Buchi B-491 - User Manual

5 Putting into operation
32 R-210/215 Operation Manual, Version F
5 Putting into operation
This chapter describes how the instrument is installed and gives instructions on initial startup.
NOTE
Inspect the instrument for damages during unpacking. If necessary, prepare a status report immedi-
ately to inform the postal company, railway company or transportation company.
Keep the original packaging for future transportation.
5.1 Installation site
Place the instrument on a stable, horizontal plane and consider the maximum product dimensions.
Perform the distillations under vacuum with the Rotavapor placed under a fume hood. If this is not
possible due to shortage of space, mount the protective shield (optional accessory) and lead the
exhaust gas from the pump into the fume hood.
5.2 Electrical connections
ATTENTION
Make sure that the voltage on the socket corresponds to the voltage given on the type plate of the
instrument.
Always connect the instrument to an earthed socket. External connections and extension cables
must be provided with an earthed conductor lead (3-pole couplings, cable or plug equipment) as the
mains lead has a molded plug, thus avoiding risks due to inadvertent defective wiring.
Make sure that no electric sparks form in the instrument or its surroundings as they might damage
the instrument.
5.3 Commissioning the heating bath
Place the bath on the base plate of the Rotavapor.
If you need to adjust the position of the bath, lift
it up slightly at the right-hand side and pull or
push it to the desired position.
Fig. 5.1: Moving the heating bath

Summary

Putting into operation

Installation site

Place the instrument on a stable, horizontal plane and consider maximum dimensions. Use a fume hood for distillations.

Electrical connections

Ensure socket voltage matches the instrument. Connect to an earthed socket and avoid sparks.

Commissioning the heating bath

Instructions for placing the heating bath on the Rotavapor base plate and adjusting its position.

Heating Bath B-495

Details the B-495 heating bath delivery status and its function.

Operation

Settings at the heating bath

Guidance on setting the heating bath temperature and general cautions.

Setting the heating bath temperature

Explains the auto-heating function and emphasizes the need for heating medium.

Switching the B-491 from water bath mode to oil bath mode

Step-by-step instructions to change the heating bath mode from water to oil.

Switching the B-491 from oil bath mode to water bath mode

Step-by-step instructions to change the heating bath mode from oil to water.

Selecting the set temperature

Ensures the heating bath temperature cannot be changed during distillation.

Changing;switching off the set temperature

Procedure to modify or disable the set temperature lock.

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Usage Features
   1. Installation and Setup
   2. Electrical Connections
   3. Commissioning the Heating Bath
   4. Energy Saving Features
   5. Heating Bath Operation
   6. Heating Bath B-495
   7. Setting the Heating Bath Temperature
   8. Switching Between Water Bath and Oil Bath Mode
   9. Selecting and Changing the Set Temperature
3. Maintenance Features
   1. Pre-Operation Checks
   2. Heating Medium Management
   3. Condensation Management in Oil Bath
   4. Packaging for Transportation

This document describes the installation, operation, and maintenance of a Rotavapor system, focusing on its heating bath components. The Rotavapor is designed for distillation processes, and its proper setup and use are crucial for safe and efficient operation.

Function Description

The Rotavapor system facilitates distillation, a process used to separate components from a liquid mixture by selective evaporation and condensation. The core of this process involves a heating bath, which provides the necessary heat for evaporation. The system is designed to operate under vacuum, which lowers the boiling point of liquids, allowing for distillation at lower temperatures and preventing thermal degradation of sensitive compounds. The heating bath can be operated in two modes: water bath mode and oil bath mode, each suitable for different temperature ranges and applications.

Usage Features

Installation and Setup

The instrument should be placed on a stable, horizontal surface, taking into account its maximum product dimensions. For distillations under vacuum, it is recommended to place the Rotavapor under a fume hood to manage exhaust gases from the pump. If a fume hood is not available or space is limited, an optional protective shield can be mounted, and the exhaust gas should still be led into a fume hood.

Electrical Connections

Before connecting the instrument, it is essential to verify that the voltage of the electrical socket matches the voltage specified on the instrument's type plate. The instrument must always be connected to an earthed socket. External connections and extension cables should also be equipped with an earthed conductor lead (3-pole couplings, cable, or plug equipment) to prevent risks associated with defective wiring. Care must be taken to ensure no electric sparks form in or around the instrument, as this could cause damage.

Commissioning the Heating Bath

The heating bath is placed on the base plate of the Rotavapor. Its position can be adjusted by lifting it slightly on the right-hand side and then pulling or pushing it to the desired location.

Energy Saving Features

Several features are incorporated to save energy during heating bath operation. Using floating balls in the water bath significantly reduces water evaporation, which in turn means the bath heating switches on less frequently. This measure can save up to 50% of energy and approximately 70% less water. Additionally, a cover is available to place over the heating bath during operation, further conserving energy between distillations.

Heating Bath Operation

It is recommended to turn on the heating bath about 10–15 minutes before starting distillation to allow for a sufficient warm-up time. After distillation, the heating bath should be turned off.

Heating Bath B-495

The Heating Bath B-495 comes with a pre-mounted bath replenishment system. The function and water flux of this system are detailed in the manual.

Setting the Heating Bath Temperature

The heating bath can reach temperatures up to 180 °C. To avoid burns, users should ensure that no liquid overflows from the bath when the evaporating flask is submerged. A rotating flask should never be removed from the bath, as splashing oil can cause burns. If a protective shield (optional accessory) is to be installed, it should only be done when the heating bath is cold.

Switching Between Water Bath and Oil Bath Mode

The heating bath can operate in either water bath mode or oil bath mode. To switch from water bath mode to oil bath mode:

1. Switch off the heating bath.
2. Turn the adjusting knob to any position except 0 °C or 180 °C.
3. Switch on the heating bath.
4. Once the temperature is displayed, turn the knob to the 180 °C position within 3 seconds. The "OIL" indication will then appear on the display.

In oil bath mode, the bath must always be operated with oil as the heating medium. Water could boil and evaporate, leading to damage. If the oil bath has been left open for an extended period, condensation water may accumulate at the bottom. When reusing the bath, it must be heated above 100 °C with a rotating flask to drive out any water. A setting up to 180 °C is only possible in oil bath mode.

To switch from oil bath mode to water bath mode:

1. Switch off the heating bath.
2. Turn the adjusting knob to any position except 0 °C or 180 °C.
3. Switch on the heating bath.
4. Once the temperature is displayed, turn the knob to the 0 °C position within 3 seconds. The "WATER" indication will then appear on the display.

In water bath mode, the heating bath can be operated with either water or oil. A maximum setting of 95 °C is possible in water bath mode.

Selecting and Changing the Set Temperature

To prevent accidental temperature changes during distillation, a specific set temperature can be selected:

1. Switch off the heating bath.
2. Turn the adjusting knob to the 180 °C/95 °C (max) position.
3. Switch on the heating bath. The set temperature setting will flash in the display.
4. Within 10 seconds, turn the knob to the desired set temperature (e.g., 60 °C) and wait until the flashing stops. This temperature will now be maintained whenever the heating bath is switched on and cannot be changed with the adjusting knob.

To change or switch off the set temperature:

1. Switch off the heating bath.
2. Turn the adjusting knob to the 0 °C (min) position.
3. Switch on the heating bath. The set temperature setting will be deleted, and the temperature can be selected via the knob again.

Maintenance Features

Pre-Operation Checks

Before each operation, the glassware must be inspected for any damages such as cracks, stars, or other imperfections. Only glassware in perfect condition should be used, as damaged glassware can break during operation.

Heating Medium Management

It is crucial to ensure that there is always heating medium (water or oil, depending on the mode) in the bath. As soon as the power plug is connected and the mains switch is turned on, the bath will start heating if the actual temperature is below the set temperature. Operating the bath without heating medium can lead to instrument damage.

Condensation Management in Oil Bath

If the oil bath has been left open for a prolonged period, condensation water may accumulate at the bottom. Before reuse, it is necessary to heat the bath above 100 °C with a rotating flask to drive out any accumulated water.

Packaging for Transportation

The original packaging should be retained for future transportation of the instrument. In case of damages observed during unpacking, a status report should be prepared immediately and submitted to the postal, railway, or transportation company.

Buchi B-491 Specifications