Rotary evaporator system for efficient solvent evaporation and concentration

Overview

A versatile, manually operated rotary evaporator head (R-100) paired with a 4 L Scholar heating bath. Designed for routine laboratory distillations, this setup efficiently removes medium- to low-boiling solvents under reduced pressure. Ideal for organic synthesis, extractions, and concentration of reaction mixtures.

Key Description & Specifications

Rotavapor R-100 Head

1. Evaporating Flask Capacity: Supports up to a 1 L round-bottom flask (29/32 joint).
2. Rotation Speed: Continuously adjustable from 20 rpm up to 280 rpm via an analog dial.
3. Lift Mechanism: Manual “jack” lift with ~145 mm vertical travel for smooth immersion of the flask into the heating bath.
4. Condenser: Vertical coil condenser (29/32 top joint) designed for cold-water or chilled circulation. Includes a side arm for attaching a dry-ice/solvent trap.
5. Vacuum Compatibility: Uses a PTFE/NBR KD22 gasket to maintain a reliable seal. Compatible with standard diaphragm or rotary vacuum pumps (e.g., Büchi V-100) to achieve pressures below 10 mbar.
6. Vapor Duct & Clamping: Integrated stainless-steel vapor duct with Combi-Clip for secure flask attachment; includes drain port for connection to a receiving flask.

Scholar Heating Bath

1. Bath Capacity: 4 L stainless-steel insert designed to fully immerse a 1 L flask.
2. Temperature Range: 20 °C up to 95 °C, adjustable in 1 °C increments via digital keypad. Accuracy ± 1 °C.
3. Heating Power: 1,300 W heater output (approx. 1,700 W total draw), providing rapid heating to setpoint.
4. Controls & Safety: LED temperature display with up/down arrows. Built-in overheat protection (thermal fuse) and IP21 splash protection rating.
5. Exterior Dimensions: Approximately 28.5 cm (W) × 21.9 cm (D) × 32.6 cm (H).
6. Weight: ~3.9 kg.

Glassware & Included Accessories

1. Evaporating Flask: 1 L round-bottom, 29/32 joint.
2. Receiving Flask: 1 L round-bottom, 29/32 joint.
3. Vapor Duct Assembly: Stainless-steel inner tube with Combi-Clip and adapter for trap.
4. Dry-Ice/Solvent Trap Adapter: Allows connection of cold traps to protect vacuum pump.
5. Vacuum Tubing: Approximately 3 m of PTFE and rubber tubing with standard connectors.
6. Support Clamp & Stand: Integrated condenser support bracket and base stand for stability.

Electrical & Physical Details

1. Evaporator Motor Power: 24 V DC, 30 W motor.
2. Bath Power Supply: 100 – 240 VAC, 50/60 Hz input; 1,300 W heater.
3. Evaporator Footprint: Approx. 42 cm (W) × 30 cm (D) × 27 cm (H).
4. Combined System Weight:
5. R-100 head (with glassware): ~18 kg
6. Scholar bath: ~3.9 kg
7. Operating Environment: Recommended ambient temperature 15 – 35 °C, relative humidity 20 – 80 % (non-condensing).
8. Cooling Requirement: When heating above 80 °C, maintain ≥ 2 L/min water or chiller flow through condenser.

Common Applications

1. Removal of solvents such as ethanol, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, and other low-boiling organics.
2. Concentration of reaction mixtures after reflux or organic synthesis.
3. Solvent recycling via dry-ice trap to collect volatile vapors.
4. Fractional distillation by adjusting vacuum level or trap configuration.
5. Sample drying prior to downstream analysis (HPLC, NMR, etc.).