IKA RC 2 green control Circulating Chillers and Heaters

Overview

The IKA RC 2 green control is a high-precision, energy-efficient circulating chiller/heater engineered for demanding laboratory thermal management applications. Based on vapor-compression refrigeration using the natural hydrocarbon refrigerant R290 (propane), it delivers stable, low-temperature operation down to −30 °C while complying with EU F-Gas Regulation (EU No. 517/2014) and global sustainability mandates. Its dual-mode temperature control—capable of both active cooling and auxiliary heating (up to 70 °C with optional heater)—enables precise thermal conditioning of external equipment such as spectrometers, rotary evaporators, calorimeters, and reaction blocks. The unit integrates a PID-controlled PT100-based temperature regulation system conforming to DIN 12876 Class III specifications for laboratory thermostats, ensuring ±0.15 K stability at critical low-temperature setpoints. Unlike conventional chillers relying on fixed-speed compressors or glycol mixtures, the RC 2 green control employs an adaptive compressor modulation strategy combined with real-time thermal load feedback, minimizing energy consumption without compromising dynamic response or long-term drift performance.

Key Features

• Environmentally compliant R290 refrigerant (GWP = 3, zero ODP) with certified charge of 69 g—fully aligned with ISO 5149-1:2014 safety standards for flammable refrigerants in lab equipment
• Speed-controlled PEEK diaphragm pump delivering continuous, stepless adjustment of pressure (0–0.5 bar) and flow rate (0–21 L/min), optimized for low-pulsation circulation in sensitive analytical systems
• Dual-sensor architecture: factory-calibrated internal PT100 plus LEMO-interface for external PT100 probe (e.g., immersion or reactor-jacket measurement), supporting independent control and monitoring loops
• WiCo wireless controller with intuitive TFT interface, enabling remote programming of 10 multi-segment temperature ramps—including hold times, rate limits, and conditional triggers—without physical access to the unit
• Integrated safety system featuring visual and audible alarms for overtemperature, undertemperature, low-level, pump failure, and refrigerant circuit anomalies; all events logged with timestamps in non-volatile memory
• Ergonomic service design: front-accessible air filter with tool-free removal, bottom-mounted drain valve with integrated shut-off, and thermally insulated 4 L bath (usable volume range: 1.4–4.0 L) minimizing ambient heat ingress

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RC 2 green control supports compatibility with a broad spectrum of heat-transfer media—including deionized water, water–glycol blends (up to 50 vol%), silicone oils, and specialized low-temperature fluids—subject to chemical resistance verification against PEEK, EPDM, and stainless-steel wetted parts. It meets DIN 12876-1:2018 for laboratory thermostats (Class III, stability certification), EN 61000-6-3:2019 (EMC emissions), and EN 61000-6-2:2019 (immunity). For regulated environments, its firmware supports audit-trail-enabled operation when paired with labworldsoft® v5.2+ (compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures when configured with user authentication and event logging). All electrical components comply with IEC 61010-1:2010 for safety in laboratory equipment.

Software & Data Management

Remote operation and data acquisition are enabled via RS232 or USB connection to Windows-based labworldsoft® software (v5.2 or later), which provides full parameter configuration, real-time graphing of internal/external temperatures, pump status, and refrigerant pressure trends. Firmware updates are performed securely through the same interface, preserving calibration constants and user-defined programs. The WiCo controller stores up to 10 custom protocols locally, each supporting time-based scheduling, ramp-and-soak profiles, and interlock conditions (e.g., “hold until external sensor reaches target”). All temperature sensors—internal and external—are independently 3-point calibratable within the device UI or via labworldsoft®, traceable to NIST-certified references. Event logs retain alarm history, power cycles, and calibration actions for GLP/GMP documentation.

Applications

• Low-temperature condensation trapping in rotary evaporation systems operating under high vacuum
• Thermal stabilization of CCD detectors, FTIR interferometers, and laser sources requiring sub-ambient stability
• Controlled-rate cooling in polymer crystallization studies and DSC sample preparation
• Reaction calorimetry where exothermic heat removal must be dynamically matched to process kinetics
• Environmental stress screening of electronic components using programmable thermal cycling
• Integration into automated synthesis platforms via digital I/O or Modbus RTU (with optional adapter)

FAQ

Does the RC 2 green control support external temperature control using a process sensor?
Yes—it features a dedicated LEMO port for connecting an external PT100 sensor, allowing direct control of bath or process temperature independent of the internal sensor.
Is R290 refrigerant safe for laboratory use?
R290 is classified as A3 (flammable) under ASHRAE Standard 34, but the RC 2 green control contains only 69 g—well below the 150 g threshold requiring special ventilation per IEC 60335-2-89—and is housed in a sealed, pressure-tested refrigerant circuit with leak detection logic.
Can the unit operate continuously at −30 °C?
Yes, provided ambient conditions remain within 5–32 °C and relative humidity ≤80% (non-condensing); sustained operation at minimum temperature requires adequate heat rejection and unrestricted airflow around condenser fins.
What is the purpose of the 3-point calibration function?
It enables linear correction of sensor offset and gain across three reference points (e.g., 0 °C ice bath, 25 °C RTD standard, and 60 °C calibration oil), improving absolute accuracy to ±0.1 K across the full operational range.
Is labworldsoft® required for basic operation?
No—the WiCo wireless controller supports full standalone operation including programming, monitoring, and alarm handling; labworldsoft® is optional for advanced data logging, remote supervision, and regulatory compliance workflows.