School of Chemistry Safety Protocol – Rotary Evaporators

PROTOCOL FOR USE OF ROTARY EVAPORATORS

Main Hazards

• Chemical Hazards Associated with the Solvents and Reaction mixtures

• Glass Implosion hazards from the rotary evaporator under vacuum

Key Safety Procedures

Wear Safety Specs

Ensure COSHH and Risk assessment on the solvents, and reaction mixtures have been performed.
Use Rotary Evaporators in line with the following protocol.

General Comments

 The rotary evaporator should be assembled in line with the manufacturers’ recommendations.
Keep the instruction booklets in a safe place!
 All glass parts should either be special plastic coated glass or covered in mesh protection in case
of breakage under vacuum.
 The rotary evaporator should be tested under the portable appliance testing procedure for
electrical safety every year.
 Replacement of seals should be carried out in accordance with the manufacturers’
recommendations.

Detailed Instructions for Use

Standard Use of Rotary Evaporator

 Switch on the condenser water and set the water bath to the required temperature. This is
normally 30-45°C.
 The vacuum release tap to the evaporator should be open
 Switch on the vacuum source which can be a water pump or a diaphragm pump.
 Place the solvent to be evaporated into a round or pear shaped jointed flask. Do not fill the flask
more than 2/3 full. NEVER use jointed conical flasks on a rotary evaporator as they will implode.
 Place the flask on the evaporator and clip into place using a plastic clip. Use adaptors if required.
Keep hold of the flask until the vacuum is applied.
 Close the vacuum release tap and start the flask rotating.
 Once any initial effervescence has subsided lower the flask into the water bath.
 Stop rotation once all solvent has been removed.
 Hold the flask with one hand and release the vacuum by opening the release tap with the other
hand.

The School of Chemistry Safety Committee have approved this protocol for the named School operation or procedure.
This task must be carried out in line with this protocol. If you believe that this protocol is unsuitable for the
circumstances in your laboratory or area of work discuss this procedure with your supervisor or line manager and the
appropriate Safety Advisor. Any modified operating procedures must be documented, approved and signed by your
supervisor or line manager before they are undertaken
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 School of Chemistry Safety Protocol – Rotary Evaporators

 Remove the clip and the flask

 Empty the solvent from the solvent reservoir into the correct solvent waste container.

After Use
 Clean any parts of the apparatus that have been contaminated with compound
 Switch off condenser water
 Turn off water bath.

NEVER leave condenser water on overnight

NEVER leave the water bath on overnight as it may boil dry.

Emergency Procedures

As per risk assessment.

Protocol written by: S. Warriner

Approved by the Safety Committee: 3. 2001
Last Review by: R. Fox
Last Review Date: 7. 2015

The School of Chemistry Safety Committee have approved this protocol for the named School operation or procedure.
This task must be carried out in line with this protocol. If you believe that this protocol is unsuitable for the
circumstances in your laboratory or area of work discuss this procedure with your supervisor or line manager and the
appropriate Safety Advisor. Any modified operating procedures must be documented, approved and signed by your
supervisor or line manager before they are undertaken
Page 2 of 2