How to use the rotary evaporator

Press the chiller button to activate it. The chiller is set to 2 degrees Celsius. Wait for the bath temperature to drop from 11 degrees to approximately 2-5.5 degrees before proceeding, which is necessary for water evaporation or volatile organic solvents.

Attach the glass connector from the sample flask to the rotary evaporator and secure it with clamps. Ensure the flask containing the solution to be evaporated is properly connected and tightly fitted.

Turn on the main rotovap switch and activate the water bath, setting it to approximately 50 degrees Celsius. Lower the flask into the water bath using the handle and activate the spinning motion to a moderate speed.

Activate the pump main switch and press the start button to initiate vacuum generation. Lock the valve to allow pressure to build up inside the instrument while monitoring the pressure display.

Hold your finger on the pressure release valve and manually reduce pressure gradually until the system reaches equilibrium. Monitor the solution to prevent excessive boiling and ensure vapors condense properly in the collection flask. Keep the valve open initially and patiently wait until everything stabilizes before closing it.

Observe the apparatus for a couple of minutes to ensure the system remains stable and the solution is boiling at the appropriate rate. Monitor that vapors are condensing in the collection flask and no solvent is bubbling too vigorously.

Turn off the spinning motion and lift the flask from the water bath. Turn off the rotary evaporator, then turn off the pump and main switch. Vent the system to atmospheric pressure by opening the valve, wait for pressure to stabilize, then carefully remove the flask.

Turn off the chiller to complete the rotary evaporation procedure. The apparatus is now shut down and ready for the next use.