General Rotary Evaporation Guide (Automatic Models)

Link to General Rotary Evaporator Guide and Info

Quick Facts

• Process Type: Rotary Evaporation (Automatic models)
• Typical Bath Temperature: 50–75°C
• Preheated Solution Boost: 40–45°C
• Chiller Start Temperature: Start run when loop reaches 29°C (if set to 30°C)
• Max Fill Level (Boiling Flask): Half-full
• Vacuum Leak Test Range: 0.09–0.1 in the red zone

Disclaimer

• This guide is not a standard operating procedure. For general guidance only. Care and common sense should be used in the operating of any laboratory equipment. USA Lab is not responsible for any damages, injury or loss.

Setup Instructions

1. Unpack all parts and inspect glass.
2. Crosscheck with the packing list.
3. If any part is broken, cracked, or missing, contact USA Lab.
4. Do not remove the white PTFE from gaskets.
   
5. Clean all glass before installation and use.
6. Grease all glass joints and gaskets with vacuum grease.
7. Grease the vapor duct well, including the oil seals that ride on it.
8. One gasket contains a center valve; it must hang downward when installed between the condenser and the receiving flask.
9. Refer to the manual for diagrams and installation details.
10. Install stand, gauge, condenser strap, and support rings.
11. Install glass pieces with gaskets between flanges; tighten clamps evenly on all sides.
12. Perform a vacuum leak test before adding product.

Vacuum Leak Test

• Gauge should read between 0.09 and 0.1 in the red zone.
• After passing vacuum test, fill and prime the chiller (follow chiller instructions).
• Attach and cut to length all insulated chiller hoses.

Recovery Run Procedure

STEP 1 — Prepare the Chiller

• Set chiller to its rated lowest temperature.
• Always run the loop.
• Allow the chiller to cool the entire loop until it is close to the setpoint.

STEP 2 — Prepare the Rotovap

• Raise bath until water covers half of the outside of the boiling flask.
• Turn on bath heating and set to 50–75°C.
• Turn on rotation:
  • Use the fastest stable rotation.
  • If the glass wiggles, reduce speed.
• Place the cover over the boiling flask onto the bath edges.

STEP 3 — Start the Vacuum

• Start vacuum pump.

STEP 4 — Begin the Run

• Use a tube from the feed port down to your vessel.
• Start the run when the chiller reaches 29°C (when set to 30°C).
• Open the feed port to begin filling the boiling flask.
• Do not fill more than halfway.
  
• Evaporation will begin automatically.
• Evaporation can be boosted by feeding preheated solution (40–45°C).

Managing the Run (Refilling & Solvent Removal)

• Refill the boiling flask over time as needed.
• When the receiving flask is full:
  1. Close the vacuum port on the receiving flask.
  2. Open the vent port to release vacuum.
  3. Close the receiving flask valve.
  4. Empty the receiving flask.
  5. Close the vent valve.
  6. Slowly open the vacuum valve.
  7. Receiving flask equalizes with system.
  8. Open valve below condenser to continue collecting solvent.
• Continue recovering until the boiling flask is half full of liquid that no longer continues to evaporate solvent.

System Diagram

The image on page 1 shows the complete rotary evaporation setup:

• Chiller (left) — coolant lines running to condenser inlet/outlet.
• Vessel — feed solution container connected to feed port.
• Rotary Evaporator — boiling flask, motor head, condenser, receiving flask.
• Vacuum Pump (right) — connected to condenser vacuum port.

This layout illustrates correct hose routing and component placement.

Contact & Support

For assistance with rotary evaporators, chillers, and vacuum systems:

📞 734-855-4890
📧 support@usalabequipment.com