A rotary evaporator also is known as Rotavap, is an apparatus used in chemical laboratories for efficient removal of solvents from the samples at low pressure by evaporation. The rotatory evaporator is designed to work under a vacuum, to lower the boiling point of molecular compounds as well as heating the sample. It is also used in molecular cooking to prepare extracts and distillates.
A rotatory evaporator is used in many fields to concentrate and separate substances in a mixture, the fields include chemical laboratories, industrial fields, food processing, among others. When working, the round-bottomed flask where evaporation takes place is kept rotating at a constant speed to increase the rate of evaporation by increasing the evaporation area.
The Main Parts of A Rotary Evaporator and Functions
The main components of a rotary evaporator (rotavap) include:
- Sample flask: This is the flask that contains the sample to be evaporated. It is typically made of glass and may be round-bottomed or pear-shaped.
- Heating bath: This is the bath that contains the heating element and is used to provide heat to the sample flask. The heating bath may be filled with water, oil, or another heating medium.
- Rotation motor: This is the motor that rotates the sample flask, allowing for even heating and evaporation.
- Condenser: This is the component that cools and condenses the solvent vapor that is produced during evaporation. The condenser may be a vertical or diagonal design and can be cooled by water or another coolant.
- Vacuum system: This is the system that creates a vacuum within the rotavap, which helps to lower the boiling point of the solvent and facilitate evaporation. The vacuum system may include a vacuum pump, vacuum controller, and other components.
- Collection flask: This is the flask that collects the condensed solvent after it has been evaporated and condensed by the condenser.
- Control panel: This is the panel that allows the user to control the various components of the rotavap, including the heating bath, rotation speed, vacuum level, and other parameters.
Overall, a rotary evaporator is a complex piece of equipment that consists of several components working together to facilitate the evaporation and concentration of samples. It is important to follow proper safety protocols when using a rotary evaporator, including wearing appropriate protective equipment and following proper handling and disposal procedures for any chemicals or solvents used.
