The new Findenser air condenser from Radleys of Saffron Walden, Essex, UK replaces the need for water-cooled condensers in more than 95% of all common chemistry applications.
Developed by engineers and chemists at a leading pharmaceutical company, the Findenser consists of a glass condenser and an external finned aluminium jacket, between which a small amount of water is permanently sealed. The design of the glass inner and finned jacket mean that the Findenser has a much greater surface area and heat transfer capacity than a standard air condenser. Radleys says the result is a ‘super air condenser’, which in tests performs as well as a traditional water condenser in all popular chemistry applications.
The Findenser requires no running water to operate, thus eliminating the need to purchase and dispose of water. It also saves water and is therefore environmentally friendly. Further it prevents the risk of a lab flooding from a running water supply.
Costings show that the Findenser will give a return-on investment in less than 6 months, based on running a single water condenser for 8 hours a day, the firm says.
The Findenser can be used in vessels of up to 2 litres with up to 1 litre of solvent. It is supplied with a B24 ground glass cone and fits all standard tapered glass sockets. A PTFE adapter for B29 sockets is also available.