Here are 10 practical tips from Vacuubrand Product Manager Dr. Florian Heinrich, to ensure efficient and safe work with rotary evaporators.
1. Check for leaks regularly by monitoring pressure after evacuating the system
2. Set heating bath 20°C above and cooling 20°C below the evaporation temperature
3. Fill the flask no more than halfway to avoid bumping
4. Adjust rotation speed to liquid viscosity: faster for thin, slower for thick
5. Apply vacuum before lowering the flask into the bath
6. Keep pressure near solvent vapour pressure to prevent bumping
7. Aim for two-thirds condenser coverage for optimal vapour balance
8. Set hysteresis at about 10% of set pressure in two‑point valves to prolong lifespan
9. Use automatic vacuum control for efficient, gentle distillation
10. Monitor receiving flask levels to avoid contamination and backflow
Together, Labtex and Vacuubrand can help you improve the efficiency of your distillation processes through precise vacuum control.