Hanuo RE-5220A Rotary Evaporator
| Brand | Hanuo |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shanghai, China |
| Model | RE-5220A |
| Rotational Capacity | 20 L |
| Ultimate Vacuum | 0.098 MPa |
| Rotation Speed | 20–110 rpm (frequency-controlled, digital display) |
| Heating Bath Temperature Range | RT to 98 °C (water bath) |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±0.1 °C |
| Condenser Type | Vertical dual-coil high-density serpentine glass condenser |
| Collection Flask Capacity | 10 L (standard ground-glass joint) |
| Lift Mechanism | Motorized vertical lift |
| Power Consumption | 5240 W |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1100 × 650 × 1900 mm |
Overview
The Hanuo RE-5220A Rotary Evaporator is an engineered solution for efficient, scalable solvent removal under reduced pressure—designed for laboratories requiring reliable concentration, purification, and recovery of heat-sensitive compounds. Operating on the principle of vacuum-assisted thin-film evaporation, the system rotates a 20 L pear-shaped or round-bottom flask in a thermostatically controlled water bath while simultaneously applying vacuum via an external pump. This rotation generates a uniform, high-surface-area liquid film along the inner wall of the flask, significantly enhancing heat transfer and mass transfer kinetics. The vapor travels through a vertical dual-coil serpentine condenser—optimized for high thermal exchange efficiency—and condenses back into liquid phase before being collected in a 10 L ground-glass-joint receiving flask. Its design prioritizes process stability, operator safety, and compatibility with standard laboratory glassware (ISO 2955/DIN 1786), making it suitable for routine use in synthetic chemistry, natural product isolation, pharmaceutical QC, and preparative chromatography workflows.
Key Features
- Motorized vertical lift mechanism enables precise, reproducible positioning of the evaporation flask—critical for consistent film formation and safe operation during vacuum transitions.
- Frequency-controlled DC motor delivers stable, digitally displayed rotation speeds from 20 to 110 rpm, minimizing mechanical vibration and ensuring long-term bearing integrity.
- Water bath heating system maintains temperature accuracy within ±0.1 °C across a range of ambient temperature to 98 °C—supporting gentle distillation of thermolabile substances including peptides, enzymes, and unstable intermediates.
- High-efficiency vertical dual-coil serpentine condenser features large-diameter tubing and high-density winding geometry, maximizing condensation surface area and minimizing vapor bypass—even at elevated feed rates.
- Robust stainless-steel frame with reinforced aluminum alloy housing provides structural rigidity and corrosion resistance, meeting ISO 14644-1 Class 8 cleanroom-compatible construction standards for shared lab environments.
- Integrated vacuum regulation interface allows seamless integration with external vacuum controllers or oil-free diaphragm pumps—enabling programmable vacuum ramping to prevent bumping or foaming during sensitive distillations.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The RE-5220A accommodates standard ground-glass jointed glassware (24/29, 29/32, and 34/45 taper sizes), supporting interchangeable 20 L evaporation flasks and 10 L collection vessels. It is compatible with common organic solvents (e.g., ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, methanol, THF), aqueous buffers, and low-boiling azeotropes. While not certified for hazardous area use (ATEX/IECEx), its electrical design complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory equipment safety, including overtemperature cutoff, ground-fault protection, and IP20-rated enclosure ingress protection. The system supports GLP-compliant documentation when paired with validated vacuum sensors and calibrated temperature probes—facilitating audit readiness for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing labs.
Software & Data Management
The RE-5220A operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument: all critical parameters—including rotation speed, bath temperature, and lift position—are monitored via front-panel LED displays with tactile push-button controls. While no embedded software or USB/RS-232 interface is included, the unit’s analog outputs (0–10 V or 4–20 mA optional upon request) permit integration into centralized lab monitoring systems (e.g., LabVantage, Siemens Desigo, or custom SCADA). For full traceability, users may pair the system with external data loggers compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—recording time-stamped temperature, rotation, and vacuum profiles for batch record generation and regulatory submission.
Applications
- Concentration of crude extracts in natural product research—preserving volatile terpenoids and labile glycosides during ethanol or hexane removal.
- Removal of reaction solvents post-coupling (e.g., DMF, DMSO) in peptide synthesis, where residual solvent levels must meet ICH Q3C thresholds.
- Recovery and reuse of expensive chiral eluents (e.g., isopropanol–hexane mixtures) in preparative SFC or HPLC fraction collection.
- Dehydration of hygroscopic APIs prior to lyophilization—using controlled vacuum ramps to avoid crust formation and ensure homogeneous drying.
- Parallel evaporation support in multi-vessel configurations (with optional manifold adapters), enabling throughput scaling without compromising individual flask control.
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended operating vacuum level for the RE-5220A?
The system achieves an ultimate vacuum of 0.098 MPa (≈2 mbar absolute) when used with a properly maintained vacuum pump and sealed glass joints. For optimal condensation efficiency with high-boiling solvents, we recommend maintaining vacuum between 10–50 mbar.
Can the RE-5220A be used with dry ice–acetone condensers?
No—the condenser is designed exclusively for circulating coolant (e.g., tap water, chiller fluid) through its dual-coil jacket. Dry ice–acetone baths are incompatible with the sealed cooling circuit and may cause thermal shock to borosilicate glass.
Is the heating bath compatible with silicone oil or other high-temperature media?
The bath is rated for water only (RT–98 °C). Use of silicone oil or glycol-based fluids exceeds design specifications and voids thermal safety certification.
Does the motorized lift include limit switches or position memory?
Yes—integrated upper and lower mechanical end-stop switches prevent overtravel; however, position memory or programmable lift presets are not supported in this model.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term reliability?
Inspect and replace PTFE vacuum seals every 6 months; verify bath heater calibration annually; clean condenser coils quarterly with 5% citric acid solution to prevent mineral buildup from hard water.

