Agitated Thin Film Evaporator

An Agitated Thin Film Evaporator (ATFE) is a specialized system designed for the efficient evaporation of high-viscosity, heat-sensitive, and fouling liquids. In this process, a mechanical agitator spreads the liquid into a thin, uniform film over a heated surface, ensuring maximum heat transfer and rapid evaporation. The continuous agitation prevents deposits and scaling, making it suitable for handling difficult materials that cannot be processed in conventional evaporators.

At Harsha Engineers, our ATFEs are engineered to deliver excellent performance, durability, and efficiency across a wide range of industries. They are extensively used in pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food processing, and petrochemicals for applications such as solvent recovery, herbal extract concentration, polymer processing, and purification of sensitive products. With robust design, low maintenance needs, and reliable operation, our Agitated Thin Film Evaporators provide superior results and long service life for demanding industrial applications.

Design Type: Vertical cylindrical body with rotor assembly and wiper blades
Material of Construction (MOC):
- Stainless Steel (SS304, SS316, SS316L)
- Mild Steel with cladding
- Special alloys (Hastelloy, Titanium, etc. as per process requirement)
Rotor Type: Rigid or semi-flexible wiper blades for thin film formation
Film Thickness: 0.1 mm to 1.0 mm (depending on viscosity and feed properties)
Evaporation Capacity: 10 LPH to 25,000 LPH (custom-built)
Heat Transfer Area: 0.1 m² to 80 m² (scalable design)
Operating Pressure: Full vacuum up to 5 bar
Operating Temperature: Up to 300°C (based on heating medium and MOC)
Heating Medium: Steam, hot oil, or thermic fluid
Viscosity Handling Range: Up to 100,000 cP (highly viscous products)
Residence Time: Very short (seconds), suitable for heat-sensitive products
Vapor Separator: External cyclone or integrated vapor–liquid separator
Feed System: Top feed with controlled distribution to ensure uniform thin film
Discharge: Bottom discharge for concentrate/product and vapor outlet for recovery
Mounting Type: Skid-mounted, compact, and customizable
Cleaning Method: CIP (Clean-in-Place) or manual cleaning option

The liquid feed enters the top of a jacketed vertical cylindrical body in an Agitated Thin Film Evaporator. The liquid is spread out along the heated wall into a thin, turbulent film by a specially designed rotor with blades. Evaporation and rapid heat transfer occur as the film flows downward due to gravity. The vapors are separated instantly, while the concentrated product is collected at the bottom. It is ideal for heat-sensitive and viscous products because this design reduces residence time and thermal degradation.

Concentration of herbal extracts, vitamins, antibiotics, and APIs in the pharmaceutical industry.
Food & Dairy – milk by-products, fruit pulp, flavors, and natural extracts.
Chemical Industry – polymers, resins, adhesives, lubricants, solvents.
Essential Oils & Herbal Products – concentration of oils, natural aromas, and plant extracts.

- Handles fouling and high-viscosity liquids well.
- Possesses a short residence time that prevents thermal degradation.
- High heat transfer efficiency even with difficult products.
- Simple to operate, maintain, and clean.
- Flexible design suitable for continuous industrial operation.

Conclusion

For industries that deal with products that are difficult, sensitive, or viscous and require effective evaporation, the Agitated Thin Film Evaporator is a tried and true solution. Harsha Engineers offers ATFEs that combine advanced design, long-lasting construction, and precision engineering to guarantee maximum productivity, consistent quality, and dependable performance over time.