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Instructions for Using Buchi Rotavapor
- Turn on the water supply to the aspirator pump (the tap is labeled)
so a slow, but steady, stream of water comes out of the overflow port
on the side of the blue tank that is part of the vacuum aspirator pump
unit, then turn on the power switch to start the vacuum aspirator pump
motor.
- Turn on the water supply for the condenser coil
(the tap is labeled) and check to be sure there is a steady flow of cold
water passing through it.
- Attach the safety traps (if they are not already
in place) and the round bottom flask containing your sample to the
unit, and secure them in place using the special plastic clamps provided
(please ask for help if required).
- Make certain that the vacuum break port on the
end of the condenser unit is closed before lowering the sample
flask into the water bath (be sure that it is turned on and adjusted to
the temperature specified by your laboratory protocol), and turn on the
power switch that controls the rotation of the sample flask. Adjust the
rotation rate to the proper speed (check with instructor if you are not
sure of the speed).
- Stop the flask from rotating when your sample has
been concentrated to the desired volume, then raise your sample flask
immediately from the water bath.
- Carefully and slowly open the vacuum break to reduce/eliminate
vacuum from the system before attempting to remove the flask containing
your sample from the apparatus. Unlatch the clamp holding the sample flask
and remove the flask from the unit, leaving the safety traps in place.
- When you have finished using the unit, turn off
the power switches on the water bath, flask rotation speed control, and
the water aspirator pump.
- Turn off the water supplies to the condenser coil
and water aspirator pump.
- Make certain that you have left the equipment and
the work area clean and neat for the next person.
