Hanuo RE-52AA Rotary Evaporator

Overview

The Hanuo RE-52AA Rotary Evaporator is a benchtop vacuum distillation system engineered for reproducible solvent removal, concentration, and purification of heat-sensitive compounds in research laboratories and pilot-scale production environments. It operates on the principle of thin-film evaporation under reduced pressure: a motor-driven evaporation flask rotates at controlled speed within a thermostatically regulated heating bath, spreading sample liquid into a uniform film along the inner wall. This maximizes surface area-to-volume ratio and minimizes thermal exposure time—critical for preserving labile molecules such as proteins, natural extracts, and pharmaceutical intermediates. The vapor phase passes through a vertically oriented, dual-path coil condenser with large-bore glass tubing, enabling efficient condensation across common low-to-medium boiling point solvents (e.g., ethanol, acetone, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate). The condensed distillate is collected in a standardized 2 L round-bottom collection flask via ground-glass joint interface. Designed for compatibility with standard ISO/KG 29/32 or CG-24/40 glassware, the RE-52AA integrates mechanical robustness with functional simplicity for routine use in QC, synthetic chemistry, and natural product isolation workflows.

Key Features

• Motorized vertical lift mechanism enables precise, repeatable positioning of the evaporation flask relative to the heating bath—reducing operator variability and improving process consistency.
• Stainless-steel heating bath with analog temperature controller (ambient to 100 °C), calibrated for stable thermal output; typical control accuracy ±1 °C under steady-state conditions.
• Dual-path vertical coil condenser constructed from borosilicate 3.3 glass, optimized for high-efficiency heat exchange and minimal back-pressure during continuous operation.
• Sealed rotary drive system with PTFE-sealed bearings ensures long-term vacuum integrity and resistance to solvent permeation.
• Standardized KG 29/32 ground-glass joints throughout the assembly facilitate rapid assembly, cleaning, and interchangeability with third-party accessories (e.g., vacuum controllers, cold traps, chiller interfaces).
• Integrated safety cutoffs prevent dry-heating and overpressure events; total power draw limited to 1100 W for compatibility with standard laboratory circuits.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RE-52AA supports aqueous and organic solvent systems commonly used in extraction, reaction workup, and formulation development. It accommodates samples ranging from dilute solutions (<5 wt%) to viscous crude mixtures (e.g., plant extracts, polymer solutions), provided rotational stability and film formation are maintained. While not certified to IEC 61010-1 or CE for standalone regulatory submission, its construction adheres to general laboratory equipment safety conventions—including electrical insulation, thermal shielding, and mechanical stability under static and dynamic load. When operated in conjunction with external vacuum pumps meeting ISO 8573-1 Class 3 purity standards and chillers compliant with ASTM E2718 guidelines for cooling fluid containment, the system supports GLP-aligned documentation practices. No built-in audit trail or electronic signature functionality is present; manual logbook recording is recommended for regulated environments requiring traceability per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 or EU Annex 11 expectations.

Software & Data Management

The RE-52AA is a manually operated, hardware-centric instrument without embedded microprocessor control or digital interface. All operational parameters—including rotation speed (0–120 rpm), bath temperature setting, and lift position—are adjusted via analog dials and mechanical switches. Consequently, no proprietary software, firmware updates, or data export capabilities are provided. Users intending to integrate the unit into automated workflows must employ external programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or data acquisition systems interfaced via analog voltage outputs (if retrofitted) or manual logging protocols. For laboratories maintaining electronic laboratory notebooks (ELNs), procedural metadata (e.g., batch ID, start/end time, observed vacuum level, final residue mass) should be entered post-run using validated templates aligned with internal SOPs.

Applications

• Concentration of thermolabile bioactive fractions from botanical extracts without degradation.
• Solvent exchange in nanoparticle synthesis (e.g., transferring hydrophobic drug payloads from chloroform to aqueous suspension media).
• Removal of reaction solvents following Grignard, Suzuki, or esterification reactions prior to chromatographic purification.
• Recovery and reuse of high-purity solvents in compliance with ISO 14001 waste minimization objectives.
• Preparative-scale dehydration of hygroscopic intermediates under nitrogen sweep and sub-atmospheric pressure.
• Crystallization initiation by controlled supersaturation via gradual solvent volume reduction.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended vacuum level for safe operation?
The RE-52AA is rated for continuous operation at vacuum levels down to 0.098 MPa (approximately 740 mmHg absolute); however, optimal performance with volatile solvents is typically achieved between 0.085–0.095 MPa.
Can the unit be connected to an external vacuum controller?
Yes—via standard 1/4″ OD vacuum tubing connected to the rear port; integration with PID-controlled vacuum regulators (e.g., Vacuubrand VRV) is mechanically and chemically feasible.
Is the heating bath fluid-fill level adjustable?
The bath includes a calibrated fill line; users must maintain silicone oil or water levels between minimum and maximum marks to ensure uniform thermal transfer and prevent heater element damage.
Does the condenser require active coolant circulation?
Yes—efficient condensation necessitates connection to a recirculating chiller or tap-water source delivering coolant at ≤15 °C; flow rate should exceed 1.5 L/min for full-capacity operation.
Are replacement glass components available through Hanuo’s authorized distribution network?
Standard KG 29/32 flasks, condensers, and adapters are available as spare parts; custom configurations (e.g., shortened condensers, PTFE-jacketed joints) may require lead-time verification with regional distributors.