Tech Team · Kintek Solution

The size of a rotovap, or rotary evaporator, is primarily determined by the capacity of its evaporating flask, which typically ranges from 2 liters to 50 liters. The most commonly used sizes are 5L, 10L, 20L, and 50L, with the flask usually loaded to 20–40% of its maximum capacity during operation. The compact and vertically-oriented design of rotovaps helps save bench-top space, making them suitable for both small-scale and large-scale projects. The system includes components like a vacuum pump, motor unit, condenser, and heated fluid bath, all working together to efficiently remove solvents under controlled conditions.

Key Points Explained:

1. Evaporating Flask Capacity:

   • The size of a rotovap is defined by the capacity of its evaporating flask, which ranges from 2 liters to 50 liters.
   • Popular sizes include 5L, 10L, 20L, and 50L, catering to various project scales.
   • During operation, the flask is typically filled to 20–40% of its maximum capacity to ensure efficient solvent recovery and prevent spillage.

2. Compact and Vertical Design:

   • Rotovaps are designed to be vertically oriented, which saves valuable bench-top space in laboratories.
   • Their compact structure makes them suitable for both laboratory and pilot-scale production environments.

3. Key Components:

   • Vacuum Pump: Reduces pressure to facilitate solvent evaporation at lower temperatures.
   • Motor Unit: Rotates the flask at speeds up to 280 rpm to enhance evaporation efficiency.
   • Condenser: Cools and condenses the vaporized solvent for collection.
   • Heated Fluid Bath: Maintains a controlled temperature to aid in solvent evaporation.
   • Bump Guard: Prevents splashing or bumping of the sample during rotation.
   • Vacuum Release-Valve: Allows for safe and controlled release of vacuum pressure.

4. Operational Efficiency:

   • Rotovaps operate under vacuum conditions (< 1 mm Hg) to vaporize, condense, and distill solvents efficiently.
   • They are equipped with time-lapse controls and flask ejection systems to expedite the process and improve workflow.

5. Applications:

   • Suitable for small-scale laboratory experiments, pilot tests, and large-scale chemical reactions.
   • Ideal for the extraction of precious materials due to their contamination-free operation and high sealing performance.

6. Loading Capacity:

   • The evaporating flask is typically loaded to 20–40% of its maximum capacity to ensure optimal performance and safety.
   • Overloading the flask can lead to inefficiencies and potential spillage, while underloading may reduce the effectiveness of the evaporation process.

By understanding these key points, a purchaser can make an informed decision about the appropriate size and features of a rotovap for their specific needs.

Summary Table:

Feature	Details
Evaporating Flask Capacity	2L to 50L (common sizes: 5L, 10L, 20L, 50L)
Loading Capacity	20–40% of flask capacity for optimal performance
Design	Compact, vertical, space-saving
Key Components	Vacuum pump, motor unit, condenser, heated fluid bath, bump guard, vacuum release-valve
Applications	Small-scale labs, pilot tests, large-scale chemical reactions

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