I am doing cold ethanol extractions, around 4 to 5 gallons at a time. I have been using a 3L glass distillation setup that works pretty well, but takes a long time, and is easy to over heat towards the end of distillation.
I am considering buying a rotovap to help with solvent recovery. I have a vacuum pump and chiller so I am part way there. Not sure what size to get, I’m looking at the 2L or 5L rotovap from usalab. It looks like they have two different models for both sizes. I am wondering what the difference is in design and options. There is quite a difference in price, $1,800 for the 5L RE-501 vs. $3,500 for the 5L RE-1005
It looks like the more expensive one has a bump trap, different seals, and a nicer one piece stand. I see that some have a feed and drain port to help save time removing flasks to load/unload solvent, this seems like a great option to have. I could use some advice on which one to get. I’m not very familiar with them, if you have any input that could save me some hassle, it is much appreciated.
Have tou used there equipment before, i just got there catalog and some quotes but im weary of all the Chinese suppliers. I have all touch science simply because i can see on ig verified users thag have real opinions about there equipment. I need to place a order very soon before the tarrifs take effect.
A 2L one has a standard 24/29 joint on both sides and is easily customizable but the 5L one you’d need to buy an adaptor to reduce it to 24/29. nonetheless I love my 5L rotovap. Having the capacity is great.
Anyone know if you can use some of the Ai replacement parts for the 50L TS/Lanphan rotovap models? Specifically the PTFE (2 pc) sealing kit for the flask.
The r1005 does have some nice features. I’m not positive, but i think it has a valve so you can close off vacuum to the collection flask and drain it, while the system stays under vacuum. The 501 does not have this feature, although it’s not that big of a deal to break vac and drain while the main flask is spinning. The electric lift is also a nice feature, the bath looks more stable. The manual lift is easy to use, but the water bath bowl will move around slightly because is lifted by a jack.
I did read someone said that the electric lift burned out on them and was difficult to fix, so they advised going with the 501 in the future. The 501 fits nicely on a table and is easy to move around because the water bath is a separate piece.
I have a similar chiller that works well with the 5L. I did read the water aspirator pump will lose power if running for a long time. As the water heats up, the aspirator loses ability to pull vacuum.
I went with this pump below, it has intake and exhaust catch jars in case any liquids make it way to the pump, adjustable pressure controls, which is nice for when you first start the rotovap and don’t want to overload the chiller, and its oil free, chemical resistant so no worry of getting vac oil all messed up. Amazon.com
