ChemTron STRIKE 285 Rotary Evaporator

Overview

The ChemTron STRIKE 285 Rotary Evaporator is an engineered solution for solvent removal, concentration, and purification in research, quality control, and pilot-scale synthesis laboratories. Based on the fundamental principle of reduced-pressure distillation—where lowering the system pressure decreases the boiling point of solvents—the STRIKE 285 enables gentle, efficient evaporation of thermally sensitive compounds without thermal degradation. Its modular architecture integrates a precision-controlled heating bath, variable-speed rotation mechanism, high-efficiency condensation system, and programmable lift actuation—all coordinated via a 4.3-inch multi-color touchscreen interface. Designed and manufactured in Italy under JULABO-Chemtron’s quality management system, the instrument complies with IEC 61010-1 for laboratory electrical safety and meets CE marking requirements for operation within the European Economic Area.

Key Features

• Programmable digital control system with timer, ramp-and-hold temperature profiles, and automated lift sequence (up/down/stop at user-defined positions)
• DC motor-driven rotation (20–300 rpm) with smooth acceleration/deceleration and precise speed reproducibility
• PTFE-coated stainless steel heating bath (5 L capacity, 1400 W power) offering ±0.2 °C stability and temperature range from ambient +5 °C to 180 °C (with oil) or 85 °C (with water)
• Adjustable tilt angle (0–15°) and vertical lift travel (13 cm) for optimized condensate drainage and flask handling ergonomics
• High-surface-area condenser (1500 cm²) compatible with multiple configurations: inclined, vertical ascending, vertical descending, and dry-ice-cooled variants
• Dual-seal design using PTFE and carbon fiber composite materials ensures long-term vacuum integrity and chemical resistance across organic and aqueous solvent systems
• Integrated safety protocols: overtemperature cutoff, automatic lift retraction upon power loss, real-time steam and coolant temperature monitoring, and optional transparent safety shield with internal lift capability

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The STRIKE 285 supports standard ground-glass jointed glassware (ISO K 29/32, K 35/40, K 45/50), enabling seamless interchangeability of 50–2000 mL evaporation flasks and 250–2000 mL receiving flasks. Both borosilicate 3.3 glass and polymer-coated variants are available to mitigate breakage risk during routine operation. The system maintains vacuum integrity down to 399.9 Pa (3 mmHg), suitable for low-boiling solvents (e.g., diethyl ether, dichloromethane) as well as moderately volatile compounds (e.g., ethyl acetate, acetone). All electronic controls conform to EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. Optional accessories—including vapor and cooling water temperature sensors, vacuum controllers, and recirculating chillers—facilitate full process documentation aligned with GLP and GMP environments.

Software & Data Management

While the STRIKE 285 operates autonomously via its embedded firmware, its parameter logs (temperature setpoint, actual bath temperature, rotation speed, vacuum status, lift position, and elapsed time) are timestamped and retained in non-volatile memory for post-run review. The touchscreen interface supports password-protected user profiles and configurable data export via USB storage (CSV format). When integrated with external vacuum controllers or LabVIEW-compatible DAQ systems, the evaporator can feed real-time operational data into centralized LIMS or ELN platforms. Audit trail functionality—including operator ID, parameter changes, and alarm events—is achievable through third-party middleware compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.

Applications

• Routine solvent removal in natural product isolation and synthetic chemistry workflows
• Concentration of dilute aqueous or organic extracts prior to HPLC or GC analysis
• Removal of residual solvents from APIs and intermediates under ICH Q3C guidelines
• Preparative-scale fractional evaporation in teaching laboratories requiring repeatable, hands-on technique training
• Parallel evaporation support when coupled with multi-position bath adapters or robotic liquid handlers
• Environmental sample preparation, including EPA Method 3510C (acid digestion extracts) and ASTM D5291 (petroleum hydrocarbon recovery)

FAQ

What vacuum level is required for optimal performance with common solvents?
For most low-to-medium boiling point solvents (bp < 100 °C at 1 atm), a stable vacuum between 100–400 Pa provides efficient evaporation while minimizing bumping. The STRIKE 285 achieves 399.9 Pa and maintains it with appropriate vacuum pump selection (e.g., diaphragm or scroll type rated ≥1.5 m³/h).
Can the STRIKE 285 be used with corrosive solvents such as concentrated HCl or HF?
Standard PTFE/carbon fiber seals and borosilicate glass are resistant to most organic solvents and diluted mineral acids. However, prolonged exposure to anhydrous HF, hot concentrated H₂SO₄, or fuming nitric acid is not recommended. For aggressive chemistries, consult ChemTron’s chemical compatibility guide and consider custom seal materials.
Is remote monitoring or control supported?
The base unit does not include Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity. However, analog voltage outputs (0–10 V) for bath temperature and rotation speed are available on select configurations, enabling integration with PLCs or SCADA systems for supervisory control.
How often should the PTFE/carbon fiber seal be replaced?
Under normal use with non-abrasive solvents and proper cleaning, the seal exhibits service life exceeding 12 months. Visual inspection for cracking, deformation, or loss of elasticity is recommended before each high-vacuum run.
Does the STRIKE 285 meet ISO/IEC 17025 calibration requirements for accredited labs?
While the instrument itself is not a measuring device per ISO/IEC 17025, its temperature and rotation subsystems can be verified using traceable NIST-certified references. JULABO-Chemtron provides calibration certificates for bath temperature accuracy (±0.2 °C) and rotational speed (±2 rpm) upon request.