A 10-liter rotary evaporator refers to a specific type of laboratory equipment used for the evaporation of solvents and concentration of samples. It is commonly used in chemistry, pharmaceutical, and research laboratories for various applications, such as solvent removal, extraction, and purification.
The term “10-liter” indicates the capacity of the evaporation flask, which is the vessel where the sample and solvent mixture is placed. A 10-liter flask can accommodate a larger volume of liquid compared to smaller-sized evaporators. This capacity is beneficial when working with larger sample volumes or when higher evaporation rates are required.
A rotary evaporator, also known as a rotovap, consists of several key components:
Evaporation Flask: This is the primary container where the sample and solvent mixture is placed. The 10-liter flask in this case would have a volume capacity of 10 liters.
Heating Bath: The heating bath provides controlled heating to the flask, allowing the solvent to evaporate at a controlled temperature. The bath is typically filled with a heat transfer fluid, such as water or oil, which is heated using an external heating source.
Rotating Evaporating Flask: The evaporation flask is attached to a rotating mechanism that spins the flask continuously. This rotation increases the surface area available for evaporation, facilitating faster and more efficient solvent removal.
Condenser: The condenser is a cooling system that cools the evaporated solvent vapor, causing it to condense back into a liquid form. This liquid is collected separately from the evaporating flask.
Vacuum System: A vacuum pump is used to create a reduced-pressure environment inside the system. The reduced pressure lowers the boiling point of the solvent, reducing the required temperature for evaporation and minimizing the risk of sample degradation.
Collection Flask: The condensed solvent is collected in a separate flask for further analysis or disposal.
Note that the actual setup and specifications of a 10-liter rotary evaporator may vary depending on the manufacturer and specific model. It’s important to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions and guidelines for proper usage, safety precautions, and maintenance procedures.
