Drying of silicone oil for ophthalmology

In ophthalmology, silicone oil is used, among other things, as a substitute for the transparent eye fluid (vitreous body) for the treatment of retinal detachment. In the production of silicone oil for medical use, this is cleaned from impurities by extraction with a solvent. After this purification step, there are still residues of the extraction agent in the silicone oil. Large-scale rotary evaporators are used to remove these residues from the oil.

A manufacturer of pharmaceuticals and medical products from Bavaria* carries out the drying of silicone oil with a Hei-VAP Industrial - All-round package. Residues of the extraction agent acetone are removed at temperatures of up to 160°C and a constant vacuum of 10 mbar. In the end, the concentration of acetone in the silicone oil is below 1 ppm.

Hei-VAP Industrial - All-round Package

• Tight system for successful drying of silicone oils
   
• Powerful heating bath with 4 kW heating power to achieve and maintain the high temperatures required for drying steps
   
• Includes powerful vacuum pump that allows a deep, constant vacuum for drying steps