rotary vacuum evaporator

Types of Rotary Vacuum Evaporators

A rotary evaporator vacuum pump works by creating a vacuum that lowers the boiling point of the solvent, which will allow evaporation at a much faster rate. Some factors such as heat, the area exposed, and the pressure applied will influence the speed of the evaporation. The rotary evaporator with a vacuum pump is used to reduce the volume of the liquid samples to concentrate the samples, remove the solvent from the samples, and even dry the solid samples like an evaporator for drying purposes.

There are numerous types of rotary evaporators available on the market

• Vertical evaporators: A vertical rotary evaporator is a type of evaporator where the distillation flask is situated vertically. The vertical configuration of the rotary evaporator allows for the efficient distillation of solvents from liquid samples under vacuum conditions. The vertical rotary evaporator is available with different types of condensers. A vertical rotary evaporator with a vertical double-coil condenser is a device that separates and collects solvents from liquid samples through the process of distillation. The evaporator features a vertical distillation flask that rotates over a heat source to promote the evaporation of solvents. The solvents vapors are then condensed and collected in the double-coil condenser for further analysis or disposal. Another type that is commonly used is the single-coil condenser. A rotary evaporator with a single-coil condenser is a laboratory instrument used for the continuous distillation of solvents. It consists of a rotary evaporator unit equipped with a single-coil condenser for the collection of condensed solvents. The single-coil design allows for effective condensation of solvent vapors, making it suitable for various applications in organic chemistry, biochemistry, and other scientific fields where solvent removal is required.
• Horizontal evaporators: A horizontal rotary evaporator is a type of evaporator where the distillation flask is situated horizontally. It is designed to process multiple samples simultaneously, making it suitable for high-throughput applications in laboratory settings. This apparatus allows for efficient evaporation of solvents from liquid samples by rotating the flask in a horizontal position over a heat source while applying vacuum to lower the boiling point of the solvents.

Specification and maintenance of rotary vacuum evaporator

The specifications of a rotary evaporator for sale may vary from one manufacturer to another. However, the following key specifications are generally common.

• Rotary speed

  The rotary evaporator motor usually drives the evaporation flask. As a result, the evaporating flask rotates around its shaft at a certain speed. The rotary speed can determine the time of the substances' heating and evaporation. With the increase in rotary speed, the effective evaporation area will rise correspondingly, and the evaporation capacity will also increase. Generally, the rotary speed of a rotary evaporator ranges between 0 to 300 r/min.

• Temperature range

  A rotary evaporator's bath or heating mantle can supply the required heating. As a result, the rotary evaporator can perform evaporation at certain temperature ranges. The temperature range of a rotary evaporator can be up to 200 degrees.

• Power

  The power of a rotary evaporator is the power supplied by the evaporator to the flask for its rotation. Moreover, the power determines the rotary speed and torque of the evaporator flask. Typically, the power of a small rotary evaporator is about 200 watts, and the power of large evaporators may reach 400 watts or more.

It is important to maintain a rotary evaporator properly for its effective functioning and long lifespan. Here are some maintenance tips.

• Users should clean the evaporator flask after use. They can fill the flask with a suitable detergent and some glass beads and then rotate it for a while. After that, they should rinse the flask thoroughly to ensure that no glass beads or detergent remain in it.
• Users should frequently check the rotary evaporator's vacuum system to ensure no air leaks exist and that the vacuum pump works well.
• Users should apply proper lubricant on the rotating parts periodically to reduce the wear and tear.
• Users should regularly check the heating device to ensure it works effectively. Also, they should clean it to avoid any scale or dirt buildup.

Scenarios of using rotary vacuum evaporators

• Pharmaceuticals and Drug Development

  In the pharmaceutical industry, a rotary evaporator is taken advantage of to concentrate active ingredients, extract raw materials, and purify and separate compounds. Utilizing the evaporator allows for the gentle concentration of solutions, and preserving the stability and integrity of heat-sensitive compounds.

• Chemical Laboratories

  In chemical research and laboratories, rotary evaporators serve multiple purposes, including solvent removal from chemical reactions, synthesis and concentration of chemical compounds, and purification of chemicals.

• Food and Beverage Industry

  In the food and beverage business, a rotary evaporator can be used to extract flavors, essential oils, and aromatic compounds from food. Additionally, it is also fit for concentrating fruit and beverage solutions, removing solvents from food products, and ensuring the quality and safety of food processing.

• Environmental Science and Water Treatment

  In environmental science research, a rotary evaporator can be used for concentration and treatment of samples from air, water, and soil, thus analyzing and studying environmental pollutants. What's more, the evaporator is suitable for the extraction and analysis of environmental samples in the scientific research field, such as human samples, wildlife samples, and samples from specific ecological environments.

• Academic Research and Education

  In academic research institutes and educational institutions, rotary evaporators play an essential role in solvent distillation and separation, synthesis and concentration of experimental reagents, and preparation of samples.

• Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

  Rotary evaporators find applications in the cosmetics industry, such as concentrating and extracting active ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products to ensure product quality and efficacy.

How to choose rotary vacuum evaporator

When looking for rotary evaporators for sale, it's crucial to consider a number of factors to ensure that the chosen rotary evaporator will meet lab needs and performance expectations. Start by identifying the primary purpose and application of the evaporator. What is the type of sample? What is its volume? Is budgeting an issue? Answering such questions can help to narrow down to a suitable rotary evaporator model. For instance, small sample volumes at an academic or research institution could use a rotary evaporator with a 1L or 2L flask. On the other hand, industrial-scale evaporation will only work with a larger rotary evaporator with a 50L to 200L evaporating flask.

Next, check the temperature control system available in the rotary evaporator. Heating mantles and water baths are the common heating elements, but they may not always maintain constant temperature control. Look for evaporators with a temperature control unit like a chiller or a bath with a temperature controller for precise temperature control. Another critical feature to consider is the type of glassware that comes with the evaporator. Glassware can break easily, so make sure the available glassware is sufficient and durable.

The quality of the motor in the rotary evaporator will influence its performance. Choose a model with a powerful motor to drive the flask's rotation, ensuring that every part of the sample is exposed to the heating surfaces for efficient evaporation. A strong motor will ensure continuous operation without stopping. At times, it's necessary to practice safety precautions when using laboratory equipment. A rotary evaporator vapor control kit can help in this practice. Such a kit features a condenser or a cooling system that collects the solvent vapor and condenses it to liquid to be back to the flask. If safety is a priority, look for a rotary evaporator that includes this kit.

Because not all rotary evaporator suppliers provide after-sale services and support, it's necessary to look for evaporators with replaceable parts and some level of support from the supplier. Check if the condenser, motor, or electronic components can be replaced in case of damage.

Rotary vacuum evaporator FAQ

Q1: Does a rotary evaporator remove all solvents?

A1: No, the rotary evaporator cannot remove all solvents. Some solvents may form azeotropes with water, limiting the evaporation of the solvent.

Q2: What are the limitations of rotary evaporation?

A2: The rotary evaporator is not suitable for volatile solvents like ethyl ether and pentane. Using rotary evaporation for such solvents may likely pose risks of explosion and fire.

Q3: What is the difference between a rotary evaporator and an evaporator?

A3: A rotary evaporator uses heat and reduced pressure to distill and collect purified compounds automatically. An evaporator on the other hand, heats up the substance to boil away the solvent without reduced pressure.