ChemTron STRIKE 185 Rotary Evaporator
| Brand | ChemTron |
|---|---|
| Origin | Italy |
| Model | STRIKE 185 |
| Capacity | 5 L |
| Rotation Speed | 20–300 rpm |
| Temperature Range | RT +5 to 180 °C (oil bath), RT +5 to 85 °C (water bath) |
| Heating Control Accuracy | ±1 °C |
| Condenser Surface Area | 1500 cm² |
| Bath Stability | ±0.2 °C |
| Bath Power | 1400 W |
| Bath Volume | 5 L |
| Vertical Travel | 75 mm |
| Adjustable Tilt Angle | 0–15° |
| Evaporating Flask | 1000 mL (standard), optional 50–3000 mL |
| Collection Flask | 1000 mL (standard), optional 250–3000 mL |
| Weight | 26.0–26.5 kg |
| Dimensions | 450 × 280 × 620 mm |
| Voltage | 230 V AC, 50 Hz |
Overview
The ChemTron STRIKE 185 Rotary Evaporator is an engineered solution for efficient solvent removal, concentration, and purification of heat-sensitive compounds under reduced pressure. Based on the fundamental principle of rotary evaporation—where sample rotation increases surface area while controlled heating and vacuum lower boiling points—the STRIKE 185 delivers reproducible, scalable performance in synthetic chemistry, natural product isolation, pharmaceutical development, and analytical sample preparation. Designed and manufactured in Italy, it integrates a high-stability oil or water bath, precision DC motor-driven rotation, and a large-surface-area condenser (1500 cm²) to maximize vapor capture efficiency and minimize bumping or foaming. Its modular architecture supports multiple condenser configurations—including inclined, vertical rising, vertical falling, and dry-ice-cooled variants—enabling adaptation to diverse volatility profiles and laboratory workflows.
Key Features
- Intelligent programmable control via a 4.3-inch full-color touchscreen interface with intuitive navigation and real-time parameter monitoring.
- Motorized lift system with adjustable vertical travel (75 mm) and position-hold capability at any point within the stroke (11.5 cm total displacement); automatic lift-up triggered upon power failure for safety and sample integrity.
- Thermostatically regulated bath with ±0.2 °C stability over its full range (RT +5 to 180 °C for oil, RT +5 to 85 °C for water) and 1400 W heating capacity housed in corrosion-resistant stainless steel.
- Dual-seal design using PTFE and carbon fiber composite materials ensures long-term vacuum integrity and chemical resistance across organic solvents and aggressive reagents.
- Configurable tilt angle (0–15°) and standardized ground-glass joints (ISO 29/32 or 24/29) enable rapid flask exchange and compatibility with third-party glassware.
- Integrated thermal safeguards: overtemperature cutoff, real-time steam temperature sensing, and continuous cooling water temperature monitoring.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The STRIKE 185 accommodates evaporating flasks from 50 mL to 3000 mL and collection vessels from 250 mL to 3000 mL, supporting both small-scale screening and preparative-scale processing. Its glass components are available in standard borosilicate or plastic-coated variants for enhanced mechanical safety and reduced breakage risk. All electrical and thermal subsystems comply with IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory equipment safety. When integrated with validated vacuum controllers and temperature sensors (e.g., optional steam and coolant probes), the system supports GLP/GMP-aligned documentation workflows, including audit trails for critical parameters—facilitating alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements where electronic records are employed.
Software & Data Management
While the STRIKE 185 operates as a standalone instrument, its digital interface logs operational timestamps, setpoints, and real-time sensor readings (bath temperature, rotation speed, lift status). Optional analog/digital outputs allow connection to external data acquisition systems or LIMS platforms. Firmware updates are delivered via USB, ensuring traceable version control. The touchscreen UI supports multi-user access levels (operator, supervisor, service), enabling role-based parameter locking—particularly valuable in shared core facilities or regulated QC environments requiring procedural consistency.
Applications
- Solvent recovery and concentration of reaction mixtures in organic synthesis labs.
- Purification of thermolabile natural products (e.g., terpenes, alkaloids) without decomposition.
- Preparative removal of low-boiling solvents (e.g., dichloromethane, ethyl acetate) prior to lyophilization or chromatography.
- Standardized evaporation protocols in pharmaceutical quality control per USP and EP 2.9.30 guidelines.
- Environmental sample preparation, including extraction concentrate cleanup prior to GC-MS analysis.
FAQ
What condenser configurations are available for the STRIKE 185?
The STRIKE 185 offers four primary condenser orientations: inclined (M1/M4), vertical falling (M2/M5), vertical rising (M3/M6), and dry-ice-cooled (M7). Each variant maintains identical thermal and vacuum performance but optimizes space utilization and condensate drainage for specific solvent classes.
Is the STRIKE 185 compatible with inert gas purging?
Yes—the system includes a dedicated inert gas inlet port with fine-adjustment valve, allowing nitrogen or argon sparging during evaporation to protect oxygen-sensitive compounds.
Can the bath temperature be calibrated independently?
Yes—built-in calibration offset adjustment enables traceable correction against NIST-traceable reference thermometers, supporting internal instrument qualification protocols.
What vacuum level is recommended for optimal operation?
For most applications, a stable vacuum between 10–100 mbar is ideal; precise control is achieved when paired with a ChemTron-compatible vacuum pump and digital controller (optional accessory).
Does the STRIKE 185 support remote monitoring or network integration?
It does not feature native Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity; however, analog voltage outputs (0–10 V) for bath temperature and rotation speed enable integration into centralized building management or PLC-controlled lab automation systems.
