USA Lab RE-501 Rotary Evaporator Heating Element Replacement Guide
This guide provides the full removal and installation process for replacing the heating element in an RE-501 bath. It includes required tools, disassembly steps, wiring removal, silicone application, and final reinstallation.
Link to USA Lab RE-501 Rotary Evaporator Heating Element Replacement Guide
Tools & Parts Needed
- Phillips screwdriver
- Adjustable wrench
- Waterproof silicone
- RE-501 heating element
STEP 1 — Raise the Bath
- Raise the bath all the way up until it stops. (Image shown on page 1.)
STEP 2 — Remove the Two Screws
- Remove the two screws located at the bottom of the bath reservoir.
- Once removed, the bath becomes movable from the jack. (Shown in images on page 2.)
STEP 3 — Remove First Set of Nuts, Washers, and Crimped Wires
- Remove the first set of nuts and washers from both sides of the heating element.
- You can then remove the crimped wires. (Images on page 2.)
STEP 4 — Remove Second Set of Nuts and Washers
- After removing the wires, remove the remaining washers and then the other set of nuts on both sides of the heating element. (Images on page 2.)
STEP 5 — Remove All Hardware From the New Heating Element
- Remove all nuts and washers from the replacement heating element.
STEP 6 — Apply Waterproof Silicone
- Apply waterproof silicone to:
- Both heating-element underside base rings
- One side of both white washers
- (Images on page 3.)
STEP 7 — Place the White Washer
- Place the white washer, dry side down, onto the already siliconed heating-element underside base rings. (Image on page 3.)
STEP 8 — Install Heating Element Into Bath
- Press the heating elements firmly into the bath holes until fully seated. (Page 4 images.)
STEP 9 — Reconnect Hardware and Crimped Wiring
- Reconnect nuts, washers, and crimped wire in reverse order of removal.
- The guide lists the re-installation order:
- Large Nut → Small Washer → Crimped Wire → Small Washer → Small Nut
- Short crimped wire → right connection
- Long crimped wire → left connection
STEP 10 — Apply Waterproof Silicone to Underside
- Apply waterproof silicone to the underside of the bath, where the two screw holes are located.
STEP 11 — Reinstall Bath and Screws
- Seat the bath back onto the lab jack and align the holes.
- Silicone should be visible coming through each hole.
- Re-install screws for a tight seal.
- (Page 5 images.)
IMPORTANT: WAIT FOR THE SILICONE TO DRY BEFORE USE.
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