IKA RV10 Digital Rotary Evaporator
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | RV10 Digital |
| Capacity | 2 L |
| Ultimate Vacuum | 6.5 hPa |
| Rotational Speed Range | 20–270 rpm |
| Heating Bath Temperature Range | RT to 180 °C |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±1 K |
| Condenser Surface Area | 1,200 cm² |
| Motor Type | Brushless DC Motor |
| Motor Power Input | 50 W |
| Lift Stroke | 140 mm |
| Heating Bath Power | 1,300 W |
| Dimensions (w/o glass, W×D×H) | 530 × 410 × 570 mm |
| Weight (w/o glass, incl. bath) | 20 kg |
| Protection Class | IP20 |
| Interface | RS232 + IR data link |
| Software Compatibility | labworldsoft® |
Overview
The IKA RV10 Digital Rotary Evaporator is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed for efficient, reproducible solvent removal and concentration of heat-sensitive samples under reduced pressure. Based on the fundamental principle of rotary evaporation—simultaneous rotation, heating, and vacuum-induced boiling point depression—the RV10 Digital integrates a microcontroller-regulated heating bath with a brushless DC motor drive system to deliver stable rotational dynamics and precise thermal control. Its modular architecture supports both vertical (V/V-C) and inclined (D/D-C) condenser configurations, enabling optimal adaptation to diverse sample viscosities, volatility profiles, and lab space constraints. Designed and manufactured in Germany, the system complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP20) for electrical safety and meets general requirements for CE-marked laboratory equipment used in academic, pharmaceutical, and industrial R&D environments.
Key Features
- Brushless DC motor with digital speed display (20–270 rpm), offering high torque stability and extended service life without carbon brush wear.
- Motorized lift mechanism with 140 mm stroke, programmable endpoint detection, and automatic safety lift upon power interruption—preventing thermal shock or glass breakage.
- Digital heating bath (HB 10 Digital) featuring microcontroller-based temperature regulation (RT to 180 °C), ±1 K setpoint accuracy, and real-time digital readout.
- Integrated infrared (IR) data link between heating bath and motor unit ensures synchronized operation and eliminates cable clutter.
- RS232 interface enables bidirectional communication with PC-based labworldsoft® software for automated method execution, parameter logging, and remote monitoring.
- Ergonomic design includes safety handle on heating bath, adjustable head tilt (0–45°), intermittent left-right rotation mode for powder drying, and electronic timer for unattended operation.
- Condenser surface area of 1,200 cm² ensures high-efficiency vapor condensation across a broad range of solvents—including low-boiling ethyl acetate, medium-volatility chloroform, and higher-boiling DMSO or glycerol derivatives.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The RV10 Digital accommodates standard 2 L round-bottom flasks and is compatible with a wide spectrum of organic solvents, aqueous solutions, polymer solutions, and natural product extracts. Its robust construction and sealed motor housing support operation under vacuum down to 6.5 hPa, facilitating gentle evaporation of thermolabile compounds without decomposition. While not certified for GMP production environments per se, the system’s traceable temperature and speed parameters, audit-ready labworldsoft® data export (CSV/TXT), and optional vacuum controller integration align with GLP documentation practices. It satisfies general requirements referenced in ASTM E2654 (Standard Guide for Validation of Analytical Laboratory Equipment) and ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (clause 6.4.3 on equipment verification). Optional safety shields and anti-shatter coated condensers (V-C/D-C variants) further enhance compliance with institutional chemical hygiene plans.
Software & Data Management
The RV10 Digital is fully compatible with IKA’s labworldsoft® software suite—a validated platform supporting method-driven workflows, multi-step evaporation protocols, and time-stamped parameter logging. Via RS232 connection, users can configure ramp-hold temperature profiles, synchronize rotation speed changes with bath temperature transitions, and trigger automatic lift/drop sequences. All operational data—including actual vs. setpoint temperature, real-time rpm, elapsed time, and vacuum status (when paired with optional vacuum controllers)—are logged with timestamp resolution to 1 second. Export formats include CSV and TXT, enabling direct import into LIMS or statistical analysis tools. The software adheres to basic principles of FDA 21 CFR Part 11 regarding electronic records (though full Part 11 compliance requires institutional-level validation and access controls).
Applications
This evaporator is routinely deployed in synthetic organic chemistry labs for post-reaction solvent removal prior to chromatography; in natural products laboratories for concentrating plant extracts under mild conditions; in polymer science for solvent exchange and film casting; and in analytical QC labs for sample preparation prior to GC-MS or HPLC analysis. Its ability to maintain consistent rotational shear while precisely regulating bath temperature makes it especially suitable for concentrating viscous samples such as polysaccharide solutions or nanoparticle suspensions. The intermittent rotation function enables uniform drying of crystalline or powdered intermediates without agglomeration, while the 180 °C maximum bath temperature supports evaporation of high-boiling solvents like NMP or ethylene glycol—critical in battery electrolyte or specialty coating formulation workflows.
FAQ
What vacuum level is required for optimal performance?
The RV10 Digital achieves reliable operation at 6.5 hPa; however, optimal evaporation rates and thermal efficiency are typically attained between 5–20 hPa, depending on solvent vapor pressure and condenser cooling capacity.
Can the RV10 Digital be integrated into an automated lab workflow?
Yes—via RS232 and labworldsoft®, it supports scheduled runs, parameter logging, and synchronization with external devices (e.g., vacuum pumps with electromagnetic valves or chiller units).
Is the heating bath compatible with oil or water media?
Yes—the HB 10 Digital bath is designed for both water and silicone oil media, with temperature stability maintained across the full 0–180 °C range.
Does the system include vacuum control capability?
Vacuum control is available as an optional accessory kit, including electromagnetic valves and pump power management modules compatible with common diaphragm and rotary vane vacuum pumps.
What safety certifications does the RV10 Digital hold?
It carries CE marking per the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, and conforms to DIN EN 61010-1 for laboratory electrical safety (IP20 protection class).
