Works with air as cooling agent through contact with a large, structured surface. Has been used for refluxing of even relatively low-boiling solvents such as methylene chloride, ether or pentane. Heat-bath (oil-bath, heating block, etc.) temperature has to be suitably set to adjust solvent vapor condensation in the lower quarter of the condenser. Tube-width 26 mm, surface with multiple indentations to increase surface area and vapor mixing for efficient heat exchange, total length of all five tubes ca. 800 mm. Has a central drain tube at bottom to return a portion of condensate in center of tube as drops; this may be of importance when used in extractors where liquid must collect in thimble, rather than flowing down walls. Joints 24/40.
For single-tube model see Vigreux Condensers.
The use of this condenser provides notable advantages over water-cooled models:
-No accidents by flooding caused by
-detachment of water hoses from normal reflux condenser
-stoppage of water flow by water pressure change
-No water consumption
-No power consumption (as with a re-circulating pump unit)
-Due to its shape cannot roll off lab bench when set down, e.g. during assembly or sample removal
-May be rotated such that it accommodates other glassware on multi-necked
flasks
-Light weight, no great top-heaviness, hence less risk of tipping from torque
-Easy fit in height-restricted hoods due to its small height (< 30 cm)
-Center of gravity low, so less torque and lessened risk of tipping
-In comparison, under the same test conditions, no break-through of hot vapors
-All-glass apparatus, therefore no corrosion as with metal blocks or metal sheeted air-condensers in the laboratory
-May be cleaned and dried as other glass apparatus
