Development of Microwave Vacuum Solvent Distillation Recovery Equipment for Greater Energy Efficiency, Production Efficiency, and Capacity ― Utilizing the features of microwave heating to supply energy directly to substances ―

KOBEX Co., Ltd.
Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd.

KOBEX Co., Ltd. (“KOBEX”) and Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd. (“Microwave Chemical”) have commenced the development and prototype production of a vacuum solvent distillation recovery equipment using microwaves. The prototype is scheduled for completion in April 2026. Following this, both companies will conduct demonstration tests with customers using the equipment, aiming for a commercial series’s release in 2027.

■Background
KOBEX designs, manufactures, and sells compact solvent recovery equipment primarily for chemical waste solvents. Distillation equipment regenerates solvents used in reactions and cleaning processes, enabling their efficient recovery and reuse. By reducing waste and minimizing solvent costs, this solution supports sustainability initiatives and environmental compliance—driving strong interest from a wide range of industries. On the other hand, depending on the application of the solvent, there are many cases where processing is difficult with distillation equipment using conventional heating mechanisms, and KOBEX has been exploring the possibility of adopting alternative heating methods.


■Overview
In this development, a distillation equipment using microwaves as the heating source will be created, leveraging the unique characteristic of microwaves to heat objects directly from the inside without the heat transfer surfaces. Utilizing microwaves allows for more precise temperature control, which is expected to suppress residue generation and resolve issues such as energy loss and production decline. Furthermore, it is anticipated that distillation recovery will become possible for waste fluids that were previously difficult to process with conventional external heating distillation equipment.


■Outlook
Both companies will proceed with development and production toward the completion and delivery of the prototype in April 2026. Following delivery, verification will be conducted at customer sites using the prototype, along with demonstration tests and specification reviews for the commercial series.

Upon completion of the demonstration tests, KOBEX plans to add a drum-can type batch solvent regeneration (recovery) device for non-hazardous materials to its product lineup. In parallel, KOBEX will develop explosion-proof specifications for enhanced safety, with plans to launch the explosion-proof microwave distillation recovery equipment in fiscal year 2027.

Through this development and sales, Microwave Chemical aims to accelerate the social implementation of innovative technologies in the environment and energy sectors—starting with microwave technology—to drive the creation of new value.

■Company Profiles
KOBEX Co., Ltd.
Since its founding in 1969, KOBEX has been a comprehensive manufacturer of organic solvent recycling equipment, leveraging patented technologies to develop environmental and labor-saving equipment that meets the needs of the times. To date, the company has internally developed numerous solvent regeneration (recovery) units and various equipment related to organic solvents, delivering innovative products to its customers.

Microwave Chemical Co., Ltd.
In 2014, Microwave Chemical became the first in the world to succeed in developing manufacturing processes for large-scale chemical plants heated using microwaves. The company provides innovative electrified processes across a range of industries, enabling energy-saving, high-efficiency, and compact manufacturing processes.