DLAB RE500-E LCD-Controlled Rotary Evaporator

Overview

The DLAB RE500-E LCD-Controlled Rotary Evaporator is an engineered solution for efficient, reproducible solvent removal and sample concentration in research laboratories, quality control environments, and pilot-scale purification workflows. Designed around the fundamental principle of reduced-pressure distillation—where lowering system pressure decreases the boiling point of solvents—the RE500-E enables gentle, thermally sensitive compound recovery without degradation. Its core architecture integrates a precisely regulated rotating evaporation flask, temperature-controlled heating bath (water or optional oil), high-efficiency dual-layer condenser, and intelligent vacuum management. The system operates under a stable vacuum down to 9 mbar, supporting rapid ethanol evaporation rates up to 2 L/h while maintaining process integrity across batch sizes from milliliters to 5 L. All operational parameters—including rotation speed, bath temperature, real-time vapor temperature, and timer status—are presented simultaneously on a dedicated LCD interface, eliminating navigational latency during active runs.

Key Features

• Microprocessor-driven PID temperature control with ±1 °C accuracy across water bath (20–100 °C) and optional oil bath (20–180 °C) configurations
• Brushless high-voltage rotation motor (20–180 rpm) with bidirectional capability—enabling uniform suspension handling for slurries, suspensions, and solid-containing samples
• DC brushed lift motor enabling smooth, low-noise vertical travel over 130 mm, with overload and dry-run protection
• Dual-layer coiled condenser with large surface area ensures high condensation efficiency and prevents backflow under variable load conditions
• PTFE-sealed joints and PTFE-coated bath interior provide chemical resistance to organic solvents, acids, and bases—reducing cross-contamination risk and simplifying cleaning
• Integrated digital steam temperature sensor delivers real-time feedback for dynamic vacuum optimization and endpoint determination
• Auto-switching collection valve allows uninterrupted solvent recovery during continuous feed operations without compromising vacuum stability
• Comprehensive safety suite: overtemperature cutoff, leakage current detection, motor overcurrent protection, and anti-dry-burn logic

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RE500-E accommodates diverse sample matrices—including aqueous solutions, polar and non-polar organic extracts, polymer solutions, and heterogeneous suspensions—without requiring hardware modification. Its PTFE-based sealing system complies with standard laboratory chemical compatibility guidelines per ASTM D471 and ISO 1817 for elastomer resistance. While not certified as GMP or GLP-compliant out-of-the-box, the instrument’s deterministic control architecture, repeatable setpoint execution, and audit-ready parameter logging (when paired with optional vacuum controller and USB data export) support alignment with internal SOPs and regulatory expectations for method validation under USP , ISO/IEC 17025, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when implemented within validated workflows.

Software & Data Management

The RE500-E operates via embedded firmware with no external software dependency. All user inputs and system states are retained in non-volatile memory. Time-based operation supports programmable run durations from 0 to 999 minutes with automatic shutdown. When integrated with DLAB’s optional vacuum controller module (sold separately), the system enables closed-loop vacuum regulation and time-stamped event logging via USB interface—facilitating traceability for QC documentation. Exported logs include timestamped records of bath temperature, rotation speed, vacuum level (if monitored), and elapsed runtime—supporting raw data archiving requirements under ALCOA+ principles.

Applications

• Concentration of natural product extracts (e.g., plant alkaloids, essential oils) under mild thermal conditions
• Removal of volatile solvents (e.g., dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, hexane) following liquid–liquid extraction or column chromatography
• Preparative-scale solvent exchange in synthetic chemistry workflows
• Lyophilization pre-concentration steps where precise mass reduction is required prior to freeze drying
• Stability-indicating studies involving forced degradation of pharmaceutical intermediates
• Environmental analysis sample preparation—including PAH and PCB extract concentration prior to GC-MS analysis

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended evaporation rate for the RE500-E?
The system achieves up to 2 L/h using ethanol under optimal conditions (9 mbar, 60 °C bath, 120 rpm). Actual throughput depends on solvent volatility, ambient humidity, coolant temperature, and condenser efficiency.
Can the RE500-E be used with corrosive solvents such as concentrated HCl or nitric acid?
The PTFE seals and coated bath offer broad resistance, but direct exposure to fuming or hot concentrated mineral acids is not advised. Compatibility should be verified per manufacturer’s chemical resistance chart before use.
Is the oil bath included with the base configuration?
No—the RE500-E ships standard with a water bath. The oil bath is available as an optional accessory (part number specified in DLAB catalog).
Does the unit support remote monitoring or Ethernet connectivity?
Not natively. Remote functionality requires integration with third-party vacuum controllers or PLC systems via analog I/O (0–10 V or 4–20 mA signals), which may be enabled through custom configuration.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term reliability?
PTFE gaskets should be inspected quarterly; bath fluid replaced monthly for water, or per oil manufacturer specifications. Condenser coils require periodic descaling with ethanol or isopropanol; motor brushes (lift motor only) warrant replacement every 12–18 months under continuous operation.