Recycling solvents with a distillation system can lead to cost reduction, as well as production and environmental benefits. Often up to 97% of the waste solvent can be reused. The return on these investments is often close to 100% with payback times of less than one year.

This article describes the physical distillation process and the business decisions involved with deciding whether or not to implement it. The author also discusses guidelines for assessing the need for -- and availability of -- recycling equipment, as well as other factors that should be considered.

Author: Daniel B. Marks
Source: FLEXO, November, 1998, p. 14.