Heidolph Hei-VAP Ultimate Rotary Evaporator

Overview

The Heidolph Hei-VAP Ultimate Rotary Evaporator is a high-precision, modular laboratory system engineered for reproducible solvent removal, concentration, and purification under controlled reduced pressure. Based on the fundamental principle of rotary evaporation—where simultaneous rotation, heating, and vacuum application lower the boiling point of solvents to enable gentle, efficient phase separation—the Hei-VAP Ultimate delivers consistent performance across diverse organic, pharmaceutical, and analytical workflows. Designed and manufactured in Germany, it integrates mechanical robustness with digital process control, meeting stringent requirements for GLP-compliant environments and regulated R&D labs. Its modular architecture supports seamless integration into automated lab infrastructures (Lab 4.0), while its safety-certified construction—including thermal cutoffs, anti-splash geometry, and chemically resistant interfaces—ensures operational integrity during extended unattended runs.

Key Features

• 7-inch full-color LCD touchscreen with dual operating modes (Basic and Enhanced), supporting multilingual UI (English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese) and contextual error messaging
• Independent analog control knobs for rotation speed and heating bath temperature—mechanically decoupled for intuitive, real-time adjustment; both feature physical lockout to prevent inadvertent parameter changes
• Integrated LED ring indicator system providing at-a-glance status feedback (e.g., rotation active, heating engaged, vacuum applied) visible from >2 m distance
• Dual safety architecture: PT1000 temperature sensor triggers automatic power cutoff if bath temperature exceeds setpoint by >5 °C; dry-run protection prevents heater activation without liquid load
• IP42-rated electronics enclosure and IP67-sealed cable connectors resist dust ingress and corrosion from acidic/basic vapors or condensate exposure
• Ergonomic design elements: angled handle, integrated pour spout, and optional motorized lift (vs. manual lift) reduce operator fatigue and minimize splash risk during flask handling
• Modular expansion capability: compatible with Hei-CHILL recirculating chillers, external vacuum controllers, AUTOaccurate vacuum probes, and XL condensers (2,200 cm² surface area)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Hei-VAP Ultimate accommodates standard 5 L evaporation flasks (including round-bottom and pear-shaped variants) via a universal heating bath with 200 mm horizontal rail adjustment. Its borosilicate glass components are supplied with factory-applied safety film per DIN EN 12150-1, reducing fragmentation risk during thermal stress or mechanical impact. All electrical and firmware functions comply with IEC 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. Full IQ/OQ documentation packages—including calibration certificates, test protocols, and traceable sensor validation—are available upon request to support FDA 21 CFR Part 11, ISO/IEC 17025, and EU GMP Annex 11 compliance initiatives.

Software & Data Management

Control logic resides in embedded firmware compliant with Lab 4.0 interoperability standards. USB and microSD ports enable secure parameter export (CSV), method backup, and firmware updates. The LAN/RS232 interface supports bidirectional communication with LIMS or ELN systems using ASCII-based command protocols. When upgraded to the Hei-VAP Ultimate Control package, the system enables synchronized vacuum ramping, chiller temperature coordination, and programmable distillation sequences—including multi-step vacuum profiles tied to temperature thresholds. Audit trails log all parameter changes, user logins, and alarm events with timestamps—supporting ALCOA+ data integrity principles required under GLP and GxP frameworks.

Applications

This evaporator serves critical unit operations in synthetic chemistry (solvent exchange post-reaction), natural product isolation (fractional concentration of plant extracts), polymer processing (monomer recovery), and QC laboratories (residual solvent analysis per ICH Q3C). Its precise vacuum-temperature-speed coupling ensures minimal thermal degradation of thermolabile compounds (e.g., vitamins, peptides, cannabinoids). The large condenser surface area (1,400 cm² standard; 2,200 cm² optional) maintains high condensation efficiency even with low-boiling solvents (e.g., diethyl ether, pentane) or high-vapor-load batches. Routine use includes preparative-scale work in academic core facilities, API purification in contract development labs, and stability-indicating method development per USP .

FAQ

What safety certifications does the Hei-VAP Ultimate hold?
It complies with IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment safety and meets CE marking requirements under the Low Voltage and EMC Directives.
Can the system operate unattended overnight?
Yes—when configured with motorized lift, programmable timer, vacuum control, and temperature monitoring, it supports validated unattended operation within defined SOP boundaries.
Is remote monitoring or control possible?
Via LAN/RS232, third-party SCADA or LabWare systems can read real-time parameters (speed, temp, vacuum) and trigger predefined actions using Heidolph’s documented ASCII command set.
Does it support GLP-compliant data archiving?
With Hei-VAP Ultimate Control and optional audit trail module, all critical events—including setpoint changes, alarms, and user authentication—are timestamped and exportable in CSV format for archival.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Vacuum pump oil replacement every 3 months (or per pump manufacturer specs); condenser cleaning after each high-boiling solvent run; annual verification of PT1000 sensor accuracy and thermal cutoff function by authorized service partner.