Buchi Rotavapor R-200 User manual

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BÜCHI Rotavapor R-200/205 Table of contents
Contents
en, Version L (60 pages) Order number
R-200/205 Operating Instructions 96776
Read these operating instructions thoroughly
before you use the BÜCHI Rotavapor
R-200/205. Keep these instructions near
the apparatus, so that they are quickly
accessible.
Chapter two contains important safety
instructions. This information is essential as
regards safe operation of the rotary
evaporator.
We reserve the right to make technical modi-
fications without prior notice. No part of these
operating instructions can be reproduced or
processed, copied or distributed using elec-
tronic or optical systems without permission
in writing from Büchi Labortechnik AG.
All rights reserved.
© Büchi Labortechnik AG, 2000, 2001
1 Scope of Delivery 2
2 Safety 4
3 Function 9
4 Putting into operation 12
4.1 Point of use 12
4.2 Electrical connections 12
4.3 Heating bath 13
4.4 Steam tube and sealing system 13
4.5 Glass assembly 14
4.6 Combi-clip 14
4.7 Condenser fixation 14
4.8 Submerging angle into the heating bath 15
4.9 End catch when lowering and raising the
evaporating flask 15
4.10 Adjusting tension of the servo jack rope 16
4.11 Tube connections 17
4.12 Tube schema 18
4.13 Display module for vapour temperature and
rotation speed 19
4.14 Combination with Büchi Vacuum Controller
V-800/805 20
5 Operation 22
5.1 Rear connections 22
5.2 Controls Büchi Rotavapor R-200 22
5.3 Controls Büchi Rotavapor R-205 23
5.4 Lowering and raising the evaporating flask 23
5.5 Heating bath 24
5.6 Distilling 25
5.7 Choosing distillation conditions 27
5.8 Solvent table 29
5.9 Troubleshooting 30
6 Maintenance 31
7 Taking out of operation 34
8 Spare parts and accessories 35
9 Appendix 57

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BÜCHI Rotavapor R-200/205
1 Scope of Delivery
Picture 1: R-205 total view
1 Scope of Delivery
Picture 2: Display module R-205
Base apparatus
Büchi Rotavapor R-200 including bath B-490
Büchi Rotavapor R-205 including bath B-490
Table 1: Base apparatuses
Caution
Condenser mounting (40607 + 40608) in combination with
glass assesmbly A not included.
Glass assemblies
Glass assembly A uncoated or 40630
Plastic +Glas coated 40632
Glass assembly V uncoated or 40600
Plastic +Glas coated 40602
Glass assembly C uncoated or 40640
Plastic +Glas coated 40642
Glass assembly S uncoated or 40650
Plastic +Glas coated 40652
Glass assembly E uncoated or 40660
Plastic +Glas coated 40662
Glass assembly CR uncoated or 40670
Plastic +Glas coated 40672
Table 2: Glass assemblies
Standard accessories: Order number
1 Mains cable Bath Rotavapor
Type CH plug type 12
or PNE, 2.5 m 10010 40833
Type Schuko 10016 40834
Type GB 17835 40831
Type AUS 17836 40832
Type USA 10020 40830
1 Operating instructions
German 96775
English 96776
French 96777
Italian 96778
Spanish 96779
BÜCHI Heating bath B-490 cpl.
230 V 50/60 Hz 40400
100-120 V 50/60 Hz 40404
Table 3: Standard accessories

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BÜCHI Rotavapor R-200/205 1 Scope of Delivery
Picture 3: V-800 and V-805
Picture 4: Automatic sensor to V-805
Picture 5: Remote control to V-800/805
Additional accessories for advanced + professional
resp. facultative accessories
Büchi Vacuum Controller V-800, 230 V 40736
Büchi Vacuum Controller V-800, 120 V 40737
Büchi Vacuum Controller V-805, 230 V 40738
Büchi Vacuum Controller V-805, 120 V 40739
Valve unit to V-800/805 37968
Holder for valve unit 37968 to 40810
Rotavapor R-200/205
Remote control for V-800/805 40735
Automatic sensor to V-805 40741
only for glass assembly V+S
Kommunication set 40235
between V-800/805 and R-200/205
Table 4a: Facultative accessories
Upgrade R-200 zu R-205
Upgrade R-200 to R-205 40320
Display for rotation and vapour
(without probe)
1 Sensor for measuring the vapour tempe- 40340
rature (only with glass assembly V+S+E)
Table 4b: Facultative accessories

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BÜCHI Rotavapor R-200/205
2 Safety
2 Safety
This apparatus has been built according to state-of-the-art
and recognised safety rules. Still, it can be associated with
risks and hazards:
• If the apparatus is operated by insufficiently trained
personnel.
• If the apparatus is not used properly.
2.1 Symbols
Stop
Information on hazards, which can lead to heavy material
damages, to severe or life-threatening injuries.
Warning
Information on hazards which can be harmful to your health
and lead to material damage.
Please note
Information, pointing to technical requirements. If these are
not complied with, disturbances, reduced economic efficiency
and product losses can result.
Warning
Surface temperature more than 60°C.
2.2. Requirements placed on operators
This apparatus can only be used by expert personnel or other
persons, who, because of their education or profession are
familiar with hazards, which can arise when this apparatus is
operated.
Personnel lacking this kind of training or persons, still being
trained, require thorough instructions. These operating
instructions are the basis for such training measures.
2.3 Proper use
The Rotavapor is not intended for activities with excess
pressure. Thus, you should make sure that no excess pressure
develops in the Rotavapor.
This apparatus has been designed and built for laboratories. It
is to be used for activities, associated with evaporating of
solvents.

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BÜCHI Rotavapor R-200/205
It is used for:
• Distilling solvents
• Vaporising of solvents and suspensions
• Recrystallisation
• Synthesis and cleaning of fine chemicals
• Soxhlet extractions
In the case of drying powders, electrostatic charges can form.
Proper use of the apparatus includes caring for it and carefully
handling it in accordance with the instructions found in these
operating instructions.
The heating bath is the heating source for distillation, whereby
the heating medium must be water or heat carrier oil. (see
Chapter Heating bath). The Rotavapor/Rotary Evaporator can
only be operated with a heating bath.
2.4 Improper use
Applications not mentioned above are improper. Also,
applications, which do not comply with the technical data are
considered improper . The operator assumes sole risk for any
damages, attributed to such improper use.
Especially the following uses are not permitted:
• Use of the apparatus in rooms, which require protected
apparatuses.
• Calibration apparatus for other apparatuses.
• Determination of samples, which can explode or ignite
(example: explosives, etc.) due to shock, friction, heat or
spark formation.
• Work in excess pressure.
• Working with other water or oil baths other than the heating
bath B-490, especially the use of heating sources with
temperatures above 180°C (e.g. a Bunsen burner, etc.).
• Processing of hard, brittle materials (example: stones, soil
samples, etc.), which can lead to destruction of the
evaporating flask.
• 3 Kilogram in an evaporating flask is the maximum weight
you can use with the Büchi Rotavapor. If the evaporating
flask is overloaded the joint adapter or the flask could break.
2 Safety

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BÜCHI Rotavapor R-200/205
2.5 Fundamental hazards
Fundamental hazards are associated with:
• Hot surfaces, occurring during operation
• Hot water or oil bath (up to 180 °C)
• Solvents, which can form peroxides (explosion hazards)
• Solvents with low ignition, flame, and/or explosion
temperatures
• Mixtures with unknown compositions or contamination
• Combustible gases or solvent vapour in the immediate
vicinity of the rotary evaporator
• Damaged glassware (implosions)
• Electrostatic charges when solvents are filled, or in the
case of drying powder.
Contact with live parts can be fatal.
Covers can only be removed with conventional tools by
authorised repair personnel. The apparatus cannot be put
into operation with damaged glassware.
2.6 Safety measures
Regional and local laws and regulations must be respected.
Basically, personal protective equipment such asprotective
eye goggles, protective clothing and glovesare to be
worn.
There is a risk of scalding when hot evaporating flasks are
replaced. Suitable gloves can prevent this.
Use of optional Büchi protective equipment like PLASTIC+
GLAS coated glass components and protective shields protect
operators in case of accidents.
You can only use recommended standard glass assemblies.
You cannot assembly the unit from arbitrary glass components.
Each glass parts have to be checked on damages before
use. The joints have to be greased. All screw joints have to be
protected against overloaded stress.
2Safety

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BÜCHI Rotavapor R-200/205 2 Safety
Only those components of the Rotavapor can be installed
and removed, which fulfil the intended function. This can be
done by hand or with the supplied tool. Only authorised repair
personnel can remove protective equipment and covers with
the help of conventional tools. You should only move the
heating bath when it is cool.
If you use an oil bath, make sure that water cannot enter the
bath, because hot oil can splash.
The operator is responsible for training his personnel. For this
purpose, you can be order these operating instructions in
other languages. These operating instructions must be
available for operating personnel at the point of use of the
apparatus as component of the rotary evaporator.
The operator shall inform the manufacturer immediately about
any safety relevant events, occurring during use of the
apparatus.
2.7 Modifications
Modifications to the apparatus or to spare parts and accessories
as well as use of other spare parts and accessories than those
mentioned in these operating instructions are only permitted
with the written consent of Büchi Labortechnik AG.

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BÜCHI Rotavapor R-200/205
2.8 Safety elements
Electric/ electronics
• The 230V baths are equipped with safety fuses.
• The bath is equipped with a mechanical and an electronic
over-temperature protection
Operation/product contacting parts
• Safety catch for regulating the dip depth of the evaporating
flask into the heating bath
• Combi-clips for fixing the evaporating flask and for safe
loosening of fixed ground-glass joints (evaporating flasks)
• Ball joint clip for safe fixing of the receiving flask
• Rods and holders for fusing of the glass assemblies
• The electrical servo jack is equipped with an electronic
over-temperature protection and a power-up time limit.
• The driving unit is equipped with an electronic over-
temperature protection
• A safety spring protects the vapour duct from dropping out
Glass
• Use of high quality, inert 3.3 borosilicate glass
• Screw GL 14 tube nipples for preventing glass breakage
OPTIONAL:
PLASTIC + GLAS (abbreviated PLG) is a unique protective
layer for glass components. It offers improved mechanical
rupture resistance and increases protection against broken
glass. It also makes sure that the sample is not lost in the
receiving flask, if the flask is damaged.
The Büchi protective shield protects operators from flying
broken glass, solvent splashes and hot bath liquid in case of
accidents.
With the rod and pivoting clamp the condenser can be
additionally clamped.
2 Safety

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BÜCHI Rotavapor R-200/205
3 Function
3 Function
3.1 Definitions
Some terms come up in these operating instructions, which
require some clarification.
Glass assemblies:
A: with diagonal condensers, for standard distillations
V: with vertical condenser, for standard distillations, 17 cm
less place requirement than glass assembly A
C: with cold traps for dry ice, for distilling solvents with low
boiling points
S: with vertical condenser and reflux capability
CR: with cold traps and reflux capability, for distilling solvents
with low boiling points
E: with descending condenser without reflux capability, ide-
al for solutions, with tendency to foaming
PLASTIC+GLAS
PLASTIC + GLAS (abbreviated PLG) is a unique protective
layer for glass components. It offers improved mechanical
rupture resistance and increases protection against broken
glass. It also makes sure that the sample is not lost in the
receiving flask, if the flask is damaged.

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BÜCHI Rotavapor R-200/205
3 Function
3.2 Functional principle
With a vacuum rotary evaporator, single step distillations are
performed quickly and in a product friendly manner. The basis
of this procedure is the evaporation and condensation of
solvents using a rotating evaporating flask.
Distillations can be performed under vacuum. This increases
performance and helps to protect products. Distillations can
be performed under vacuum and atmospheric pressure.
An example using the V assembly
!Evaporation area
The solvent is heated over a heating bath. In the rotating
evaporating flask, a thin solvent film forms on the inside of
the flask, resulting in increased evaporation rate. Rotation
also results in even mixing of the sample and thus, prevents
stationary over heating in the flask. (Maximum weight 3 kg)
"Rotation drive
The drive unit makes sure that the evaporating flask rotates
evenly with the resulting advantages (see item 1).
#Cooling area
The solvent vapour flows very quickly in the condenser.
Here, the energy in the solvent vapour is transferred to
the cooling medium (mostly water) and the solvent
condenses.
$Receiving flask
The receiving flask receives the condensing solvent.
Vacuum
Vacuum reduces the boiling temperature and thus
increases performance of distillation.
Evaporating performance is influenced by distillation
pressure (vacuum), heating bath temperature, rotation
speed and size of evaporating flask.
See Chapter 5.7, ”Selecting distillation conditions”, for
information on selecting the optimum distillation conditions.
Picture 6: R-205 Basic Glass assembly
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BÜCHI Rotavapor R-200/205
3.3 Overview of components
!Quick-action jack
"Drive part with sealing system
#Electronics head
$Evaporating flask
%Glass assembly
&Receiving flask
'Combi-clip
(Heating bath
)Display module for rotation speed and vapour
temperature (optional)
*Büchi Vacuum Controller (optional)
+Valve unit (optional)
Picture 7: R-205 Professional with Glass assembly V
3 Function
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BÜCHI Rotavapor R-200/205
4 Putting into operation
4 Putting into operation
Look for damages when you unpack the unit. It is important
that you detect any transport damages when you unpack. If
necessary, you must prepare a status report immediately
(informing postal company, railway company or transportation
company).
Keep the original packaging in case the unit needs to be
transported later.
4.1 Point of use
The apparatus must be placed on a stable, horizontal plane.
Please take note of the max. product dimension. It cannot be
used in EX-protected rooms. Normally, distillations are to be
performed under vacuum with the rotary evaporator only in
running hood.
If, for space related reasons, this is not possible, the optional
protective shield should be mounted and the exhaust gas
should be led from the pump into the running hood.
4.2 Electrical connections
Determine whether the voltage on the socket corresponds to
the voltage given on the apparatus plate.
Always connect the apparatus to a earthed socket. External
connections and extension cables must lead a earthed
conductor lead (3-pole couplings, cable or plug equipment).
The earthed conductor lead cannot be interrupted. As a result,
risks due to internal defects are avoided.
Electronstatic sparks may damage the apparatus.
Bath and rotary evaporator are connected to the mains by
the mains cables.
Cabling
!mains supply bath
"mains supply rotary evaporator
Picture 8: Power connection of the Bath and Rotavapor
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BÜCHI Rotavapor R-200/205 4 Putting into operation
Picture 9: Bath B-490
4.3 Heating bath
The bath is placed onto the base plate of the rotary evaporator.
If you need to move the bath, you can pull on the inserted
handle !in the base plate.
Heating medium
Never operate the heating bath without heating medium!
The following are suitable as heating medium:
• Distilled or deionised water for temperature range between
20 °C to 85 °C
• Heat carrier oil or water soluble polyethylene glycol (PEG)
for a working range up to 250 °C.
Saving energy
In the case of heating baths, there are various ways to save
energy. By using floating balls in the water bath, evaporation
of water is reduced. As a result, heating of the bath is switched
on less often. This measure helps to save energy up to 50 %.
At the same time approximately 70 % less water is used.
(see Chapter 8.11, Miscellaneous).
You should turn on the heating bath around 10 –15 minutes
before starting the distillation, since the bath has a quick warm-
up time. You should also turn off the heating bath after a
distillation.
4.4 Steam tube and sealing system
In contrast to previous generation of Büchi Rotavapor systems,
the new Büchi Rotavapor R-200/205 needs only one sealing
system, which is suitable for distillations under reflux.
All materials, which come into contact with chemicals are
made of glass, PTFE and ETFE.
To prolong the service life of seals, the following should be
respected:
Seals:
• Never grease seals
• Never touch seals with sharp objects
• Clean seals with soap and water or ethanol
• Control seals regularly
Picture 10: Explosion drawing of sealing system
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BÜCHI Rotavapor R-200/205
4 Putting into operation
4.5 Glass assembly
You can see the composition of the glass assembly on the
illustrations in 8.4, Glass assemblies.
• All flanges (condenser, distribution heads, evaporating flasks,
ground adapter) can be fastened, without having to
remove the screw cap. They must only be opened enough
so that the flange can be pushed through.
• Glass assemblies V, S, C, E, CR are to be secured using
foreseen condenser fixation.
• The receiving flask is to be secured with the clip foreseen
for this purpose.
Only glassware in perfect condition is to be used. The
glassware cannot have tears, stars, or other damages. You
must check glassware for damages before each use.
To achieve optimum tightness of the system, all joints are to
be greased on the condenser side.
4.6 Combi-clip
The combi-clip fulfils two functions:
!Holding the evaporating flask
"Loosening of the evaporating flask
#Handle
The handle #clicks in when it is in upward position.
4.7 Condenser fixation
!Condenser fixation with 3 adjustment possibilities, depending
on the used glass assembly.
"Screw for tightening and loosening the rod.
Picture 11: Combi-clip function
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Picture 12: Condenser fixation
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BÜCHI Rotavapor R-200/205
4.8 Submerging angle into the heating bath
If, use of the Rotavapor requires employment of another
angle than 30 °, the angle is to be set as follows:
• Turn off the apparatus
• Hold the glass assembly with one hand and loosen the
handle screw !with the other hand
• Put the drive part "into the desired position
• Retighten the handle screw !
You cannot set the submerging angle when the apparatus is
operating.
The lowest quantity of solvent is lost when the condenser is in
a vertical position.
When the handle screw is loosen the glass assembly can tilt
to the left, which can result in glass breakage. Hold the glass
assembly when you loosen the handle screw.
4.9 End catch when submerging the evaporating
flask
By adjusting the catch screw !, the lower catch of the quick-
action jack can be set so that the evaporating flask can be
lowered into the bath as you desire.
Setting is to be chosen so that:
• In the case of lower catch of the quick-action jack neither
adapter or combi-clip nor evaporating flask touch the edge
of the bath
• The flask is not on the bottom of the bath
• No heating bath liquid flows out of the bath when the flask
is submerged
• The stop screw !must be freely movable in the air.
Picture 13: Drive unit with fixing screw
Picture 14: Screw for end catch of the servo-jack
4 Putting into operation
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BÜCHI Rotavapor R-200/205
4.10 Adjusting tension of the servo jack rope
It can happen that the servo jack can not be lowered to the
very end, specially after transportation of the Rotavapor. In
this case the tension of the rope has to be adjusted. This can
be done by the customer.
1. If the servo jack can not be lowered to the end, turn the
screws (1) on the front side of the rotavapor, 1/4 turn
clockwise.
2. Repeat step 1 if the servo jack doesn't go properly down.
3. Turn the screws 1/4 turn unclockwise till the lever after
pressing down is not comming up on it self.
Picture 15: Adjusting tension of the servo jack rope
4 Putting into operation
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BÜCHI Rotavapor R-200/205
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4 Putting into operation
4.11 Tube connections
Cooling water
• Use GL-14 screwed connections
• The tubes used must all have the same inside diameter
(approximately 6 mm)
• For safety reasons, the tubes are to be secured with
commercial tube pivoting clamps or cable binders.
• To save cooling water, a recirculating chiller can be used.
• Brittle tubes are to be replaced.
Vacuum
• Use GL-14 screwed connections
• The tubes used must all have the same inside diameter
(approximately 5 mm)
• Keep vacuum tubes as short as possible.
• If no Büchi Vacuum Controller is used, a Woulff bottle is to
be connected between the vacuum source and Rotavapor.
• If a Büchi Vacuum Controller is used, a valve unit should
be connected.
• Tubes do not need to be secured.
• Brittle tubes are to be replaced.
!Glass assembly
"Vacuum sensor (to valve unit &)
#Valve unit
$Connection to glass assembly
%Connection to pump
&Connection to Vacuum Controller
'Connection for inert gas
The separator of the valve unit or a Woulff bottle serves as
safety, so that contamination, solvent or water (if a water jet
pump is used) cannot pass through the tubing neither from
the vacuum source into Rotavapor nor vice versa.
Picture 16: R-200/205 with Vacuum Controller

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BÜCHI Rotavapor R-200/205
4 Putting into operation
Picture 17: Tube schema
!Cooling Water
"Vacuum connection (to valve unit $)
#Vacuum sensor (to valve unit &)
$Connection to glass assembly "
%Connection to pump
&Connection to Vacuum Controller
'Connection for inert gas
(Valve unit (see end of chapter 4.13)
4.12 Tube schema
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BÜCHI Rotavapor R-200/205
Picture 18: V condenser with position vapour temperature sensor, and
rear of the display module
4.13 Display module for vapour temperature and
rotation speed
Installing the display module
When the display module is installed into a Büchi Rotavapor
R-200, the unit becomes the Büchi Rotavapor R-205. If you
order R-205, this display module is already installed. If this
module is ordered separately, you can retrofit it as follows:
!Screw out screw !and pull the cover plate to the back.
"Lift the lower spring-loaded catch of the front plate and
remove the front plate
#Connect the display module with the flat belt cable in the
apparatus
$Connect the 2 pole cable with the display module.
Latch display module from the front to the Rotavapor and
insert it on the rear of the plug socket into the foreseen
holder (as shown in the picture $).
%Screw the tower cover back on.
Installing the vapour temperature sensor
So that the vapour temperature can be displayed, the accom-
panying sensor must be connected. It is plugged into the
socket !located on the rear of the module.
The Sensor is lead into the corresponding opening of the
condenser "and screwed.
4 Putting into operation
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BÜCHI Rotavapor R-200/205
4.14 Combination with Büchi Vacuum Controller
V-800/805
The new Büchi Vacuum Controllers V-800/805 are optimally
adapted to the design of the Rotavapor R-200/205.
Scoe of delivery
If the Vacuum Controller V-800/805 and valve unit are ordered
together with the Rotavapor R-200/205, these are already
installed into the units.
Retrofitting
If a Rotavapor R-200 or R-205 is retrofitted, you must proceed
as follows:
Fixation
• Screw out screw !and pull the cover plate to the back.
This cover %will not be used any more.
• Remove the cable socket "and plug it into the Vacuum
Controller.
• Place the Vacuum Controller V-800/805 on the special
cover #and draw the cover from the rear side on the
Rotavapor. Fix the cover with the screw.
• Control cable $for the Rotavapor
The holding device for the valve unit can be fixed on the left
side of the tower of the Rotavapor. The valve unit can be fixed
on the holding device.
Cabeling of the Rotavapor
&Connect mains supply bath to the mains
'Connect mains supply of rotary evaporator to the mains
(R socket on Vacuum Controller is connected to the socket
on the Rotavapor
)Switchbox socket on the V-500 is connected to the
”PUMP” socket on the Vacuum Controller
*Valve socket on Vacuum Controller is connected to the
valve unit ,
+CW socket on Vacuum Controller is connected to the
cooling water valve
,Valve Unit
Picture 19: Installation of Vacuum Controller on Rotavapor
4 Putting into operation
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