Heidolph Hei-VAP Industrial Rotary Evaporator

Overview

The Heidolph Hei-VAP Industrial Rotary Evaporator is an engineered solution for high-throughput solvent removal, concentration, and recovery in pilot-scale and industrial R&D laboratories. Built on Couette-flow evaporation principles, it operates under controlled vacuum and precise thermal regulation to maximize evaporation efficiency while minimizing thermal degradation of heat-sensitive compounds. Its modular architecture supports integration into continuous processing workflows—including 24/7 unattended operation when paired with Heidolph’s optional Auto-Distillation Module—making it suitable for applications ranging from pharmaceutical intermediate purification to fine chemical synthesis and natural product isolation. Designed and manufactured in Schwabach, Germany, the system complies with IEC 61010-1 safety standards and incorporates structural redundancies aligned with ISO 9001-certified production protocols.

Key Features

• Motorized vertical lift mechanism enables precise, repeatable positioning of the evaporation flask across the full 6–20 L volume range, ensuring optimal immersion depth and film formation on the flask interior.
• V4A stainless steel (1.4404) heating bath rated for dual-use with water or silicone oil, featuring integrated immersion-sensing level control, bottom drain valve, overflow outlet, and fully embedded heating elements—eliminating exposed components and simplifying maintenance.
• PTFE-sealed vacuum system achieves stable operation down to 1 mbar with leakage rates <1 mbar/min, validated per DIN EN ISO 2859-1 sampling plans for critical seal integrity assurance.
• 7-inch IP42-rated capacitive touchscreen interface provides real-time display of bath temperature, rotation speed, vacuum pressure, steam temperature, and program status—with all parameters individually adjustable or executed via one-touch sequencing.
• EASY LOCK flask coupling system (Patent EP3171955 B1) allows single-operator installation and removal of 6 L, 10 L, or 20 L evaporation flasks without tools or mechanical strain, supported by ergonomic flask support arms and integrated LED illumination for process monitoring.
• Triple-layer safety architecture: (1) Full-height metal frame with tempered safety glass enclosure over the heating bath; (2) Transparent PMMA shield fully enveloping the collection flask; (3) Condenser guard with optical clarity for real-time condensate observation—all interlocked with emergency stop and automatic shutdown upon overpressure or vacuum failure.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Hei-VAP Industrial accommodates a broad spectrum of solvents—including chlorinated, polar protic, and high-boiling-point media—thanks to its chemically inert PTFE seals, V4A bath construction, and corrosion-resistant condenser surfaces. It supports standard ISO/KG glassware configurations (e.g., 29/32, 35/20 joints) and accepts optional foam-suppression kits and fractional distillation heads. For regulated environments, the system supports GLP-compliant data integrity through timestamped parameter logging (exportable via USB), configurable alarm thresholds, and hardware-enforced access controls. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, its deterministic control logic and non-volatile event logging enable validation pathways for GMP manufacturing support when deployed within qualified laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Software & Data Management

No proprietary software installation is required: operational parameters are configured directly on the embedded controller. All 250 programmable methods—including ramp-hold profiles, vacuum-triggered boiling point recognition, and time-based distillation cycles—are stored in non-volatile memory with checksum verification. Each program supports up to 999 gradient steps, allowing complex multi-stage protocols (e.g., solvent-switching sequences or gradient temperature/vacuum sweeps). USB export generates CSV-formatted logs containing date/time stamps, setpoints, actual values, and system events—facilitating traceability during internal audits or regulatory inspections. Optional firmware updates are delivered via encrypted USB key to maintain cybersecurity alignment with IEC 62443-3-3 guidelines.

Applications

• Concentration of large-volume natural extract batches (e.g., botanical infusions, fermentation broths) prior to chromatographic fractionation.
• Removal of residual solvents from API intermediates under ICH Q3C-compliant conditions.
• Recovery and recycling of high-purity ethyl acetate, toluene, or THF in kilogram-scale synthetic campaigns.
• Pilot-scale lyophilization feedstock preparation requiring consistent solids content and low residual moisture.
• Continuous solvent exchange workflows when integrated with Heidolph’s Auto-Distillation Module—enabling automated condensate drainage, bath refilling, and residue evacuation without manual intervention.

FAQ

What vacuum level is achievable, and how is stability maintained?
The system achieves and holds ≤1 mbar under standard operating conditions, verified using calibrated Pirani gauges. Stability is ensured via PTFE dynamic sealing, active vacuum regulation, and leak-rate testing performed during final factory QA.
Can the heating bath operate with both water and oil?
Yes—the V4A stainless steel bath is compatible with water (up to 100 °C) and silicone oils (up to 180 °C), with automatic low-level detection preventing dry-run conditions in either mode.
Is remote monitoring or network connectivity supported?
No Ethernet or Wi-Fi interface is built-in; however, USB-based log export enables integration with centralized lab data systems via secondary host computers.
What safety certifications does the unit carry?
It bears CE marking per Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, with electrical safety compliance to IEC 61010-1:2010 and EMC conformity to EN 61326-1:2013.
How is calibration traceability handled?
Temperature sensors are factory-calibrated against NIST-traceable references; users may perform field verification using certified PT100 probes—documentation templates for IQ/OQ protocols are available upon request from Heidolph Technical Support.