IKA RV 3 V Starter Solution Rotary Evaporator System
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Product Category | Imported |
| Model | RV 3 V Starter Solution |
| Capacity | 4 L |
| Ultimate Vacuum | 9 mbar |
| Rotation Speed | 20–300 rpm |
| Temperature Range | Ambient to 99 °C |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±1 K |
| Condenser Surface Area | 1500 cm² |
Overview
The IKA RV 3 V Starter Solution is a fully integrated, factory-matched rotary evaporation system engineered for reproducible, safe, and efficient solvent removal in R&D, quality control, and small-scale production environments. Unlike conventional point-solution purchases, this starter package delivers seamless interoperability across four core subsystems—rotary evaporator (RV 3 V), diaphragm vacuum pump (Vacstar lite), vacuum controller (VC 10 lite), and recirculating chiller (RC 2 lite)—all designed and validated by IKA to operate as a unified platform. The system employs classical thin-film evaporation principles: sample solution is distributed as a uniform film on the inner surface of a rotating evaporation flask under reduced pressure, accelerating volatilization while minimizing thermal degradation. Heat transfer occurs via a thermostatically controlled heating bath (up to 99 °C), while vapor condensation is optimized through a vertically oriented triple-layer condenser with 1500 cm² effective surface area—enabling high recovery yields even for solvents with elevated boiling points (e.g., DMSO, ethylene glycol, or NMP). All electrical components operate at 24 V DC for intrinsic safety, and mechanical design complies with DIN EN 60529 IP20 ingress protection standards.
Key Features
- Integrated system architecture: Pre-configured and pre-tested combination of RV 3 V evaporator, Vacstar lite vacuum pump, VC 10 lite controller, and RC 2 lite chiller—eliminating compatibility validation and integration overhead.
- Three-layer vertical condenser with 1500 cm² active cooling surface, fabricated from borosilicate glass 3.3 and featuring anti-bumping geometry and anti-backflow design.
- PTFE-sealed vapor-tight joints with stainless-steel spring elements ensure long-term corrosion resistance and leak-free operation under dynamic vacuum conditions down to 9 mbar.
- Manually actuated lifting mechanism with adjustable endpoint stop and dual-lock safety interlock: secondary lock engagement triggers visible red indicator for operator awareness.
- Vacstar lite diaphragm pump with frequency-controlled motor—automatically reduces speed upon reaching set vacuum, reducing noise (<50 dB(A)) and power consumption by up to 40% during steady-state operation.
- VC 10 lite vacuum controller with auto-purge function, programmable ramp profiles, and bidirectional communication with RC 2 lite for coordinated temperature–vacuum optimization.
- RC 2 lite recirculating chiller delivering 400 W cooling capacity and 18 L/min flow rate at 1 bar pressure—ensuring stable condenser inlet temperature (typically 0–15 °C) across extended distillation cycles.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The RV 3 V Starter Solution accommodates standard ISO-K 29/32 and ISO-K 35/20 jointed glassware, including all RV 10 series flasks, condensers, and adapters—supporting batch volumes from 50 mL to 4 L. Its PTFE–stainless sealing system resists aggressive organic solvents (e.g., chloroform, THF, acetone), weak acids (acetic, citric), and alkaline aqueous solutions (pH 2–12). The system meets essential safety and electromagnetic compatibility requirements per DIN EN 61000-6-2 (immunity) and DIN EN 61000-6-4 (emission), and conforms to IEC 61010-1 for laboratory electrical equipment. While not certified for GMP manufacturing environments out-of-the-box, its architecture supports audit-ready documentation packages—including calibration records, maintenance logs, and IQ/OQ protocols—for GLP-compliant laboratories. Data integrity features (e.g., timestamped vacuum/temperature logs, user-access controls in VC 10 lite firmware) align with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 expectations when deployed with validated software configurations.
Software & Data Management
The VC 10 lite controller provides local HMI-based operation with real-time display of vacuum level (mbar), setpoint deviation, pump status, and chiller interface signals. It stores up to 10 user-defined vacuum programs with ramp-hold segments and supports manual override at any stage. All operational parameters—including start/stop timestamps, vacuum trajectory, and temperature deviations—are logged internally and exportable via USB to CSV format for traceability. Though the RV 3 V itself lacks embedded connectivity, the VC 10 lite and RC 2 lite units support optional RS232-to-USB adapters for integration into centralized lab data systems (e.g., LabArchives, ELN platforms). Firmware updates are delivered via IKA’s official service portal and require physical USB stick installation—ensuring version control and change management rigor.
Applications
- Solvent removal and concentration of natural product extracts (e.g., plant alkaloids, terpenes) under mild thermal conditions.
- Removal of reaction solvents post-Suzuki coupling or Grignard synthesis—preserving thermally labile intermediates.
- Lyophilization pre-concentration steps prior to freeze-drying of protein formulations.
- QC testing of residual solvents in pharmaceutical APIs per ICH Q3C guidelines, where controlled evaporation supports headspace-GC sample preparation.
- Recovery and recycling of high-value solvents (e.g., DMF, dioxane) in pilot-scale process development labs.
- Distillation of heat-sensitive fragrances and essential oils without thermal decomposition or Maillard artifacts.
FAQ
Is the RV 3 V Starter Solution suitable for use with corrosive solvents such as hydrochloric acid or nitric acid?
No. While PTFE seals resist most organic solvents and weak acids, concentrated mineral acids will degrade PTFE over time and compromise vacuum integrity. For such applications, consult IKA’s chemically resistant RV 10 models with Hastelloy components.
Can the system be operated unattended overnight?
Yes—provided the VC 10 lite is programmed with endpoint vacuum hold and the RC 2 lite maintains stable coolant temperature. However, unattended operation requires risk assessment per institutional safety policy and is not recommended for low-boiling, flammable solvents without additional explosion-proof safeguards.
What is the expected service life of the Vacstar lite diaphragm pump under continuous use?
With proper maintenance (annual diaphragm replacement and periodic valve inspection), the Vacstar lite achieves >15,000 operating hours. Its auto-speed reduction feature significantly extends diaphragm longevity compared to fixed-speed alternatives.
Does the RV 3 V support automatic flask rotation reversal?
No. Rotation is unidirectional only. Automatic reversal is available exclusively on RV 10 auto V and higher-tier models.
Are calibration certificates included with shipment?
Factory calibration reports for temperature (heating bath) and vacuum (VC 10 lite sensor) are provided. Full ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration must be arranged separately through authorized IKA service centers.
