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Rotary Evaporators

Rotary Evaporators & the Benefits of Leasing

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Rotary evaporator

Rotary evaporation is accomplished using a rotary evaporator, also known as a rotovap.

Analytical diagram

It is a commonly used technique for separating a compound of interest from a low-boiling solvent, such as an organic, inorganic, or polymeric substance.

Separation is accomplished by heating a mixture of solvent and compounds inside an evaporation flask, while partially submerging it in a warm water bath. The glassware is simultaneously rotated in the bath and subjected to a reduced pressure environment via a vacuum pump.

Rotary evaporators evaporate and condense the solvent, effectively separating it from the mixture. The desired compound is the only thing left behind, which will be used for a downstream application.

Rotovaps are standard fare in organic chemistry because of their sample concentration and solvent distillation capabilities, and are commonly utilized in chemical and pharmaceutical laboratories for extraction processes, sample preparation, R&D, and more.

Rotovap Components & Prices

A hand holding a data point

Rotary evaporators range in size and volume capacity, with options available to meet space and usage specifications, as well as digital displays for ease of use. Performance and quality control are important in any lab, so understanding how a rotary evaporator operates will help to inform your decision-making.

The main components that affect the performance of evaporation include the rotary motor, vacuum pump, condenser, water bath, and various glassware. Depending on a laboratory’s evaporation needs, some scientists rely on centrifugal evaporators to simultaneously evaporate multiple samples. Let’s take a look at the common components of a rotovap.

Rotary Motor

This motor unit rotates an evaporation flask containing the sample. Spinning the flask increases the surface area of the solvent, the rate of evaporation, and reduces the possibility of a solvent boiling or erupting suddenly.

This eruption is referred to as bumping, and can lead to contamination. It is important to consider your motor’s rotational speed and the effect that it will have on your other equipment. A rotovap attains speeds of 10-280 rpm, but anywhere between 250-280 rpm is considered an optimal speed.

Some devices offer speeds above 300 rpm, which will generate higher rates of efficiency, but greater chances of unwanted wear-and-tear.

Vacuum Pump

Each device comes with a vacuum pump that substantially reduces the pressure in the evaporation system. This is necessary because applying a vacuum in a rotary evaporator lowers the boiling temperature of the solvent, allowing for quicker evaporation.

It is important to understand what kind of vacuum pump is best suited for your applications. Using the wrong pump can be inefficient, but more significantly, it can also lead to equipment damage, safety risks, and solvent loss.

Condenser

This component is used to condense gas vapors during the evaporation process. By cooling the vapor down using a localized cold surface, the condenser turns the gas back into a liquid. Condensers are usually made of glass, and come in a variety of configurations that are ideal in evaporation processes because of their ability to reduce solvent loss.

The two main types of condensers used in rotary evaporators are Dimroth condensers and cold fingers. Rotovaps have a flask or catch that captures the condensed liquid.

Fluid Bath

A water bath is used to heat the sample. The evaporation pulls heat from the solution, so it is important to replace that heat in order to maintain a constant temperature and continue the process. Using a water bath provides a lower temperature, ensuring that the solution does not become damaged.

The temperature of the water bath should not exceed the boiling point of the solvent. In most cases, 40-60°C is sufficient. If the temperature is too high, the condenser may be overloaded, as the rate of evaporation exceeds its capabilities.

Centrifugal Evaporators

While a rotary evaporator is only capable of processing one sample at a time, a centrifugal evaporator is capable of evaporating solvents from multiple samples simultaneously. This technique involves a vacuum pump attached to a centrifuge chamber to reduce pressure and lower the boiling point of the sample.

Centrifugal force is applied through spinning to ensure even heat dispersion and to prevent any boiling over, or “bumping”. Similar to a rotovap, this machine evaporates solvents quickly while preventing any damage.

Rotary Evaporator System Leases to Fit Every Need

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Founder-Friendly Leases

Our lease agreements are founder-friendly and flexible, helping you preserve working capital, strengthen the cash flow of your business, and keep business credit lines open for expansions, staffing, and other crucial operational expenses and business development opportunities.

2-5 Year Lease Lengths

Leases range from 2 to 5 years. Length will depend on several factors, including how long you want to use the equipment, equipment type, and your company’s financial position. These are standard factors leasing companies consider and help us tailor a lease agreement to fit your needs.

Your Choice of Manufacturer

We don’t carry an inventory. This means you’re not limited to a specific set of manufacturers. Instead, you can pick the equipment that aligns with your business goals and preferences. We’ll work with the manufacturer of your choice to get the equipment in your facility as quickly as possible.

Maintenance & Repair Coverage

Bundle preventive maintenance and repair coverage with your lease agreement. You can spread those payments over time. Easily maintain your equipment, minimize the chances something will break down, repair instrumentation quickly, and simplify your payment processes.

End-of-Lease Options

At the end of your lease, you have multiple options. You can either renew the lease at a significantly lower price, purchase the machine outright based on the fair market value of the original pricing, or call it a day and we’ll come the pick up the equipment for you free of charge.

No Loan-Like Terms

Our leases do not include loan-like terms, which can be restrictive or harmful in certain situations. We do not require debt covenants, IP pledges, collateral,  or equity participation. Our goal is to maximize your flexibility. When you lease with us, you’re collaborating with a true business partner.

In-House Underwriting Process

Our underwriting is done in-house. You can expect quicker turnaround, allowing you respond to your equipment needs as they arise. We require less documentation than traditional lenders and financiers and can get the equipment you need in operation more quickly.