GengYu RE-5000A Rotary Evaporator

Overview

The GengYu RE-5000A Rotary Evaporator is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed for efficient, scalable solvent removal and compound concentration under reduced pressure. It operates on the principle of thin-film evaporation: a motor-driven 5 L evaporation flask rotates at controlled speeds (0–200 rpm) within a thermostatically regulated water bath (ambient to 99 °C), generating a uniform, high-surface-area liquid film along the inner wall. Under vacuum conditions—achievable down to 0.098 MPa—the boiling point of solvents is significantly lowered, enabling gentle yet rapid evaporation of heat-sensitive materials. Vaporized solvent passes through an integrated vertical double-layer serpentine condenser (cooling area: 0.26 m²), where it is condensed back into liquid phase via external coolant circulation (e.g., chiller or tap water) and collected in a 3 L receiving flask. The system requires external vacuum source (e.g., diaphragm, rotary vane, or circulating water pump) and cooling utility to function as a complete distillation unit.

Key Features

• High-integrity construction: All wetted parts—including evaporation flask, condenser, collecting flask, and vapor ducts—are fabricated from borosilicate glass 3.3 (low thermal expansion coefficient) and PTFE, ensuring chemical inertness, thermal stability, and resistance to hydrolysis or corrosion across organic, aqueous, and mildly acidic/basic media.
• Dual-seal vacuum system: Composite sealing using PTFE and fluorocarbon rubber (FKM) provides reliable, long-term vacuum integrity up to 0.098 MPa, minimizing leakage during extended runs.
• Precision temperature control: Aluminum heating bath with PTFE-coated interior and PT100 platinum resistance sensor delivers ±1 °C accuracy across the full 0–99 °C range; closed-heating design enhances thermal efficiency and safety.
• Smooth, low-noise rotation: Brushless DC motor enables stepless electronic speed regulation (0–200 rpm) via intuitive rotary knob, eliminating sparking hazards and ensuring stable film formation even at low rotational inertia.
• Integrated vertical lift mechanism: Motorized height adjustment (90 mm stroke) with ergonomic toggle switch allows precise positioning of the evaporation flask relative to the bath—critical for optimizing film thickness and preventing bumping or splashing.
• User-centric interface: Large LCD display simultaneously monitors real-time bath temperature and rotation speed; ON/OFF rocker switches provide independent control of heating and rotation circuits.
• Safety-engineered protection: Dual independent fuses safeguard both rotation and heating circuits; over-temperature cutoff and motor overload detection are embedded in the control logic.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RE-5000A is compatible with a broad spectrum of solvents—including acetone, ethanol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, hexane, and water—and accommodates samples ranging from crude extracts and reaction mixtures to pharmaceutical intermediates and polymer solutions. Its all-glass/PTFE fluid path complies with general laboratory good practice (GLP) requirements for traceability and minimal extractables. While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, the instrument supports audit-ready operation when integrated into validated workflows: temperature and rotation parameters are digitally recorded (via optional data logging modules), and vacuum level can be monitored externally using calibrated gauges. The design conforms to IEC 61010-1 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment.

Software & Data Management

The RE-5000A operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid system with no embedded firmware or proprietary software. All operational parameters—temperature setpoint, actual bath temperature, and rotation speed—are displayed in real time on the front-panel LCD. For laboratories requiring electronic recordkeeping, third-party data acquisition systems (e.g., LabVIEW-compatible thermocouple interfaces or RS-485-enabled controllers) may be interfaced via standard analog outputs (0–5 V or 4–20 mA) available on optional upgrade kits. Raw parameter logs can be exported for inclusion in electronic lab notebooks (ELN) compliant with ALCOA+ principles (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available).

Applications

• Concentration of natural product extracts (e.g., plant alkaloids, essential oils) without thermal degradation
• Removal of volatile reaction solvents (THF, DMF, toluene) post-synthesis in fine chemical and API manufacturing
• Lyophilization pre-concentration steps in biopharmaceutical R&D
• Recycling of high-purity solvents in QC/QA labs under controlled environmental conditions
• Distillation of low-boiling azeotropes in academic organic chemistry teaching laboratories
• Preparative-scale purification of heat-labile polymers and dendrimers

FAQ

What vacuum pumps are compatible with the RE-5000A?
Diaphragm pumps (oil-free, chemically resistant), rotary vane pumps (with cold trap), and circulating water aspirators均可 be used; selection depends on required ultimate vacuum, solvent compatibility, and noise constraints.
Is the condenser jacketed or air-cooled?
The condenser is unjacketed and requires external coolant circulation through its 12 mm inlet/outlet ports; typical supply temperature is 0–15 °C for optimal condensation efficiency.
Can the RE-5000A operate continuously under vacuum with feed addition?
Yes—its PTFE-lined活塞式加料阀 (19# standard taper) enables continuous sample introduction under vacuum via the 10 mm PTFE extension tube.
What maintenance is recommended for long-term reliability?
Regular inspection of PTFE/FKM seals, periodic cleaning of glass components with mild detergent and deionized water, and verification of PT100 sensor calibration every 6 months are advised.
Does the unit support GLP-compliant documentation?
While the base model lacks built-in audit trail functionality, integration with external data loggers and ELNs enables full compliance with GLP documentation standards for regulated environments.