degradation; vacuum transfer minimizes dust leakage and contamination.
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FAQ
1. Why are vacuum pumps critical in PGA production?
They maintain vacuum, control temperature, remove impurities, and prevent oxidation, ensuring optimal PGA yield and performance.
2. Which stages of PGA production use vacuum pumps?
Synthesis, purification, polymerization, drying, and transfer stages benefit from vacuum optimization.
3. Can Vacculex pumps handle high temperatures and reactive chemicals?
Yes, specialized designs and coatings prevent corrosion and thermal damage.
4. Are Vacculex pumps suitable for continuous PGA production?
Absolutely. Designed for long-term, continuous operation, they provide high reliability, minimal maintenance, and energy efficiency.
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