ChemTron ST20 ATEX Explosion-Proof Large-Capacity Rotary Evaporator

Overview

The ChemTron ST20 ATEX Explosion-Proof Large-Capacity Rotary Evaporator is an intrinsically safe, CE-compliant laboratory system engineered for solvent removal, concentration, and purification under hazardous area conditions (ATEX Zones 1/21 and 2/22). Designed in accordance with EN 60079-0, EN 60079-1, and EN 60079-11 standards, the ST20 ATEX employs a fully integrated explosion-protection architecture—featuring certified Ex d IIB T4 (gas) and Ex tD A21 IP65 (dust) components—to enable safe operation in environments where flammable vapors, mists, or combustible dusts may be present. Its core principle relies on vacuum-assisted thin-film evaporation: rotation of the evaporating flask generates a uniform film on the inner wall, while controlled bath heating and precise vacuum regulation lower the boiling point of solvents, enabling gentle, efficient separation at reduced temperatures. This configuration minimizes thermal degradation of thermolabile compounds and supports scalable batch processing in pharmaceutical development, fine chemical synthesis, natural product extraction, and petrochemical QA/QC workflows.

Key Features

• Explosion-proof certified components throughout: motor, gearbox, control cabinet, touch display, heating elements, solenoid valves, pressure regulators, and all electrical interfaces—each bearing valid ATEX/IECEx certification documentation.
• Fail-safe hydraulic bath lift system: automatically lowers the heating bath upon power loss or emergency stop, preventing sample overheating and ensuring thermal process interruption compliance with IEC 61508 SIL 2 requirements.
• Maintenance-free sealing system: utilizes chemically resistant, non-lubricated elastomeric materials engineered for long-term vacuum integrity (<8 mbar) without periodic re-greasing or seal replacement.
• Integrated digital vacuum control: built-in piezoresistive vacuum sensor and proportional solenoid valve enable closed-loop regulation with setpoint accuracy of ±5 mbar and 1 mbar resolution.
• Dual-temperature monitoring: independent PT100 sensors measure both bath temperature (ambient to 150 °C, ±2 °C accuracy) and vapor temperature (ambient to 150 °C), supporting real-time distillation endpoint detection.
• Modular condenser configuration: available in ascending- or descending-vapor orientation to accommodate space constraints and optimize condensate recovery efficiency for high-boiling or low-surface-tension solvents.
• Nitrogen purging interface and certified rupture disc included as standard—enabling inert atmosphere operation and overpressure protection per PED 2014/68/EU.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ST20 ATEX accommodates glassware configurations up to 20 L (evaporating flask) and 10 L (collection flask), with optional dual 6 L receivers for parallel fraction collection. It handles aqueous, organic, and halogenated solvents—including acetone, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, toluene, and DMF—under vacuum or atmospheric conditions. All wetted parts conform to USP Class VI and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 material compatibility guidelines. The system meets ISO 9001 manufacturing quality standards and supports GLP/GMP audit readiness through full parameter logging (time-stamped bath temp, rotation speed, vacuum level, vapor temp) and user-accessible event history. Electrical safety complies with EN 61010-1; mechanical design adheres to EN 13463-1 for non-electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres.

Software & Data Management

Operation is managed via a 7-inch industrial-grade capacitive touchscreen with IP65-rated front panel. The embedded controller records all critical parameters at 1-second intervals, storing ≥30 days of continuous data internally. Export is supported via USB 2.0 (CSV format) for traceability in regulated environments. Optional integration with JULABO’s LabSoft Connect software enables remote monitoring, alarm notification (email/SMS), and centralized fleet management across multiple instruments. Audit trails include user login/logout timestamps, parameter modifications, and emergency stop triggers—fully compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record requirements when paired with configured user roles and digital signature protocols.

Applications

• Solvent recovery and concentration in API synthesis and intermediate purification (ASTM E260, USP <467>)
• Gentle removal of heat-sensitive solvents in botanical extract processing (e.g., terpenes, flavonoids)
• Batch-scale distillation of high-boiling-point fractions in polymer and resin R&D
• Crystallization seeding and mother liquor concentration under inert nitrogen blanket
• Residual solvent analysis sample preparation per ICH Q3C guidelines
• Continuous reflux reactions with integrated condensate return capability
• Extraction of volatile aroma compounds in food science and flavor chemistry

FAQ

What ATEX zones is the ST20 ATEX certified for?
It is certified for Zone 1 (gas) and Zone 21 (dust) per Directive 2014/34/EU, with temperature class T4 (surface max. 135 °C) and IP65 enclosure rating.
Can the system operate without vacuum?
Yes—it supports both atmospheric-pressure distillation and vacuum-assisted evaporation down to 8 mbar.
Is the heating bath compatible with thermal oil media?
Yes; the 3 kW dual-heater bath accepts water, silicone oil, or mineral oil—validated for continuous operation up to 150 °C with thermal stability <±3 °C.
Does it support automated method programming?
Not natively; however, external PLC or LabSoft Connect integration enables sequential ramp-hold-vacuum profiles with interlocked safety logic.
What maintenance is required for the vacuum seal system?
None—the self-lubricating, elastomer-based static seal requires no periodic servicing, cleaning, or replacement under normal operating conditions.