LAUDA Puridest PD 4 R Water Distiller, Single-column Distiller, L003014

The LAUDA Puridest PD 4 R water distiller is a highly advanced thermal system solution for the fully automated production of high-purity, sterile and pyrogen-free ultrapure water (mono-distillate) in clinical, pharmaceutical and university laboratory settings. In demanding analytical processes, reagent preparation or microbiological cell culture applications, the consistent removal of inorganic salts, organic impurities and microbial contaminants is the primary criterion for gently eliminating interference effects in instrumental analyses. This fully automatic compact system delivers an excellent distillate conductivity of approx. 2.3 µS/cm at 25 °C and, with a continuous production rate of 4 litres per hour, ensures a self-sufficient supply of ultrapure water. For laboratory managers and procurement officers, this integrated system architecture offers the ideal combination of on-demand media storage and exceptional process reliability in accordance with stringent GLP and GMP guidelines, thanks to the integrated 8-litre storage tank.

Thermodynamic separation process and ultrapure water quality

The distillation-based operating principle of the Mono distillation unit is founded on the classic, physically unrivalled phase transition of raw water into the vapour phase, followed by condensation. Through boiling in the precisely temperature-controlled distillation flask, non-volatile impurities, heavy metal ions and particulate matter are retained in the sump. A key fluid dynamics-related quality feature is the integrated CO₂ degassing port on the condenser, which reliably separates volatile acidic gases such as carbon dioxide to prevent any subsequent drop in the pH of the distillate in the storage tank. The integrated condenser is installed as a robust cooling coil directly within the storage tank and guarantees highly efficient enthalpy exchange with minimal thermal losses.

Cooling efficiency and automated resource management

The thermodynamic kinetics of the LAUDA Puridest PD 4 R are characterised by intelligent, energy-optimised media management. The cooling water used for condensation – which is heated in a way that is gentle on the material – is fed directly into the distillation flask (boiler). This energy-efficient recirculation drastically reduces the required nominal thermal output of the 3 kW tubular heating elements and minimises the overall CO₂ footprint of laboratory operations. To conserve valuable raw water resources, an integrated solenoid valve controls the water supply fully automatically: once the 8-litre storage tank is completely filled, the system instantly blocks the cooling water supply, thereby gently preventing unnecessary idle consumption.

Materials Science System Integrity and Sensors

The physical system boundary of the apparatus is defined by a double-walled, powder-coated housing made of galvanised sheet steel, which offers outstanding thermal insulation and mechanical resilience. All functional elements in contact with samples and vapour – such as the tubular heating elements, distillation flask, storage tank and condenser – are made of high-purity, stainless steel. This material-science-based quality feature prevents metallic cross-contamination and facilitates cyclic descaling via the easily accessible distillation flask. Cybernetic monitoring is carried out via an electronic contamination control system with automatic distillation stop and visual cleaning instructions, as well as a thermostatic low-water safety device (dry-run protection). Once distillate has been drawn off via the ergonomic tap with integrated continuous and intermittent settings, an electronic level sensor triggers the immediate, fully automatic refilling of the storage tank.

Technical details

Distillation & Metrological Specifications

• Unit type: Single-column still / Fully automatic with storage tank
• Production capacity: 4.0 l/h
• Conductivity of mono-distillate at 25 °C: 2.3 uS/cm
• Storage tank capacity: 8 l (equivalent to twice the hourly output)
• Degassing: CO₂ degassing port on the condenser

Thermodynamics & Fluid Management

• Max. heating power: 3 kW
• Max. power consumption: 3 kW
• Cooling water consumption: approx. 1.1 l/min
• Minimum cooling water pressure: 3 bar
• Max. cooling water pressure: 7 bar
• Water inlet connection (water cooling): 1/2 inch (hose connection)
• Water outlet connection (water cooling): 3/4 inch (hose connection)
• Integrated option: Separate water supply to the boiler feed with pre-treated water (1/2-inch hose connection)

Design, Protection & Safety

• Material (in contact with sample): High-quality, stainless steel (tube heating element, bladder, tank, condenser)
• Housing material: Galvanised sheet steel, powder-coated (double-walled design)
• Installation: Suitable for tabletop installation or secure wall mounting
• Safety systems: Thermostatic low-water protection, electronic contamination monitoring with automatic distillation stop and visual cleaning indicator
• Distillate collection: Drain tap with practical continuous and tap-to-run settings

Dimensions & Logistics

• Unit dimensions (W x D x H): approx. 620 x 330 x 460 mm
• Net weight: approx. 20 kg
• Ambient temperature range: 10 to 40 °C
• Mains supply: 230 V / 50/60 Hz
• Mains plug: Sturdy mains cable with Schuko plug

Contents

• 1 x LAUDA Puridest PD 4 R water distiller base unit (MPN: L003014)
• 1 x Integrated 8-litre stainless steel storage tank
• 1 x Integrated mains cable with Schuko plug
• 1 x User manual

Important note: Connecting hoses for the water inlet and outlet, as well as mounting hardware for optional wall mounting, are not included as standard and must be ordered separately according to your specific application.

Individual requirements & accessories

To optimise ultrapure water quality and protect the stainless steel distillation flask from rapid limescale build-up, we recommend the use of pre-treatment components upstream of the unit, depending on the local raw water hardness. Our range includes suitable dechlorination filters (dechlorination filters with initial fill), phosphate barriers for hardness stabilisation, and 1-µm pre-filters including a fine filter cartridge. The system is factory-fitted with a separate water supply, allowing the boiler to be fed directly with pre-treated water (e.g. from an upstream reverse osmosis or desalination system). Please use our technical procurement service to configure your bespoke water treatment system.