INFORMATION ABOUT DISTILLATION SETTINGS
Using a rotary evaporator for thermal cracking of substances some basic consideration
should be made to achieve the best results possible. Optimize settings as described
below:
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Rotary speed of evaporator flask
Raise distillation speed by raising rotational speed. This methods cuts distillation time and
protects the substances handled.
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Temperature difference between hot bath and vapor
This temperature difference should at least be 20 K to reach adequate distillation speed. If
acceptable by thermal stability of the substances handled, you even may raise
temperature difference.
Rule of thumb: double temperature to double distillation speed.
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Temperature difference between vapor temperature and coolant
This temperature difference should be no less than 20 K to guarantee adequate
condensation. Low temperature difference, effectiveness of solvent recovery drops.
Choose an as high as possible temperature difference in particular for high-boiling
substances.
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Solvent data
Examples for using reference table and nomogram:
This reference table details substance data needed for distillation, whereas the nomogram
reflects relationship between pressure and boil temperature of some solvents. Go by the
Clausius-Clapeyron equation and plot 1/T against log p.
28.1 At boil temperature of 40°C
At the vacuum controller: in column "vacuum for boil temperature" use the "Set Vac"
nominal value as depicted for 40°C.
28.2 At boil temperatures deviating from 40°C
On temperature axis of the nomogram mark boil temperature needed.
Draw a line to the right and determine intersection with the solvent line.
From this intersection draw a straight line down to determine the vacuum pressure needed
for this particular application.
28.3 Solvents not depicted
The following items might help in determining the right vacuum pressure:
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