Question 1

What are its main advantages?

Accepted Answer

High efficiency (95-99.5% solvent recovery)
Gentle processing (residence time ≤1 minute)
Works with various solvents
Available in sizes from 50L to 2500L/hr

Question 2

What information is recommended to help us better understand your needs and provide a tailored falling film evaporation solution?

Accepted Answer

● olvent properties: composition and corrosiveness, etc., to evaluate material compatibility with equipment and seals.● Material properties: flowability before/after evaporation, viscosity, crystal formation, or particle precipitation, to assess heat transfer and prevent clogging risks.● Process requirements: feed capacity, initial solvent content and evaporation target, etc., to determine the optimal equipment size.● Plant conditions: layout, electrical requirements, heat source, cooling, vacuum system, and explosion-proof requirements. We provide complete evaporation solutions including various supporting equipment.

Question 3

Which stainless steel material is best for a chemical reactor: 304 or 316L?

Accepted Answer

304 stainless steel is suitable for general chemical applications and offers good corrosion resistance. 316L stainless steel contains molybdenum, providing enhanced resistance to corrosive chemicals, chlorides, and harsh process environments. For pharmaceutical, fine chemical, and high-purity applications, 316L is often the preferred choice.

Question 4

What’s the lead time for a custom chamber?

Accepted Answer

Standard models: 2 weeks; Customized models:Typically 5-7 weeks, depending on specifications (size, range, additional features).

Question 5

How do I choose the right size of the SR Series stainless steel reactors?

Accepted Answer

Reactor size should be selected based on the required working volume. In most applications, the recommended working volume is approximately 60–80% of the total reactor volume, leaving sufficient headspace for mixing, thermal expansion, foaming, gas evolution, and solvent reflux. Processes that generate significant foam or gas, or those with future scale-up plans, may require a larger vessel. Factors such as batch size, material properties, process conditions, and anticipated production growth should all be considered to ensure optimal heat transfer, mixing performance, and operational safety. If you're unsure which reactor size is right for your process, contact our engineering team for a customized recommendation.

Question 6

Which foods can be freeze-dried?

Accepted Answer

Nearly all foods can be freeze-dried, including vegetables, fruits, meats, sauces, and even complete meals. In most cases, preparing food for freeze-drying is similar to regular freezing - it involves washing, cutting fruits/vegetables, and portioning meats. Since most ingredients become brittle after freeze-drying, they should be pre-cut into pieces, slices, or standardized portions before processing.

Question 7

Does the shaking incubator come with shaking plate and clamps?

Accepted Answer

Yes,  we will send you a unit of stainless steel tray and a set of stainless steel flask clamps for free. We also offer tray for elisa plates, tray with support bars, test tube holders, tray with sticky strips, tray with fixed clamps, etc.

Question 8

How to choose the right reactor size for my process?

Accepted Answer

The appropriate reactor volume depends on your batch size, working volume requirements, mixing performance, and future production plans. Most processes operate with a working volume of 80% of the total vessel capacity to allow sufficient headspace for agitation, foaming, mixing and temperature control.

Question 9

Do you offer remote monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Yes, advanced models include Ethernet/USB/RS-485 interfaces for real-time data logging and remote control.

Question 10

Is stainless steel always the optimal material choice for reactors?

Accepted Answer

Not always. Stainless steel is the preferred material for most pharmaceutical, food, biotechnology, and general chemical applications due to its durability and cost-effectiveness. However, highly corrosive processes may require alternative materials such as PTFE-lined vessels for exceptional chemical resistance, duplex stainless steel for high-salinity environments like seawater, or Hastelloy for aggressive chemical applications. Material selection should always be based on process compatibility. We offer customized reactor and vessel solutions tailored to your process requirements, please contact us to discuss your application.

Question 11

What shaking throw is recommended for different vessels?

Accepted Answer

The oxygen transfer rate(OTR) will be influenced by the shaking throw. 25mm shaking throw is suitable for petri dishes and 25mL to 2000mL flasks, and 50mm shaking throw is large vessels like 2000mL to 5000mL flasks.

Question 12

How to select condenser type (dual plate vs. shell-and-tube) and sealing material (EPDM vs. PTFE) in a falling film evaporation system based on solvent compatibility?

Accepted Answer

The selection of condenser type and sealing material depends mainly on solvent properties and chemical compatibility.Dual Plate Condenser with EPDM Gaskets● Uses multiple gaskets between plates for sealing.● Narrow flow channels require relatively clean process fluids.● The gasket material is directly exposed to the process medium.● EPDM provides excellent resistance to water, steam, acids, and alkalis, but has limited resistance to some organic solvents, including certain aromatic hydrocarbons, ketones, esters, and ethers.Shell-and-Tube Condenser with Optional PTFE Sealing● Heat transfer and pressure resistance are mainly provided by the metal tube bundle.● Fewer sealing points compared with gasketed plate condensers.● The process medium mainly contacts the metal tube surface and limited sealing areas.● PTFE provides excellent chemical resistance, high temperature resistance, and better compatibility with corrosive organic solvents.

Question 13

Where is it commonly used?

Accepted Answer

Widely used for sovent recovery, and in chemical, pharmaceutical and food industries.

Question 14

Which foods don't freeze-dry well?

Accepted Answer

Foods primarily composed of fats or sugars generally don't freeze-dry effectively.

Question 15

What customization options are available

Accepted Answer

Structural: 316L/304 stainless steel interiors, water-cooled compressors, test ports.
Performance: Extended ranges, gas control (CO2/O2), accelerated cycling.
Convenience: Integrated lighting, anti-fog viewing windows, heavy-duty casters.

Question 16

What heating and cooling options are available for reactors?

Accepted Answer

Our reactors feature jacketed vessel designs and are typically supplied as a turnkey solution with external heating or cooling circulator, enabling precise and stable temperature control for your processes.

Question 17

How does it compare to a Rotary Evaporator?

Accepted Answer

Much more efficient for medium to large-scale operations. Offers higher throughput and continuous operation.

Question 18

What is the purpose of the gas-liquid separator in a falling film evaporation system?

Accepted Answer

The secondary vapor from the evaporator may contain small amounts of entrained concentrated liquid droplets. The gas-liquid separator (cyclone separator) removes these droplets through gravity and centrifugal separation. Its main functions include:● Improving recovered solvent purity.● Preventing liquid carryover into the condenser system.● Reducing contamination and blockage risks in downstream equipment.

Question 19

What temperature should I set for my cultivation (bacteria, fungi, yeasts, cells, algae…)?

Accepted Answer

It is vital to control the temperature during the cultivation. For different samples, the optimum culturing temperature differs. Normally, for bacteria, the temperature should be 30 to 37℃; actinomycetes, 25 to 28℃; molds, 25 to 28℃; yeast, 18 to 25℃; acetobacte, 30 to 35℃; cells or tissues, 37℃.

Question 20

Does freeze-drying alter food texture or flavor?

Accepted Answer

Freeze-drying is one of the best methods for preserving food's original taste, texture, and nutritional value (compared to canning, pickling, or chemical preservation). While the process removes moisture from frozen food, some texture and flavor changes may occur when rehydrating with water.

Question 21

What is the operating temperature range of the SR Series stainless steel reactors? Can they be used for both high- and low-temperature processes? What upgrades are recommended for high-temperature applications?

Accepted Answer

The standard SR Series stainless steel reactors operate from -20°C to 220°C, with a maximum design temperature of 250°C for short-term operation. Customized versions can be configured for temperatures as low as -80°C or as high as 300°C, depending on process requirements.
High-temperature operation places greater demands on sealing performance, safety, and thermal management. We recommend several upgrades to ensure long-term reliability, including a high-temperature bottom ball valve, metal gasket sealing, water-cooled mechanical seals, and thermal insulation to improve sealing performance, reduce heat loss, and extend equipment lifespan.

Question 22

What heating and cooling options are available in a falling film evaporation system?

Accepted Answer

We provide turnkey solutions with matched heating and cooling componentsHeating options include:● Electrical heating circulator: suitable for laboratory, pilot-scale, and small production systems.● Steam generator + heat exchange module: suitable for larger industrial systems using steam as the heating source, reducing electrical load and improving energy efficiency.Cooling options include:● Standard chiller unit: suitable for general cooling requirements.● Chiller + cooling tower system: suitable for larger systems requiring higher cooling capacity and improved energy efficiency.

Question 23

What is the typical solvent loss during operation?

Accepted Answer

Under normal operating conditions, solvent loss is very low, typically ≤0.5% for ethanol.

Question 24

What maintenance does a freeze dryer require?

Accepted Answer

Most maintenance involves the vacuum pump - particularly oil-lubricated models require oil changes approximately every 80 cycles. Seals, gaskets, and other components need regular inspection for wear and cleaning.

Question 25

What is the lead time for standard vs. customized reactors?

Accepted Answer

Standard configurations ship in 2-4 weeks from order confirmation. Moderately customized builds (different volume, material upgrade, one or two add-ons) typically run 5–8 weeks. Heavily customized or industrial-scale systems are reviewed individually — usually 8–14 weeks.

Question 26

How is humidity controlled?

Accepted Answer

1) Dual modes:
Water tank (low consumption).
Continuous supply (high consumption, auto-refill).
2) Maintenance-free capacitive humidity sensor.

Question 27

How long is the warranty?

Accepted Answer

The warranty is one year and the technical support is lifetime.

Question 28

How can the material quantity inside the SR Series stainless steel reactors be monitored?

Accepted Answer

Material quantity can be monitored using either level sensors or weighing systems. Traditional level sensors, such as differential pressure, radar, or tuning fork sensors, are mounted on the vessel lid and detect liquid levels directly. However, measurement accuracy may be affected by agitation and surface fluctuations.
For higher accuracy, we recommend weighing modules (for floor-standing reactors) or platform scales (for benchtop reactors). These systems do not contact the process media and are unaffected by mixing turbulence. By measuring the total vessel weight, they provide a reliable and precise indication of material quantity throughout the process.

Question 29

What shipping methods do you provide?

Accepted Answer

Both by sea and by air are provided. Normally, it takes 5 to 7 working days by air, and 30 days by sea, and the delivery companies we cooperate with are DHL, Fedex, UPS etc.

Question 30

What are the differences between falling film evaporators and rotary evaporators?

Accepted Answer

Falling film evaporator:● Uses thin-film heat transfer technology, where material forms a thin film on the inner wall of heating tubes and evaporates during downward flow.● Provides high heat transfer efficiency, high automation level, and lower operating costs for large-scale applications.Rotary evaporator:● Uses flask rotation to create a thin liquid film under vacuum conditions.● Limited by flask volume and heat transfer area, making it unsuitable for large-scale continuous production.For industrial production and continuous solvent recovery with large processing capacity , falling film evaporators are generally preferred. For small-batch processing, rotary evaporators are commonly used. We also provide the FFE-50L laboratory-scale falling film evaporator for laboratory process development.

Question 31

Can the SR Series stainless steel reactors be upgraded with a PLC and HMI touchscreen control system? What functions are available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The SR Series can be upgraded with a PLC + HMI touchscreen control system for enhanced process monitoring and data management. Typical functions include parameter setting and real-time display (speed, temperature, weight), weighing system calibration, historical trend curves, data logging and USB export, audible and visual alarms with event records, as well as system settings such as user management, time configuration, default parameters, and data maintenance.

Question 32

What are the power requirements?

Accepted Answer

North America: 208–240V (1P) or 460–480V (3P), 60Hz.
International: 220–240V (1P) or 380–400V (3P), 50Hz.

Question 33

Are freeze dryers energy-intensive?

Accepted Answer

Freeze dryers are typically less energy-efficient than modern kitchen appliances. As they must operate continuously for extended periods (24-72 hours per batch), they can significantly increase energy costs, especially when used frequently.

Question 34

What warranty and after-sales support is included?

Accepted Answer

All reactors carry a 1-year warranty covering manufacturing defects. Our technical team provides remote troubleshooting via email and video call. On-site commissioning and training is available for larger systems.

Question 35

What are the options for heating and cooling?

Accepted Answer

We provide turnkey solutions with matched components:
Heating: Options include Electrical Heating Circulators or a Natural Gas Hot Water Boiler System.
Cooling: You can choose between a standard Chiller unit or a Chiller combined with a Cooling Tower for enhanced cooling capacity and energy efficiency in larger systems.

Question 36

How are the SR Series stainless steel reactors cleaned?

Accepted Answer

The SR Series reactors can be equipped with an optional spray ball cleaning system for CIP (Clean-in-Place) operation. Connected to an external CIP unit, the cleaning solution is pressurized and distributed through the spray ball, providing full internal coverage of the vessel surfaces. This enables efficient cleaning without disassembling the reactor, reducing downtime and labor requirements. CIP systems are particularly suitable for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, food, and other hygienic processing applications where validated and repeatable cleaning is required.

Question 37

Where can I find technical details?

Accepted Answer

See our product brochure or contact sales@lab1st.com for specifications.

Question 38

What type of agitation motor is used in the SR Series stainless steel reactors?

Accepted Answer

The SR500 Series is equipped with a variable-frequency drive (VFD) motor, which provides reliable and cost-effective speed control for general mixing applications.
The SR600 Series features a servo motor with encoder feedback, enabling precise speed control and automatic torque compensation to maintain stable agitation even under changing viscosity and load conditions. It is ideal for processes requiring stable agitation speed and consistent mixing performance. 
Motor selection should be based on the specific process requirements. Higher-speed, higher-torque, and customized drive solutions are also available upon request.

Question 39

What feeding systems are available for controlled liquid addition to the SR Series stainless steel reactors?

Accepted Answer

We offer several metering and transfer solutions, including peristaltic pumps, gear pumps, and diaphragm pumps. The optimal choice depends on the liquid properties (viscosity, corrosiveness, and solids content), required flow rate, and process pressure conditions.
Peristaltic Pumps – Ideal for low- to medium-viscosity liquids, corrosive media, and fluids containing small particles. Simple maintenance and contamination-free fluid handling.
Gear Pumps – Suitable for medium- to high-viscosity materials such as oils, resins, polymers, and adhesives. Provide a stable and continuous flow.
Diaphragm Pumps – Designed for precise dosing of corrosive liquids, solvents, acids, and alkalis, with excellent chemical resistance and flow control accuracy.
Our engineering team can recommend the most suitable pump configuration based on your specific process requirements.

Question 40

Can this reactor be used as a polymerization reactor?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Our SR series reactor features jacketed design, precise temperature control, mechanical agitation, and an integrated condenser, making it suitable for polymerization and other temperature-controlled chemical reactions.

Question 41

What kind of customization can you provide?

Accepted Answer

Chilling machine, vaccum pump, and condenser, etc. It depends on your requirements, and we try our best to fulfill them.

Question 42

What makes UL type special?

Accepted Answer

The UL listed type means the equipment is certified and conforms to the UL standard for its safety and compliance.

Question 43

How do I add a new question & answer?

Accepted Answer

To add a new FAQ follow these steps:

1. Click “Manage FAQs” button
2. From your site’s dashboard you can add, edit and manage all your questions and answers
3. Each question and answer should be added to a category
4. Save and publish.

Question 44

Can I insert an image, video, or gif in my FAQ?

Accepted Answer

Yes. To add media follow these steps:

1. Enter the app’s Settings
2. Click on the “Manage FAQs” button
3. Select the question you would like to add media to
4. When editing your answer click on the camera, video, or GIF icon
5. Add media from your library.

Question 45

How do I edit or remove the “FAQ” title?

Accepted Answer

You can edit the title from the Settings tab in the app. 
If you don’t want to display the title, simply disable the Title under “Info to Display”.

Question 46

What is an FAQ section?

Accepted Answer

An FAQ section can be used to quickly answer common questions about you or your business, such as “Where do you ship to?”, “What are your opening hours?” or “How can I book a service?”
It’s a great way to help people navigate your site and can even boost your site’s SEO.

Question 47

Volume

Accepted Answer

Choosing a right size is crucial in buying an incubator shaker. Normally, it depends on your lab space and the samples you are going to culture. In addition, the filling volume of flasks should less than or equal to 33% of the flasks' total volume. To achieve the maximum oxygen transfer, the filling volume of flasks should be less than 10%.

Question 48

Temperature

Accepted Answer

Temperature plays a crucial role in the sample culturing. For different samples, the optimum culturing temperature differs. Lab1st provides shaking shaker with temperature range from 4 to 60 ℃.
Bacteria: 30 to 37℃ for 1 to 2 days
Actinomycetes: 25 to 28℃ for 5 to 7 days
Molds: 25 to 28℃ for 3 to 4 days
Yeast: 18 to 25℃
Acetobacte: 30 to 35℃
Cells/Tissues: 37℃

Question 49

Shaking Speed

Accepted Answer

The shaking speed will affect the oxygen transfer. Excessively low shaking speed might cause a reduction in OTR, while high shaking speed might lead to the death of shear sensitive samples.

Normally, the shaking speed range is from 0 to 300 rpm. But for ELISA plate at 50mm shaking throw, the shaking speed should be higher than 250rpm. And for deep well plate at 3mm shaking throw, the shaking speed should be within 800 to 1000rpm.

Question 50

Shaking Throw

Accepted Answer

The oxygen transfer rate(OTR) will be influence by the shaking throw. 25mm shaking throw is suitable for 25mL to 2000mL flasks, and 50mm shaking throw is for 2000mL to 5000mL flasks.

Question 51

CO2 Concentration

Accepted Answer

The PH of the culture medium is related to the CO2 concentration. Normally the CO2 concentration should be within 0 to 20%.

Question 52

Humidity & Light Control

Accepted Answer

Humidity control and light control are also essential parts in the cultivation. Molds and yeast require a high humidity (about 85%), while the humidity for culturing cells and tissues will be higher(＞90%)

Question 53

How are Temperature and Humidity Test Chambers maintained?

Accepted Answer

Regular maintenance is essential to ensure chambers operate effectively and reliably. This includes calibrating sensors, checking seals, cleaning internal components, and verifying control system accuracy.

Question 54

Can temperature and humidity test chambers be customized for specific needs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many manufacturers offer customization options to tailor chambers to specific industry requirements, such as size, temperature range, humidity control, and additional features like specialized racks or ports for sensors.

Question 55

How do temperature and humidity test chambers ensure test accuracy and repeatability?

Accepted Answer

Chambers are equipped with sophisticated control systems that maintain precise and stable conditions throughout testing. They also feature data logging capabilities to record temperature and humidity variations, ensuring consistent and reliable test results.

Question 56

How is humidity controlled in these chambers?

Accepted Answer

Humidity is controlled using a combination of humidification and dehumidification systems. Chambers can maintain relative humidity levels typically ranging from 20% to 98%.

Question 57

What kind of support is available for Temperature and Humidity Test Chambers?

Accepted Answer

Support may include installation, calibration, training, and ongoing maintenance services.

Question 58

What are the benefits of having rapid heating and cooling capabilities?

Accepted Answer

Rapid heating and cooling capabilities allow for accelerated testing cycles, improving efficiency and reducing the time needed to simulate environmental conditions and observe results.

Question 59

Can these chambers be customized for specific needs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many manufacturers offer customization options, such as different chamber sizes, additional features, or integrations with other testing equipment to meet specific testing requirements.

Question 60

How often should maintenance be performed on these chambers?

Accepted Answer

Regular maintenance is crucial for optimal performance. Typical tasks include calibrating sensors, checking seals and gaskets, cleaning internal components, and inspecting heating and cooling systems.

Question 61

Is the horizontal incubator shaker stackable?

Accepted Answer

No, it isn't.

Question 62

Does the shaking incubator come with trays and clamps?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we will send you a unit of stainless steel tray and a set of stainless steel flask clamps for free. We also offer tray for elisa plates, tray with support bars, test tube holders, sticky pads, tray with fixed clamps, etc.

Question 63

What shaking throw is recommended for different vessels?

Accepted Answer

The oxygen transfer rate(OTR) will be influence by the shaking throw. 25mm shaking throw is suitable for petri dishes and 25mL to 2000mL flasks, and 50mm shaking throw is large vessels like 2000mL to 5000mL flasks.

Question 64

What temperature should I set for my cultivation (bacteria, fungi, yeasts, cells, algae…)?

Accepted Answer

It is vital to control the temperature during the cultivation. For different samples, the optimum culturing temperature differs. Normally, for bacteria, the temperature should be 30 to 37℃; actinomycetes, 25 to 28℃; molds, 25 to 28℃; yeast, 18 to 25℃; acetobacte, 30 to 35℃; cells or tissues, 37℃.

Phone : +86-13524020331 / +1-844-452-2178

Email: sales@lab1st.com

Phone : +86-13524020331 / +1-844-452-2178

Email: sales@lab1st.com

Glass Wiped/Thin Film Evaporator

Elevating Your Evaporation

Universal Features

GWF - 100 ~ GWF - 200

3.3 High borosilicate glass

SS316L SS316 wet parts & SS304 framework

300℃ The highest operating temperature

Safety Explosion-proof, CSA, and UL certified

0.01 bar Low pressure

PLC Automatic digital control

Great Design

Uniquely designed wiping system with long bearing for stability, protecting the glass evaporator.

Better Capacity

Continuous feeding and discharging ensure a higher processing capacity of the system.

​​

Higher Efficiency

A larger condensation area promises and leads to higher efficiency.

Solid Protection

An extra cold trap device is inserted to protect the vacuum pump.

GWF Series

Turnkey Package

Frequently Asked Questions

What are its main advantages?

What information is recommended to help us better understand your needs and provide a tailored falling film evaporation solution?

Which stainless steel material is best for a chemical reactor: 304 or 316L?

What’s the lead time for a custom chamber?

How do I choose the right size of the SR Series stainless steel reactors?

Which foods can be freeze-dried?

Does the shaking incubator come with shaking plate and clamps?

How to choose the right reactor size for my process?

Do you offer remote monitoring?

Is stainless steel always the optimal material choice for reactors?

What shaking throw is recommended for different vessels?

How to select condenser type (dual plate vs. shell-and-tube) and sealing material (EPDM vs. PTFE) in a falling film evaporation system based on solvent compatibility?

Where is it commonly used?

Which foods don't freeze-dry well?

What customization options are available

What heating and cooling options are available for reactors?

How does it compare to a Rotary Evaporator?

What is the purpose of the gas-liquid separator in a falling film evaporation system?

What temperature should I set for my cultivation (bacteria, fungi, yeasts, cells, algae…)?

Does freeze-drying alter food texture or flavor?

What is the operating temperature range of the SR Series stainless steel reactors? Can they be used for both high- and low-temperature processes? What upgrades are recommended for high-temperature applications?

What heating and cooling options are available in a falling film evaporation system?

What is the typical solvent loss during operation?

What maintenance does a freeze dryer require?

What is the lead time for standard vs. customized reactors?

How is humidity controlled?

How long is the warranty?

How can the material quantity inside the SR Series stainless steel reactors be monitored?

What shipping methods do you provide?

What are the differences between falling film evaporators and rotary evaporators?

Can the SR Series stainless steel reactors be upgraded with a PLC and HMI touchscreen control system? What functions are available?

What are the power requirements?

Are freeze dryers energy-intensive?

What warranty and after-sales support is included?

What are the options for heating and cooling?

How are the SR Series stainless steel reactors cleaned?

Where can I find technical details?

What type of agitation motor is used in the SR Series stainless steel reactors?

What feeding systems are available for controlled liquid addition to the SR Series stainless steel reactors?

Can this reactor be used as a polymerization reactor?

What kind of customization can you provide?

What makes UL type special?

How do I add a new question & answer?

Can I insert an image, video, or gif in my FAQ?

How do I edit or remove the “FAQ” title?

What is an FAQ section?

Volume

Temperature

Shaking Speed

Shaking Throw

CO2 Concentration

Humidity & Light Control

How are Temperature and Humidity Test Chambers maintained?

Can temperature and humidity test chambers be customized for specific needs?

3.3
High borosilicate glass

SS316L
SS316 wet parts & SS304 framework

300℃
The highest operating temperature

Safety
Explosion-proof, CSA, and UL certified

0.01 bar
Low pressure

PLC
Automatic digital control