KNF RC600 User manual

Before operating the rotary evaporator and the accessories, please
read the operating instructions on the web site
(www.knf.com/downloads) and pay attention to the safety precau-
tions!
Rotary evaporator
RC600
Operating instructions

KNF Neuberger AG
Stockenstrasse 6
8362 Balterswil, Switzerland
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.knf.com

Operating Instructions RC600 EN Contents
Translation of original Operating and Installation Instructions, English,
BA_RC600_EN_304763_20170608.docx 3
Contents Page
1 General information ............................................................................4
1.1 Information about the instructions 4
1.2 Warnings 5
1.3 Symbols 6
1.4 Disclaimer of liability 7
1.5 Manufacturer's address 7
1.6 Year of manufacture 7
1.7 Other applicable documents 7
1.8 Copyright 7
1.9 Warranty conditions 7
2 Use........................................................................................................8
2.1 Intended use 8
2.2 Improper use 9
3 Safety .................................................................................................10
4 Technical data ...................................................................................12
4.1 Rotary evaporator 12
4.2 Equipment delivered with RC 600 14
5 Components and functions .............................................................15
5.1 Components of the rotary evaporator 15
5.2 Rotary evaporator functions 16
5.3 Terminal 17
5.4 USB connection 17
6 Setup and connection.......................................................................18
6.1 Installation 18
6.2 Connections 28
7 Operation ...........................................................................................29
7.1 Initial start-up 29
7.2 Shutdown 32
8 Operating the rotary evaporator......................................................33
8.1 Terminal 33
8.2 Change the evaporation flask 37
9 Servicing ............................................................................................38
9.1 Servicing schedule 38
9.2 Cleaning 38
9.3 Changing vapour tube 40
9.4 Changing seal 42
9.5 Changing fuses 43
10 Troubleshooting................................................................................44
11 Solvent library ...................................................................................48
12 Spare parts and accessories ...........................................................50
12.1 Spare parts 50
12.2 Accessories (see also Chapter 6) 50
12.3 Glass product 51
13 Returns...............................................................................................52
14 Declaration of No Objection and Decontamination.......................53

General information Operating Instructions RC600 EN
4 Translation of original Operating and Installation Instructions, English BA_RC600_EN_304763_20170608.docx
1 General information
1.1 Information about the instructions
The operating instructions contain important information on how to
use the rotary evaporator In order to ensure safe working and
proper functioning it is essential to observe all the specified safety
precautions.
These operating instructions are part of the product, and must be
stored in its immediate vicinity in a location accessible to personnel
at all times.
These operating instructions are part of the product, and must be
passed on to the next owner if the device is resold.
Illustrations in these operating instructions may or may not be to
scale.
The illustrations may differ slightly from the actual product.
Contents
Storage location
Passing on
Illustrations in the instructions

Operating Instructions RC600 EN General information
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1.2 Warnings
Warnings in the operating instructions are identified with the dan-
ger symbol, keywords and colours. These provide an indication of
the extent of the danger.
DANGER
Indicates a dangerous situation which will lead directly to death or
serious injury if it is not avoided.
WARNING
Indicates a dangerous situation which may lead to death or seri-
ous injury if it is not avoided.
CAUTION
Indicates a dangerous situation which may lead to moderate or
minor injuries if it is not avoided.
NOTE
Indicates a situation which may cause damage to property if it is
not avoided.

General information Operating Instructions RC600 EN
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1.3 Symbols
The following symbols appear in the operating instructions, on
labels on the device, and on its packaging:
WARNING
Risk of injuries and property damage caused by illegible
labels
The labelling on the device may become illegible with time.
Maintain labels on the device in a legible condition.
Replace any illegible labels.
The following symbols in the operating instructions and on the
device and its packaging indicate environmental protection
considerations:
Recycling
Not to be disposed of in household waste
The following symbols in safety precautions and on the device
indicate the nature of the danger:
General warning sign
Warning about electrical danger
Warning about low temperature/frost
Warning about hot surface
This symbol calls for disconnection from the mains.

Operating Instructions RC600 EN General information
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1.4 Disclaimer of liability
In preparing the contents of these operating instructions, ac-
count has been taken of applicable regulations and the state of
the art.
The manufacturer can accept no liability for any damage or
malfunctions caused by failure to follow the operating instruc-
tions.
The manufacturer can accept no liability for any damage or
malfunctions caused by modification or conversion of the de-
vice or improper handling.
The manufacturer can accept no liability for any damage or
malfunctions caused by the use of non-approved spare parts
and accessories.
1.5 Manufacturer's address
KNF Neuberger AG
Stockenstrasse 6
8362 Balterswil, Switzerland
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.knf.com
1.6 Year of manufacture
The year of manufacture is shown on the device's type plate.
1.7 Other applicable documents
The documents listed must also be taken into consideration.
Chemical resistance list (www.knf.com/downloads)
Sales documents
GTCs
1.8 Copyright
The information, texts and illustrations in these operating in-
structions are protected by copyright. The contents of these
operating instructions must not be copied, translated or passed
to third parties without the written consent of the manufacturer.
1.9 Warranty conditions
The applicable warranty conditions are set out in the General
Terms and Conditions of Business and the sales documents.

Use Operating Instructions RC600 EN
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2 Use
2.1 Intended use
The RC 600 rotary evaporator is designed for use in chemical,
pharmaceutical and biological laboratories. It is intended solely
to separate solutions (distillation, drying, recovery, extraction,
etc.).
Make sure that the installation location is dry and the rotary
evaporator is protected against water in the form of rain, spray,
splashes and drips.
The rotary evaporator may be used exclusively in indoor areas.
The rotary evaporator may be used only under a fume hood or
with the properly installed protective cover (accessory).
Owner's responsibility
Only install and operate the rotary evaporator under the oper-
ating parameters and conditions described in Chapter 4. Tech-
nical data.
Protect the rotary evaporator from moisture.
Ensure that no hazardous materials can enter the surrounding
environment (including heating and cooling media), even in the
event of glass breakage, leaks, or loss of cooling.
Ensure that no hazardous materials/reactions can be produced
through contact of processed solutions and solvents with the
heating and cooling media or the ambient air. It may be neces-
sary to operate the unit only under a suitable fume hood.
Whenever the rotary evaporator is operated outside a suitable
fume hood (after eliminating these sources of danger), the pro-
tective cover must be used (refer to Chapter 12.2 Accessories
(see also Chapter 6), p.50).
Before using a substance, investigate its compatibility with the
materials used in the seals and hoses.
Before using a substance, investigate whether it can be evapo-
rated without risk.
Make sure the hoses for gas and coolant are correctly as-
signed on the chilled condenser.
Adequately cool the chilled condenser at all times.
Laboratory equipment and supplemental components attached
to the rotary evaporator must meet the specifications provided
in Chapter 4.
Operating parameters and
conditions
Use under a fume hood
Requirements for
processed
substances
Chilled condenser
Accessories

Operating Instructions RC600 EN Use
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2.2 Improper use
The rotary evaporator may not be used in potentially explosive
atmospheres.
The rotary evaporator may not be used in a corrosive environ-
ment.
The heating bath of the rotary evaporator may not be used to
warm food. It serves exclusively to add heat to the evaporation
flask.
Never apply excess pressure to the rotary evaporator's vacu-
um connection.
The lift drive may not be blocked or put under load.

Safety Operating Instructions RC600 EN
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3 Safety
The rotary evaporator is constructed according to generally
recognised rules of technology and in accordance with perti-
nent occupational safety and accident prevention regulations.
Nevertheless, potential dangers during use can result in inju-
ries to the user or others, or in damage to the rotary evaporator
or other property.
Use the rotary evaporator only in a technically flawless condi-
tion, in accordance with its intended use, with awareness of
safety and potential hazards, and in observance of the operat-
ing instructions.
Ensure that only trained and instructed personnel or specially
trained laboratory personnel work on the rotary evaporator.
This applies also to assembly, connection and servicing work.
Make sure that the personnel has read and understood the op-
erating instructions, and in particular the "Safety" chapter.
Ensure adherence to all pertinent accident prevention and
safety regulations when working on and operating the rotary
evaporator. The protective clothing required for safety in the
laboratory must be worn, i.e. protective glasses, gloves, etc.
Safety regulations for handling initial substances and those
that are produced in the process must be observed. This ap-
plies equally to the heating and cooling media.
Be aware that the rotary evaporator is not designed to be ex-
plosion-proof.
Ensure that the distillation residue is not explosive.
Make sure that the temperature of the medium is always suffi-
ciently below its ignition temperature in order to avoid ignition
or explosion. This also applies to unusual operating situations.
Consider any external sources of energy, such as sources of
radiation, that could additionally heat the medium.
In case of doubt, consult KNF customer service.
Proper handling of the initial and resulting substances / heating
and cooling media must be ensured.
Manufacturer regulations must be observed when disposing of
the heating and cooling media. Be aware that the heating and
cooling media may become contaminated.
Personnel
Working in a
safety-conscious manner
Handling dangerous media
Handling flammable
media

Operating Instructions RC600 EN Safety
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When ventilating the rotary evaporator with air or inert gas, be
sure to prevent formation of reactive or explosive media. The
maximum permissible operating pressure of the chilled con-
denser is 0.1 bar rel.
Ensure that the evaporation flask rotates throughout the entire
heating phase (even during submersion/lifting) in order to avoid
heating only one side of the evaporation flask or experiencing
a vaporization delay.
Ensure that the evaporation flask is immersed or raised only at
a low speed. Increase speed only to the extent that no heating
medium is ejected from the heating bath.
All replacement parts should be properly stored and disposed
of in accordance with the applicable environmental protection
regulations. Ensure adherence to the pertinent national and in-
ternational regulations. This especially applies to parts contam-
inated with toxic substances.
The rotary evaporator meets the safety stipulations of Directive
2004/108/EC for electromagnetic compatibility, Directive
2006/42/EC for machines, and Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS2).
The following harmonised standards are fulfilled:
DIN EN 61010-1
DIN EN 61010-2-010
DIN EN 61326-1
The rotary evaporator complies with the following according to
IEC 664:
Overvoltage category II
Contamination level 2
All repairs to the rotary evaporator must be carried out by the
responsible KNF Customer Service team.
Housing parts with live parts may be opened by trained per-
sonnel only.
Use only genuine parts from KNF for servicing work.
Take special care with glass parts.
Carry out a visual inspection on glass parts before each use.
Do not use any damaged parts.
Ensure that fumes are extracted from a fume hood.
Do not evaporate unknown fluids. Ensure the unit is tight.
Ensure that the pressures in the system remain within the pre-
scribed range.
Do not touch hot surfaces or liquids. Wait until the liquids and
surfaces have cooled down sufficiently after switching off the
unit..
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry, such as scarves, ties,
bracelets or necklaces.
Ventilating the
rotary evaporator
Vaporization delay
Environmental protection
Standards
Customer service and re-
pairs
Glass breakage
Hazardous fumes
High internal pressure
Hot surfaces
and fluids
Rotating parts

Technical data Operating Instructions RC600 EN
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4 Technical data
4.1 Rotary evaporator
Materials for parts in contact with the medium
Glass parts Borosilicate glass
Vapour tube seal PTFE compound
Refilling valve's fitting* PP
Fitting seal Silicon
Plug seals PTFE-coated
Coolant line materials
Fittings on condenser PP
Fitting seal Silicon
Vacuum line materials
Fitting on condenser PP
Pneumatic data
Max. permissible operating
pressure [bar rel]
0.1
Electrical data
Nominal voltage [V] See type label
Frequency [Hz] 50-60
Heating power [W] 1300
Total power [W] max. 1500
Total operating current [A] See type label
Fuse [A] 2 x 8A delayed at 220-240V
2 x 16A delayed at 100-127V
Protection class IP20
Heating bath
Empty weight [kg] 1.85
Volume [ml] 5000
Fill volume [ml] 4000
Heating temperature [°C] 20 - 180
Pull-out length [mm] 70
Coolant supply (chilled condenser)
Permissible pressure [bar rel] 3
Permissible temperature - 15°C to + 20°C
Cooled surface [cm
2
] 1230
Tab. 1 (1st part) * Accessory

Operating Instructions RC600 EN Technical data
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Evaporation flask parameters
Evaporation flask size 50 - 3000 ml
Speed [rpm] 25 - 280
Vertical travel [mm] 150
Lifting speed [mm/s] approx. 38
Angle of inclination [°] 12 - 45
General
Total weight [kg] 9.1
Dimensions W x D x H [mm]:
- without glass set (footprint)
- with glass set (approx.)
431 x 447 x 464
487 x 447 x 823
Vacuum, coolant, and
refilling connections
GL14
Maximum permissible ambient
relative humidity
80 % for temperatures up to
31°C, decreasing linearly to 50%
at 40°C
Maximum altitude of installa-
tion [m above sea level]
2000
Safety functions
Drive motor protection Electronic overcurrent protection
Protection against overheating
of heating bath
Thermal circuit breaker (manual
reset)
Electronic temperature limit
Electronic cut-out if insufficient
water
Protection during power failure
Evaporation flask automatically
lifted from the heating bath
Protection against glass
breakage
Digitally-adjustable stop
Monitoring of protective cover
(accessory)
Hall effect sensor
Tab. 1 (2nd part)

Technical data Operating Instructions RC600 EN
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4.2 Equipment delivered with RC 600
Rotary evaporator
Glass set, comprising:
- Vapour tube
- Chilled condenser
- Collecting flask, 1000 ml
- Bracket for collection flask
- Evaporation flask, 1000 ml
Heating bath
Set of hose fittings
- 1x Hose fitting ID8 (vacuum)
- 2x Hose fittings ID8 (coolant)
- 2x Hose clamps ID8
Protective cover (optional)
Refilling valve (optional)
Power cable
Operating instructions
Abbreviated instructions
Table of solvents
CD with digital operating instructions

Operating Instructions RC600 EN Components and functions
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5 Components and functions
5.1 Components of the rotary evaporator
1
Power switch
2Terminal
3Collection flask (coated)
4Flask clamp for 3
5Refilling connection
6Chilled condenser
7Tension nut for chilled
condenser
8Flask mechanism
9Tension nut for vapour tube
10 Flask nut
11 Tower
12 Rotary knob for pivot angle
13 Evaporation flask
14 Heating bath
15 Vacuum line
16 Coolant line
17 Coolant line
18 Rotary knob for pivot angle
19 USB connection
20 Fuses
21 Mains plug connection
Fig. 1: Rotary evaporator RC 600
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
1

Components and functions Operating Instructions RC600 EN
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The RC 600 rotary evaporator is designed for distillation and
evaporation of solutions. The rotary evaporator is operated via
the terminal (Fig. 1/2, p. 15).
The solution that is to be evaporated is located in the evapora-
tion flask (13). The solution is evaporated through a suitable
combination of temperature and vacuum. The evaporation
flask is immersed into the heating bath (14), in which a heating
liquid is located, typically water or a suitable oil. The drive (8)
continually rotates the evaporation flask in the heating bath.
Once the solvent begins to evaporate, it rises through the va-
pour tube and into the chilled condenser (6), which is continu-
ally cooled with cooling water or another cooling medium. Here
the vapour is cooled to the point where it condenses and col-
lects (again in liquid form) in the collection flask (3).
The chilled condenser and collection flask have a transparent
coating that protects them against implosion.
A protective cover (accessory) is placed onto the heating bath
to protect the evaporation flask from implosion and to protect
against spray.
5.2 Rotary evaporator functions
Evaporation flask
Use the rotary knobs (Fig. 1/12+18) to adjust the evapora-
tion flask's angle of inclination. Together with the ability to
move the evaporation flask up and down and to displace
the heating bath, the rotary evaporator may be adapted to
various shapes and sizes of evaporation flasks.
The drive (8) rotates the evaporation flask, thereby
achieving a high rate of evaporation:
- A more homogeneous distribution of temperature is
achieved both in the heating bath and in the evapora-
tion flask (optimisation of temperature control and heat
transfer).
- The moistened surface inside the evaporation flask is
enlarged (increases heat transfer and the boiling sur-
face).
- Formation of a concentration gradient in the solution is
avoided.
Additional advantages of rotation include:
- The risk of boiling delay is reduced
- No localized overheating, no crust formation
The terminal (2) is used to switch the rotation of the evapo-
ration flask on or off and to select the desired speed (see
Chapter 8, Operating the rotary evaporator).
In the event of a power failure the evaporation flask is au-
tomatically lifted from the heating bath.
Heating bath
Use the rotary evaporator's heating bath (14) to
achieve and maintain the temperature for optimum dis-
tillation according to requirements.
The heating bath may be pulled out on guide rails in

Operating Instructions RC600 EN Components and functions
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order to permit the use of a wide range of evaporation
flask sizes (see section Evaporation flasks).
The specially shaped pouring lip makes it easier to
empty the heating bath.
5.3 Terminal
Assembly
1
Rotary knob for:
Entering setpoints:
oHeating tempera-
ture
oRotation
oFine adjustment
of immersion
depth
2Button to lower lift
3Button to raise lift
4Button for rotation on/off
5Display
6Button for heating bath
selection
7Button for exchange flask
function
8Button for heating bath
on/off
Fig. 2: Terminal RC 600
Function
The terminal is used to set the process parameters with which
the RC 600 rotary evaporator works.
Settings are adjusted via the terminal's membrane buttons
(Fig. 2/2+3+4+6+7+8) or with the rotary knob (1).
The speed, heating bath setpoint and actual temperature, the
lift position and the value of the digital end stop are shown on
the display (5).
5.4 USB connection
The USB Connection (Fig. 1/19) is used for technical service
and software update. The current software version is dis-
played shortly once the RC600 is turned on. Consult with your
KNF provider for the latest software version.
1
2
3
4
8
7
6
5

Setup and connection Operating Instructions RC600 EN
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6 Setup and connection
Connect the rotary evaporator only under the operating pa-
rameters and conditions described in Chapter 4 Technical data
(pages 12 + 13).
Observe all information about the device's intended use and
safety precautions (see Chapter 2 and 3, page 8ff).
WARNING
Risk of personal injury from poisoning or explosion and
damage to the rotary evaporator.
Hazardous gases and vapours may be produced during distilla-
tion.
Gas drawn out of the rotary evaporator must be safely di-
verted.
6.1 Installation
The rotary evaporator may be carried only by the components
marked grey in Fig. 3. Carrying the rotary evaporator by any
point other than the indicated points may result in damage to
the unit.
Fig. 3: Carrying the rotary evaporator
Before setting up the rotary evaporator, allow it to reach ambi-
ent temperature at the location where it will be used.
Make sure that the installation location is dry and the rotary
evaporator is protected against water in the form of rain, spray,
splashes and drips.
Choose a safe location (flat, stable surface) for the rotary
evaporator.
Protect the rotary evaporator from dust.
Protect the rotary evaporator from vibration and impact.
Shipment
Installation location

Operating Instructions RC600 EN Setup and connection
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Attach to the rotary evaporator only components that are de-
signed for the rotary evaporator's pneumatic data and/or cool-
ant-supply parameters (see Chapter 4 Technical data).
Place the included heating bath (Fig. 1/14, p. 15) onto the base
connector.
Once in place, the heating bath can be shifted along the axis of
rotation (for maximum pull-out length, see Chapter 4 Technical
data).
NOTE
When installing glass parts, allow sufficient space above the
rotary evaporator because the glass structure may exceed the
dimensions of the rotary evaporator itself.
The chilled condenser (Fig. 1/6, page 15) is delivered unin-
stalled. Install as follows:
Loosen tension nut (7) for chilled condenser until the 1.
chilled condenser can be inserted.
Insert chilled condenser (6). 2.
Retighten tension nut (7) for chilled condenser. 3.
NOTE
To finish tightening the tension nut, grasp the chilled condenser
with your other hand and use it as a lever (see Fig. 4).
Connected
components
Installing the heating bath
Installing the chilled con-
denser

Setup and connection Operating Instructions RC600 EN
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-
-
-
-
Tighten tension nut
——
Use chilled condenser to
aid in fully tightening the
tension nut
Fig. 4: Fully tightening the tension nut
Attach coolant hoses (Fig. 5/2and 3) to the condenser or 4.
fill the dry ice condenser with dry ice.
WARNING
Extreme cold may cause personal injury
There is a risk of serious local freezing when handling dry ice.
Observe the manufacturer's hazard notices.