BUCHI B-585 Glass Drying Apparatus
| Brand | BUCHI |
|---|---|
| Origin | Switzerland |
| Manufacturer | BUCHI AG |
| Type | Imported Laboratory Instrument |
| Model | B-585 |
| Temperature Range | 40–300 °C |
| Sample Capacity | Up to 250 mL |
| Rotational Speed | 0–50 rpm |
| Optional Accessories | Desiccant Chamber, Kugelrohr Upgrade Kit, Freeze-Drying & Sublimation Modules |
Overview
The BUCHI B-585 Glass Drying Apparatus is a precision-engineered, benchtop thermal processing system designed for controlled solvent removal, fractional distillation, sublimation, and lyophilization of small- to micro-scale samples in research and quality control laboratories. Based on the principle of gentle, uniform heating under reduced pressure or inert atmosphere, the B-585 employs a rotating glass heating tube—configured as a horizontal, jacketed cylindrical chamber—to ensure homogeneous thermal exposure and prevent localized overheating or sample agglomeration. Its core architecture integrates thermostatic control, rotational dynamics, and real-time visual monitoring, enabling reproducible processing of heat-sensitive, high-value compounds such as pharmaceutical intermediates, natural product isolates, catalysts, and specialty polymers. Unlike conventional ovens or rotary evaporators, the B-585 operates without internal moving parts contacting the sample, preserving integrity during extended thermal treatment.
Key Features
- Rotating glass heating tube (60 mL capacity for solid samples) with precise speed control (0–50 rpm) to eliminate hot spots and mechanical degradation
- Adjustable temperature range from 40 °C to 300 °C, calibrated to ±1 °C accuracy across the operating span
- Integrated optical viewport for continuous visual inspection of sample morphology, phase transitions, and drying progress
- Three-stage programmable operation mode supporting time-temperature ramping, hold, and cooling sequences—fully configurable via front-panel interface
- Dual environmental compatibility: direct connection to vacuum systems (down to <1 mbar) or inert gas manifolds (N₂, Ar) for oxygen-sensitive applications
- Integrated safety circuitry including overtemperature cutoff, motor stall detection, and thermal fuse redundancy
- Dedicated desiccant chamber accessory for residual moisture scavenging post-drying
- Modular design allows field-upgrade to the B-585 Kugelrohr configuration for short-path fractional distillation of thermally labile compounds
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The B-585 accommodates a broad spectrum of sample formats—including powders, crystals, viscous residues, thin films, and frozen aqueous suspensions—with maximum loading volume of 250 mL in standard configuration. Its all-glass fluid path (borosilicate 3.3) ensures chemical inertness toward aggressive solvents (e.g., chlorinated hydrocarbons, DMF, THF) and eliminates metal contamination risks. The apparatus conforms to ISO 9001-certified manufacturing standards at BUCHI’s Flawil, Switzerland facility. When operated with validated protocols and audit-trail-enabled software (via optional BUCHI LabX integration), it supports GLP and GMP environments compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures. Routine calibration and performance verification align with ASTM E2073 (Standard Practice for Calibration of Thermal Analyzers) and USP guidelines for analytical instrument qualification.
Software & Data Management
While the B-585 operates autonomously via its embedded controller, full digital integration is achieved through optional connectivity to BUCHI LabX software. LabX provides centralized method management, real-time parameter logging (temperature, rotation speed, elapsed time), electronic signature workflows, and automated report generation in PDF or CSV format. All data entries are timestamped, user-attributed, and stored with immutable audit trails—meeting regulatory expectations for traceability in pharmaceutical development and contract research. Remote monitoring via Ethernet or USB enables multi-instrument coordination within shared laboratory networks without compromising data integrity.
Applications
- Residual solvent removal from APIs and excipients prior to stability testing (ICH Q3C compliance)
- Thermal purification of organometallic catalysts via sublimation under inert atmosphere
- Dehydration of hygroscopic reference standards without decomposition
- Preparative-scale freeze-drying of enzyme formulations using cryo-compatible accessories
- Short-path distillation of fragrance compounds and essential oils using Kugelrohr upgrade
- Rapid drying of chromatographic fractions (≤35 mL) with visual endpoint determination
- Thermal stress testing of battery electrode materials under controlled gas environment
FAQ
Can the B-585 be used for lyophilization without additional hardware?
No. Standard lyophilization requires a separate condenser, vacuum pump with deep vacuum capability (<0.1 mbar), and shelf-controlled freezing stage. The B-585 supports freeze-drying only when paired with BUCHI’s dedicated freeze-drying accessory kit (including cold trap and vacuum control module).
Is the 300 °C maximum temperature applicable to all sample volumes?
Yes—the specified upper limit is verified for both minimum and maximum load conditions (1 mL to 250 mL), though thermal equilibration time increases proportionally with volume. For optimal reproducibility, users are advised to validate heating profiles per batch size.
Does the B-585 meet CE marking requirements for electrical safety and EMC?
Yes. The instrument carries full CE marking per Directive 2014/35/EU (Low Voltage Directive) and 2014/30/EU (EMC Directive), with conformity assessment conducted by TÜV SÜD.
Can third-party desiccants be used in the integrated drying chamber?
Only BUCHI-certified desiccant cartridges (e.g., molecular sieve 3Å or silica gel variants) are recommended to maintain dimensional fit, vapor permeability, and chemical compatibility with the glass manifold. Non-OEM desiccants may compromise seal integrity or induce outgassing artifacts.
