Evaporation method

The Rotary evaporator is a device that uses heated and rotated solution in the bottle to realize rapid evaporation. By rotating the evaporation bottle, the surface area of the solution expands and the evaporation rate accelerates. The evaporated substance condenses and is collected in a condensing tube or condenser.

Steam distillation is a method of using steam to evaporate the volatile components in the mixture and collect them by condensation. After heating the mixture, water vapor mixes with the volatile components in the mixture to form vapor. Subsequently, the steam is cooled by the condenser, causing it to transition back to a liquid state, thereby separating the volatile components.

Comparison of advantages, disadvantages, and differences

Evaporation rate:

The rotating operation of the Rotary evaporator can accelerate the evaporation process and make the solution evaporate rapidly. In contrast, the evaporation rate of Steam distillation is slower.

Applicable scope:

The Rotary evaporator is widely used in chemical synthesis, solvent removal, sample concentration and other fields in the laboratory. It is suitable for handling small batches of solutions and can handle various types of solvents. Steam distillation is mainly used to purify and separate chemical substances, such as refined essential oil extraction and alcohol distillation.

Operating requirements:

The Rotary evaporator is relatively simple, easy to operate, and does not require additional equipment. The Steam distillation needs to be equipped with a steam generator or distillation device, and the operation is slightly more complicated.

Applicable samples:

The Rotary evaporator is suitable for processing a large number of samples. It can process multiple samples at the same time to improve work efficiency. Steam distillation is applicable to volatile components sensitive substances and is usually used to process small batches of samples.

Energy consumption and space requirements:

The Rotary evaporator usually needs a large working space and consumes a certain amount of electric energy. Steam distillation usually needs a steam generator, which consumes water and electricity. Therefore, in terms of energy consumption and space demand, Steam distillation is relatively high.