IKA RV 10 control V-C auto Rotary Evaporator

Overview

The IKA RV 10 control V-C auto Rotary Evaporator is an integrated, programmable evaporation system engineered for precision solvent removal, concentration, and purification in research laboratories, QC environments, and pilot-scale synthesis workflows. It operates on the principle of reduced-pressure distillation: by lowering the system pressure via an integrated vacuum controller and simultaneously rotating the evaporation flask, the effective surface area of the liquid film increases while its boiling point decreases—enabling gentle, efficient, and reproducible removal of volatile solvents without thermal degradation of heat-sensitive compounds. Designed and manufactured in Staufen, Germany, the RV 10 control V-C auto integrates a vertical condenser with 1500 cm² cooling surface area, a dual-mode heating bath (water- or oil-compatible), and a built-in vacuum regulation module capable of maintaining stable setpoints across the full 1050–1 mbar range. Its core architecture supports GLP-compliant operation through audit-ready parameter logging, programmable sequences, and hardware-level safety interlocks.

Key Features

• Integrated vacuum control with real-time feedback and ±2 mbar measurement accuracy—eliminates external vacuum controllers and enables precise, repeatable pressure ramping during multi-step distillations
• Auto-boiling point recognition algorithm that dynamically adjusts vacuum setpoint based on solvent vapor pressure characteristics, reducing manual optimization and operator dependency
• Programmable method storage for up to 10 user-defined distillation protocols—including rotation speed ramps, temperature gradients, vacuum profiles, and timed lift cycles
• Motor-driven vertical lift with 140 mm stroke and mechanical end-stop safety cutoff; automatic stop-on-contact prevents glassware collision during ascent/descent
• Reversible DC motor drive enabling both clockwise and counterclockwise rotation—critical for stabilizing viscous or foaming samples
• Dual-mode heating bath (HB 10) rated to 180 °C with ±1 K temperature stability and lockable keypad to prevent accidental setting changes during unattended operation
• Acoustic noise reduction achieved through synchronized speed-controlled vacuum pump (N 920) integration—operating noise <52 dB(A) at 1 m distance
• Real-time coolant flow monitoring interface compatible with external flow sensors—triggers alarm and pause if insufficient cooling is detected
• Redundant thermal protection: dry-run detection circuit + independent safety temperature loop (STL) that cuts power if bath exceeds 200 °C or deviates >5 K from setpoint

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RV 10 control V-C auto accommodates standard ISO-K 29/32 and ISO-K 24/29 ground-glass joints, supporting interchangeable glassware kits including vertical anti-explosion coated assemblies (RV 10.10), inclined condensers, and specialized short-path configurations. Its 3 L bath capacity and optimized film dynamics enable consistent processing of volumes from 50 mL to 2 L per run. The system conforms to DIN EN 60529 (IP20) for electrical safety in laboratory environments and meets CE marking requirements under the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU. All firmware and control logic are designed to support 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when paired with validated LIMS or ELN software—audit trails, electronic signatures, and parameter change history are accessible via RS232 export or optional USB data logging.

Software & Data Management

Control and monitoring are executed via the front-panel membrane keypad and high-contrast LCD display, with full parameter visibility—including real-time vacuum, temperature, rotation speed, lift position, and elapsed time. All 10 stored methods retain full metadata (date/time stamp, operator ID field, version number) and can be exported as CSV via RS232 to external PCs for long-term archiving. Firmware supports time-stamped event logging (e.g., “Vacuum reached 25 mbar at 14:22:17”, “Lift stopped at 138 mm due to obstruction”) with configurable retention depth. Optional IKA Labworld software (v3.2+) provides remote supervision, multi-device scheduling, and PDF report generation compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation standards.

Applications

• Concentration of natural product extracts (e.g., plant alkaloids, essential oils) under oxygen-limited, low-temperature conditions
• Removal of reaction solvents (THF, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate) post-Suzuki coupling or Grignard synthesis
• Lyophilization pre-concentration steps where residual water content must remain below 5% w/w
• API purification workflows requiring strict batch traceability and environmental parameter recording
• Environmental analysis sample prep—including EPA Method 3510C (liquid–liquid extraction) and ASTM D5291 (petroleum distillate recovery)
• Academic teaching labs performing quantitative recovery studies with gravimetric yield validation

FAQ

Does the RV 10 control V-C auto support external vacuum pump control?
Yes—it features analog and digital output signals (0–10 V / RS232) to modulate third-party variable-speed vacuum pumps, though optimal performance is achieved using the included N 920 pump.
Can the heating bath operate with silicone oil at 180 °C continuously?
Yes—the HB 10 bath is rated for continuous operation up to 180 °C with thermally stable silicone oils (e.g., IKA S200 series); thermal insulation and overtemperature cutoff ensure safe extended use.
Is method export compatible with LIMS systems?
Method parameters and runtime logs are exportable as ASCII/CSV via RS232; integration with major LIMS platforms (e.g., LabVantage, Thermo SampleManager) requires custom driver configuration or middleware.
What glassware components are included in the standard delivery package?
The base configuration includes the RV 10.10 vertical anti-explosion coated assembly (evaporating flask, condenser, receiving flask), HB 10 heating bath, and N 920 vacuum pump—no additional adapters or seals required for immediate operation.
How is calibration traceability maintained for temperature and vacuum sensors?
IKA provides factory calibration certificates (traceable to DKD/DAkkS-accredited labs) for both Pt100 temperature sensor and piezoresistive vacuum transducer; field recalibration is supported using certified reference instruments per ISO/IEC 17025 procedures.