Radleys FindenserTM Super Air Condenser was developed by senior research scientists and engineers who saw the need for a more effective air-condenser that could work with low boiling point solvents and replace the need for water-cooled condensers in most laboratory applications. The result is the Findenser, an innovative air condenser that performs as well as a traditional water-condenser in 95% of laboratory applications and requires no running water to operate.
Average water condensers use 150L/hour of water, the same as continuously running a bath. A single water condenser with one tap running can cost several thousand dollars in water consumption each year. Even if your laboratory only uses a condenser for a few hours each day, the Findenser will pay for itself by reducing your water bill. And it helps reduce on-site water consumption and meet sustainable water reduction targets.
Often water condensers must run for several hours, or even overnight, so there is always the risk that the water supply could detach or leak. Since the Findenser does not require running water to operate, there is no risk of water leaks and flooding, nor the potential hazards that arise from mixing water and electrical equipment.
Case Study: Roche Laboratories, Basel site, Switzerland
Just under 200,000 cubic meters of industrial wastewater were produced at Roche’s Basel site in 2014. In an effort to save water, Dr. Daniel Zimmerli, responsible for laboratory equipment in one of Roche’s research buildings, road tested 10 Findenser Super Air Condensers in continuous operation.
They quickly found that the Findenser met the manufacturer’s claims. Apart from the cost and environmental benefits of reducing water consumption, Dr. Zimmerli felt that the biggest benefit of the Findenser was eliminating the risk of water leaks and flooding. “Reactions run for many hours, often overnight. Once or twice a year, water supplies can become disconnected or spring a leak, and this can very quickly flood the laboratory. Thanks to air cooling, we have eliminated this risk. “
Two hundred air condensers are now in use at Roche’s various research and production laboratories. “If I had my way, good old water or intensive condensers would soon be a thing of the past” said Dr. Zimmerli.
So how does the Findenser Super Air Condenser work?
The Findenser consists of an external aluminium jacket with an internal glass condenser, between which a small amount of water is permanently sealed. Both the aluminium jacket and glass inner have finned surfaces, which creates an inconspicuously small condenser with a significantly larger surface area than is generally found in standard air condensers. Thanks to the case’s large surface area, normal ambient office temperatures are sufficient to cool the vast majority of reactions. The result is a ‘super’ air condenser that performs as well as a traditional water-condenser in 95% of laboratory applications.
The system is designed to work with conventional laboratory clamps and fit standard tapered glass sockets. It also has a number of other innovative features, including easy clamping and contoured edges to prevent it rolling during storage. And since the Findenser doesn’t need to be hooked up to a water supply in order to operate it can be located anywhere in the laboratory, freeing up valuable space.
Radleys Findenser comes in a wide range of volumes with flasks from 100mL to 2L and can hold a maximum of 1L of solvent.
For further information on the Findenser or a demonstration please contact siva.moodley@invitro.com.au
Where can I find more information about Radleys?
Visit Radleys or email info@invitro.com.au or call 1300 552 003
In Vitro Technologies is a scientific and medical company specialising in the distribution and support of scientific, clinical diagnostic and medical products. Please contact us for more information.
