Rotary Evaporators
Rotary evaporators, often referred to as rotavaps, are laboratory equipment used for efficiently and gently removing solvents from samples through a process of evaporation. This is typically done under reduced pressure, which lowers the boiling point of the solvent and allows for evaporation at lower temperatures, helping to preserve sensitive compounds that may degrade under heat. The system consists of a rotating flask, which holds the sample, and a heated water bath that helps increase the rate of evaporation. The rotating action ensures that the sample is spread evenly over the surface, improving the efficiency of solvent removal. As the solvent evaporates, it condenses in a separate collection flask for easy removal. Rotary evaporators are commonly used in chemistry and biochemistry labs for processes like concentrating solutions, purifying compounds, or removing solvents during the preparation of extracts. They are especially useful in applications involving volatile solvents, such as in the extraction of essential oils, pharmaceuticals, or fine chemicals. Rotary evaporators are often paired with vacuum pumps to maintain the low-pressure environment and chillers to cool and condense the vapor, ensuring effective and controlled solvent recovery.