Cole Parmer RV-400 Series User manual

Cole-Parmer®
RV-400 Series
ROTARY EVAPORATOR
Instruction Manual
52411_5L Rotary Evaporator_ver_1.0
Applicable to 230V a.c. models only

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User Warning
WARNING
Failure to follow all warning and instructions could result in serious injury. Your safety is very
important to us, we urge you to take the following precautions when using this product.
We are not responsible for injury or damage caused by misuse.
•Instrument must be grounded and away from any electromagnetic interference
•Use instrument in a laboratory environment with proper ventilation
•Before using the instrument, the user must have some basic knowledge of the equipment/process
and obtain related laboratory skills
•Do not retrofit the instrument, this may lead to electric shock or cause equipment failure
•Do not use instrument for applications not listed in the purpose section
•This instrument is not explosion proof; do not operate in an explosive environment
•If using flammable sample or organic solvents take caution in spilling hazards
•During operation be cautious of hot bath and rotating flask
•Do not disassemble the instrument. Electrical components can cause personal injury
•The instrument should use a separate power outlet
•Do not unplug the unit during operation. Turn off heating and rotating then switch the unit off
before unplugging the instrument
•Proper personal protection equipment shall be used during operation
•Instrument cannot be repaired without authorization of the vendor/manufacturer
•Do not position the unit in such a way as to make disconnection from power supply difficult.
NOTE: (This may affect the service life of the unit)
•Please make sure the power connection is correct and well grounded.
•Ensure that the glassware is free of cracks, chips, or any other notable defects. Do not use if
defective.
•Check that all hosing (vacuum/chilling) does not have tears or kinks.
•Avoid cracking condenser barb connections or injection valve when assembling hosing by
rotating and pushing hosing on connections.
•Avoid overtightening clamps on glass joints. This can affect the seal of the joint and create leak
points. Double check all screws on clamps are evenly tightened.
•Check rotating screw caps on motor are tightened and making a seal with the glass.
•During operation place rotary evaporator on even surface and lock feet.
•Use vacuum grease in all connections.

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Purpose
Rotary Evaporators are used to distill solvents from compounds with precise evaporation. These are
especially useful when trying to separate organic compounds from ethanol, or any other low boiling
point solvents. Boiling points can be lowered by pulling a vacuum on the system. The evaporating flask
rotates with variable speeds, allowing you to spin the solution into a thin film around the flask. With a
combination of a reduced pressure and large heating surface area, these are great for quick distillation.
Internal glass coil condenser cools solvent vapors, allowing them to fall into the collection flask. This
leaves you with distilled solvent, ready to use again.
The heating element is controlled by a PID controller, accurate to the degree. Slowly raise temperatures
to achieve your solvent’s boiling point without disturbing the extract.
Structural Features
•Dual thermocouple positioned for accurate bath temperature control
•PTFE valve cores, corrosion-resistant without any pollution
•Check valve between collection flask and condenser to allow the emptying of recovered solvent
without having to break vacuum
•Vacuum gauge and manifold for direct feedback of any vacuum loss
•Electric lifting bath with dual heating coils for uniformity
•Rigid frame to easily support and transport unit around laboratory
•Triple coiled condenser for maximum surface area
•Compact footprint
Unpacking
Note: The glassware set is fragile; unpack with care.
1. Open the package.
2. Check the parts according to the packing list. If there are any missing, please contact us.
3. Carefully clean the glass to maintain cleanliness before assembly.
4. Prepare all the tools needed for installation.

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Connecting the unit to the main supply
The 230V unit will be supplied with an EU mains lead. Should the plug not be suitable for
connecting to the mains power supply in your territory, replace the plug with a suitable
alternative.
THIS OPERATION SHOULD ONLY BE UNDERTAKEN BY A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN. NOTE: Refer to
the equipment rating plate to ensure that the plug and fusing are suitable for the voltage and
wattage stated.
cable wiring is colored as follows:
UK / EU mains cable wiring is colored as follows:
Brown –Live
Blue –Neutral
Green/Yellow - Earth
Should the mains lead require replacement, cable of 1.5 mm2/14 AWG of harmonized code
HO5VV-F should be selected. This is dependent upon the power rating of the unit, see technical
specifications.
IF IN DOUBT CONSULT A QUALIFIED ELECTRICIAN

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Technical Specifications
Model
RV-400A-5
52411-96, 52411-97
Rotational Speed
20 ～140 rpm
Bath Temp Range
RT+5°C ～99°C / RT+41°F ～210°F
Speed Setting
Knob Setting + LCD Controller
Lifting Method
Automatic
Bath Heating Method
Built-in heating coils
Rotational Motor
DC Brushless
Total Condensing
Surface Area
0.278 m² /431 in²
Vacuum Seal
PTFE Coating
Dimensions W x H x D (mm)
860 x 1120 x 410
Bath Inner Dimension
Diameter x Height (mm)
280 x 175
Water Bath Material
Stainless Steel + Corrosion Resistant Coating
Water Bath Voltage/Power
120V-1500W, 220V–2000W
Main Unit Voltage/Power
120V-1800W, 220V-2300W
Mains Voltage of Power Supply
120V 50/60Hz, 220V 50/60Hz
Ambient Operating Temperature
5°C ～35°C / 41°F ～95°F
Barometric Pressure
86 ~ 106 KPa
Altitude Max
2000 m
Pollution Degree
2
* RT = Room Temperature
* rpm = rotation per minute

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Breaker information
Located on back of unit
Model
number
Cable/plug (US)
Black – Live
White – Neutral
Green - Earth
Cable/plug (EU)
Brown – Live
Blue – Neutral
Green/Yellow - Earth
Fuse
52411-96
14AWG
16A Breaker
52411-97
1.5mm²/H05VV-F
16A Breaker
Breaker reset
•Power unit off
•Open back panel of unit by removing the 2 screws pictured above
•Breaker is located at bottom
•Switch breaker off and then on again
•Replace back panel and secure with screws

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Main Components Diagram
⑼
1. Main Condenser
2. Main Condenser
Clamp
3. Condenser Support
Ring
4. Stop valve
5. Release valve
6. Receiving Flask
7. Receiving Flask
Support Ring
8. Discharge valve
9. Mounting Pole
10. Vacuum gauge
(Optional)
11. Bump Trap
12. Bump Trap Nut and
Washer Set
13. Machine Head
14. Evaporating Flask
Nut and Washer Set
15. Evaporating Flask
16. Operating Panel
17. Heating Bath
18. Temperature limit
controller
19. Castor Wheel
Figure 1
⑾
⑿
⒀
⒁
⑴
⑵
⑶
⑷
⑸
⑹
⑺
⑻
⑽
⒂
⒃
⒄
⒅
⒆
Be careful!
Beware of the
hand!

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Condenser Structure Diagram:
Figure 2
Bump Trap Structure Diagram:
Bump Trap Joint
Feed Port Joint
Machine Head Joint
Figure 3
Condenser Outlet
Vacuum Port
Condenser Inlet
Stop valve joint

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Stop valve structure diagram:
Receiving Flask Structure Diagram:
Figure 5
Vacuum Inlet/outlet joints
Stop valve interface
Receiving Flask Outlet Joint
Condenser interface
Stop switch
Receiving flask connector
Figure 4

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Operating Panel Diagram
Figure 6
1. REV: As the Evaporating Flask is rotating, this will display the revolutions per minute.
2. TEMP: Displays the current temperature in degrees Celsius.
3. RUN: Indicates when in heating or rotating status.
4. Heating indicator: Arrows appear when the heating function is operating
5. REV SET: Indicates the manually set speed in revolutions per minute.
6. TEMP SET: Displays the manually set temperature in degrees Celsius.
7. Rotation indicator: Rotating arrows appear whenever rotation is in motion.
8. “ ” Turns on/off the rotation function.
9. “ ” Adjusts the heating bath height; Press and hold this key to raise the water bath
automatically.
10. “ ” Adjusts the heating bath height; Press and hold this key to lower the height of water bath
automatically
11. “ ” Turns on/off the heating function；
(8) (9) (10) (11)
(12)
(
7
)
(
8
)
(5)
(6)
(7)
(3)
(4)
(1)
(2)
Commented [HDA1]: Change to show CP branded facia

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12. “Knob” Used to set the time, temperatures, and speed values manually.
Operation Panel Instructions
Powering the unit: Plug in the power cord and press the on/off switch on the lower left side of body.
When the rotary evaporator is on:
1. After the controller is powered on, it performs a self-test where all the values are
displayed. This is a standard state.
2. Speed setting- Press the knob twice, when “REV SET” flashes, turn the knob to adjust
the desired speed value. To confirm value, press knob again.
3. Temperature setting- Press the knob thrice, when “TEMP SET” value flashes, turn the
knob to adjust the temperature speed value. To confirm value, press knob again.
4. When the speed, time and temperature setting are set, press the rotation key or the
heating key to begin the operation.
5. Self-Tuning- if the temperature output is not the desired one, start auto-tuning. To
access this function, press and hold the temperature key more than 3 seconds. The temperature
display area flashes, and the controller enters the self-tuning. The temperature values will change
three times; the new set of PID parameters will appear. To exit, press and hold the temperature
key for 3 seconds.
Note: CALL IN TO PERFORM THE SELF-TUNING FUNCTION. FAILURE TO DO SO MAY DAMAGE THE
UNIT AND VOID WARRANTY.
Operation of timer function
Time function is turned off.
If you need to turn it on, press the knob about 5 seconds until LK appears, turn the knob to set LK=
168 and find the parameter “nt”, set nt value as 1, press the knob until the Time appears in the screen.
Commented [HDA2]: Change to CP branded facia

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Operation of over-temperature protector
Over-temperature protector is an independent protective system. When temperature is out of control
due to failure of the controller or the temperature in the working room reaches the set value for
temperature limit on the over-temperature dial, the protector will cut off heating automatically and
give an alarm sound. (As is shown in the right figure）when temperature in the working room is lower
than the limit value, the protective system will be cancelled
and the instrument resumes work. Such circulation
will continue till fault is removed. Specific operation is done
as follows:
1. The set value of temperature limit should be
bigger than or equal to
（SV+AL）+ （10～15）
2. As is shown in Figure, Rotate the knob to make the
desired temperature limit temperature value
align with the scale indicator line
For example: SV=100，AL=10
Then 150℃ should be set up
℃
120
100
Temperature at
over- and limiting-
temperature
Operating
Temperature
t
0
Scale indicator line

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Mounting Pole Diagram
Figure 7
Installation Process:
To adjust the height of the condenser clamp (Fig. 7(1)) and the condenser bracket and the
collection bottle bracket (Fig. 7(3)(4)), simply loosen the two screws on the holder and move up and
down to the desired height. Tighten the screws.
⑴
⑵
⑶
⑷
⑸
1. Condenser Mount Clamp
2. Mounting Pole
3. Condenser Support Assembly
4. Receiving Flask Support Clamp
5. Castor Wheel
6. holder (three pieces in total)
⑹

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Unit Diagram
Figure 8
Installation Process:
1. Put the bump trap O-ring on the glass axis, then insert it into the machine head from the left side.
Make sure the O-ring sits flush on the machine head and glass axis.
2. Put the bump trap nut and washer on the machine head connector. Insert the bump trap gasket in the
machine head connector and insert it into the left side of the glass axis. Tighten the bump trap nut.
3. Install the evaporation flask O-ring and gasket on the right-side of the machine head. Then place the
evaporating flask nut on the evaporation flask joint and tighten firmly.
To position the evaporation flask, then insert an Allen wrench into the small hole located in the machine
head. Adjust the glass axis position and align the hole in the shaft with the hole in the base. wrench
keeps the position of the glass axis static. Next, install the evaporating flask with the evaporating flask
nut.
Note: During installation, handle glassware with care. The evaporation flask joint should be greased to
have a good seal.
1. Bump Trap
2. Bump Trap Nut
3. Bump Trap Washer
4. Bump Trap Gasket
5. Bump Trap O-ring
6. Glass Axis
7. Machine Head
8. Evaporation Flask O-ring
9. Evaporating Flask Gasket
10. Evaporating flask Washer
11. Evaporating Flask Nut
12. Evaporating Flask
⑴
⑵⑶⑷⑸
⑹⑺⑻⑼⑽⑾⑿

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Condenser and Receiving Flask Diagram
Figure 9
Installation Process:
1. Auxiliary Condenser - Fix the auxiliary condenser support assembly on the mounting pole and place
the auxiliary condenser on it. Adjust the height, so that the auxiliary condenser bump trap joint and
the bump trap condenser joint are at the same level for clamping. Next, tighten the screws for the
auxiliary condenser support assembly and clamp mount. Install the clamp rings on the bump trap
and auxiliary condenser joints, then tighten with the screws.
2. Main Condenser- To install the main condenser, fix the main condenser support assembly on the
mounting pole and place the main condenser on the support assembly. Align the main condenser
joint with the auxiliary condenser joint and repeat the clamp installation steps from the auxiliary
condenser installation.
Clamp

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3. Receiving Flask- Loosen the two screws on the receiving flask support ring and adjust to the desired
height; Tighten screws. Place the receiving flask on the support ring and install the clamp on the
receiving flask joint, and the auxiliary condenser joint.
4. Drain Valve- Install the drain valve directly into outlet of the receiving flask; tighten with clamp.
5. Vacuum Gauge - Install the vacuum gauge in its holder, and clamp. Adjust bracket if needed.
Operating Instructions
Ensure that the unit environment meets the following conditions for use:
1. Use in a location with:
a. Low humidity
b. Good ventilation
2. Do not use in a location with
a. Direct sunlight
b. Heavy dust
c. Corrosive gas
d. Intense shock source or electromagnetic fields
Note: The unit should be placed on solid ground without direct sunlight. There should be no less than a
50cm gap around the unit, and a height gap of no less than 100cm. Ensure that the unit does not move
due to vibration when turned on and lock the feet.
Maintenance
1. Do not dismantle the unit; internal components contain high temperatures and voltages. This
can cause personal injury.
2. Use the correct cleaning supplies when cleaning. Do not spill water directly in the unit, use
abrasive powders, thinners, petroleum, kerosene, or acid substances. Electric shock may occur.
3. Use a soft cloth to clean any dirt; hard to remove stains require the use of natural detergents.
4. Inspect equipment before use; if glassware is damaged do not use it.
5. Wipe the glassware joints with a soft cloth, then apply a small amount of vacuum grease.
6. When you first power the unit, allow the motor to run from slow to fast. To turn off, slow down
the motor, then turn off.
7. For regular cleaning of the glass axis, remove the ring, and wipe the shaft with a soft cloth. Apply
vacuum grease and re-install.
Electrical parts must never get wet or damp

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Calculating Vapor Pressure of Ethanol
The following blog will show you how to effectively calculate the pressure a pure liquid will evaporate at
with temperature being your known variable. Commonly known as the vapor pressure curve Figure 10.8
“Plots of Vapor Pressure versus Temperature for Several Liquids”, all pure liquids have a set boiling
temperature in relation to pressure. An increase in pressure will result in a higher boiling point, whereas
decreasing the pressure or evacuating air from the atmosphere will lower the boiling point. During rotary
evaporation we are trying to lower the boiling point of the solvent to make it easier and more efficient to
recover. It’s important to effectively evaporate and re-condense your solvent; if not you will contaminate
the pump and have a lower percentage solvent recovery. The equation we will be using is known as
Clausius-Clapeyron equation. It’s important to know that this equation can only be used for pure liquids.
Pure liquids are those which cannot be further separated. This equation can’t be used with liquid mixtures,
such as, gasoline because it’s composed of many hydrocarbons which can be separated through
evaporation.
Figure 10.8 used from Introductory Chemistry –1st Canadian Edition
First, we must get familiar with ethanol also known as ethyl alcohol, . We know that
ethanol has an enthalpy of vaporization of 38,560 
or 38.56   and a normal boiling point of
78.29°C. Next, we will determine a known temperature which the evaporating flask will experience
during rotary evaporation. For this example, we will be using 50°C, but it can be changed to any desired
temperature if the equipment is capable.

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Clausius-Clapeyron Equation:

   
󰇛󰇜
󰇛󰇜
 󰇛 
󰇜
󰇛 󰇜
󰇛󰇜
󰇛󰇜
Solution:
󰇛󰇜
󰇛󰇜 
 

 

󰇧  󰇨  

󰇛󰇜

 

 
We now know that if we can effectively control the evaporating flask internal temperature at 50°C we
will need to reach a vacuum of 238.4 torr to begin evaporating ethanol. This calculation can be done at
any desired temperature; feel free to use this as a tool to compute the optimal temperature and
pressure to operate your rotary evaporator. Precise vacuum regulators are sold by us, feel free to
contact us for more information.

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Troubleshooting
Symptoms
Reason of failure
Troubleshooting method
Power switch is
turned on, but
switch light
doesn’t turn on.
The power cord is unplugged or not
plugged in correctly. (When connected
to the water bath, confirm the water
bath power connection as well.)
Turn unit off. Then insert the
power plug into the socket.
Plug the power cord from
the fuse with the power
base off or not inserted
tight.
Set the power to off, then
plug the power cord into the
power cord holder.
Power is not applied
Please open the switchboard
protection switch
Power switch has failed.
Stop using it immediately and
contact the dealer or the nearest
service center of this product.
Circuit board failure。
Fuse is blown due to overload. (Short
circuit)
Power switch lights
the motor does
not rotate.
Rusty bearings
The motor has failed
Circuit board failure.
Evaporating flask
oscillation
Internal gear wear
The installation for Evaporating flask is not
good
Re-install
The evaporating flask nut is not tight
enough
Tighten
Abnormal sounds
Seal wear.
Please replace the seal
Internal gear wear.
Stop using it immediately and
contact the dealer or the nearest
service center of this product.
Drive lack of oil.
The motor has failed
Noise from the gaskets
Glass axis gasket has poor contact
Please apply a thin layer of
vacuum grease or water on
the seal ring.
Vacuum leak
Rotating connection shaft wear.
Please replace the rotary
connection shaft.
Gasket wear
Please replace the seal.
Bad gasket installation. (Opposite
direction)
Please refer to the gasket
installation method, re-install.
Decompression with gas nozzle gasket
aging.
Please replace the air nozzle seal
gasket.
Vacuum hose wear
Please replace the vacuum hose.

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Packing List
Product name: Rotary Evaporator
Serial no.
Category
Name
Unit
Quantity
Remarks
1
Components
Host
Set
1
2
Components
Pole
Pc
1
3
Components
Glassware
Set
1
Evaporating flask, Receiving flask,
condenser, Glass axis, valve, clamps,
gaskets
4
Components
Clamp holder
Set
2
5
Components
Bracket
Set
2
6
Spare parts
Nozzle SET
Pc
3
7
Document
User manual
Copy
1
8
Document
Packing
list
Copy
1