DLAB VC100 Vacuum Controller

Overview

The DLAB VC100 Vacuum Controller is an integrated vacuum regulation and monitoring system engineered for precision control of vacuum levels in laboratory applications—particularly rotary evaporation, solvent recovery, concentration, and low-temperature distillation. Unlike standalone vacuum gauges or manual throttling valves, the VC100 employs a closed-loop feedback architecture based on piezoresistive absolute pressure sensing and proportional solenoid valve actuation. It continuously measures system pressure in real time and dynamically adjusts the vacuum throttle position to maintain the user-defined setpoint within ±1% repeatability across its full 1–1000 mbar operating range. Designed for compatibility with standard oil-lubricated rotary vane vacuum pumps, the VC100 supports both continuous pump operation and intelligent pump cycling—reducing energy consumption and minimizing oil degradation during extended low-vacuum or hold-phase operations.

Key Features

• Wide operational vacuum range: precisely calibrated from 1 mbar (high vacuum) to 1000 mbar (rough vacuum), enabling consistent control across diverse process stages—from initial degassing to final concentration.
• Dual-mode control architecture: selectable single-point mode for rapid setup and programmable multi-step mode for automated, repeatable sequences (e.g., ramp-down → hold → controlled vent).
• Onboard program memory: stores up to five independent protocols; each protocol supports up to five sequential segments with individually defined target vacuum level and dwell time (0–999 minutes per segment).
• Intuitive human-machine interface: 5-inch high-resolution TFT touchscreen with responsive gesture support, multilingual menu navigation (English preloaded), and real-time graphical display of pressure trend, setpoint, and valve position.
• Chemically resistant wetted path: all surfaces exposed to vapors or condensates—including sensor diaphragm housing, valve seat, and internal tubing—are constructed from PTFE, technical ceramics, medical-grade silicone, and PP—ensuring long-term stability with aggressive solvents (e.g., acetone, chloroform, THF), aqueous acids/bases, and steam.
• Integrated inert gas purging: built-in solenoid-controlled nitrogen or argon inlet allows automatic backfilling to atmospheric or sub-atmospheric partial pressures, critical for oxygen-sensitive compounds or post-process sample protection.
• One-touch vent function: initiates rapid, controlled atmospheric re-entry via dual-stage pressure relief—eliminating mechanical stress on glassware and preventing bumping or foaming during flask removal.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The VC100 is validated for use with standard rotary evaporator systems (e.g., DLAB RE series, IKA RV series, Buchi R-series) and compatible with common vacuum line configurations (8 mm OD hose connection). Its material construction meets ISO 8573-1 Class 4 purity requirements for non-oil-contaminated air pathways when used with inert gas purge. While not intrinsically rated for hazardous area use, the controller complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical safety and EMC Directive 2014/30/EU. All firmware logic supports audit-ready operation under GLP and GMP environments: timestamped event logs (including setpoint changes, vent actions, and pump state transitions) are retained internally for ≥30 days and exportable via USB.

Software & Data Management

The VC100 operates autonomously without PC dependency but supports optional data logging via USB mass storage mode. When connected to a host computer, it emulates a CDC ACM serial device (no driver required on Windows/macOS/Linux), enabling integration with third-party lab automation platforms (e.g., LabVIEW, Python-based control scripts, or ELN systems) using ASCII command protocol (e.g., “GET:PRESSURE”, “SET:TARGET=50”, “START:PROGRAM=3”). All parameter changes, alarm events (e.g., sensor timeout, overpressure), and runtime statistics are recorded with millisecond-accurate timestamps. Firmware updates are performed via FAT32-formatted USB drive—ensuring traceability and version control in regulated laboratories.

Applications

• Automated solvent removal in natural product isolation and pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis.
• Reproducible concentration of heat-labile biomolecules (e.g., peptides, oligonucleotides) under controlled vacuum ramps to prevent denaturation.
• Parallel evaporation workflows requiring identical vacuum profiles across multiple units—enabled by synchronized program loading via USB batch deployment.
• Method development for fractional distillation where precise vacuum staging improves fraction purity and reduces co-distillation.
• Quality control labs performing USP vacuum drying validation or ASTM D2879 boiling point determination under reduced pressure.

FAQ

Does the VC100 require calibration before first use?
No—the unit ships with NIST-traceable factory calibration; however, users may perform a zero-point verification at atmospheric pressure using the built-in self-test routine.
Can the VC100 control dry (oil-free) vacuum pumps?
It is optimized for oil-lubricated rotary vane pumps; while compatible with some dry scroll pumps, dynamic response may vary due to differing pump speed modulation characteristics—consult DLAB Application Support for pump-specific tuning guidance.
Is the pressure sensor replaceable in the field?
Yes—the modular sensor assembly is user-serviceable with standard Torx tools and requires no recalibration after replacement.
What happens if power is lost during a running program?
All active parameters and program progress are preserved in non-volatile memory; upon power restoration, the VC100 resumes operation from the last executed segment.
Does the VC100 support RS-485 or Ethernet communication?
Not natively—only USB and isolated digital I/O (pump control relay, vent trigger, alarm output) are provided; industrial network integration requires external protocol converter hardware.