IKA RV 8 V-C Rotary Evaporator

Overview

The IKA RV 8 V-C Rotary Evaporator is a compact, manually operated benchtop system engineered for reliable solvent removal and gentle concentration of heat-sensitive samples under reduced pressure. Based on the fundamental principle of rotary evaporation—where simultaneous rotation, heating, and vacuum application lower the boiling point of solvents to enable efficient, low-temperature distillation—the RV 8 V-C delivers consistent performance in routine purification workflows. Designed and manufactured in Germany, it integrates robust mechanical construction with intuitive analog-digital hybrid controls, making it suitable for academic teaching labs, QC environments, and small-scale R&D applications where simplicity, safety, and reproducibility are prioritized over automated vacuum or temperature programming.

Key Features

• Manual vertical lift mechanism with safety stop function: In the event of power interruption, the motor automatically raises the evaporating flask above the heating bath, preventing thermal shock or bumping.
• Universal heating bath (HB 10 compatible) supporting both water and oil media, rated for operation up to 180 °C with ±1 K temperature stability and ergonomic, insulated handle design.
• Digital LED display showing real-time rotational speed (5–300 rpm) and bath temperature—enabling precise process monitoring without external instrumentation.
• Adjustable immersion angle for optimized film formation and evaporation efficiency across varying solvent viscosities and volumes.
• 24 V DC motor drive enhances user safety by minimizing electrical hazard risk, especially in humid or splash-prone lab environments.
• Interchangeable glassware compatibility: Fully supports the full suite of IKA RV 10 series components—including vertically oriented, anti-shatter coated glass assemblies (e.g., RV 10.10)—ensuring long-term scalability and serviceability.
• New quick-lock flask clamping system simplifies single-handed installation and removal of evaporating flasks, reducing procedural downtime and operator fatigue.
• Heating bath features temperature lock functionality to prevent accidental parameter changes during extended runs.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RV 8 V-C accommodates standard 3 L round-bottom flasks and is routinely employed for concentrating organic extracts, purifying reaction mixtures, recovering solvents (e.g., ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, ethanol), and preparing samples for downstream analysis (e.g., HPLC, GC, NMR). Its vertical condenser—providing 1500 cm² effective cooling surface—ensures high condensation efficiency even with volatile or low-boiling solvents. The system complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP20 enclosure rating) and meets general laboratory safety requirements per IEC 61010-1. While not equipped with integrated vacuum regulation or digital logging, its architecture supports external vacuum controllers and is routinely validated in GLP-aligned laboratories for method transfer and equipment qualification (IQ/OQ). It is compatible with standard vacuum pumps meeting ISO 8573-1 Class 3 purity requirements.

Software & Data Management

The RV 8 V-C operates as a stand-alone instrument without embedded software, USB, RS232, or analog output interfaces. All operational parameters—rotational speed and bath temperature—are set and monitored via front-panel controls and digital displays. For laboratories requiring audit trails or electronic record retention, external data loggers may be connected to the heating bath’s PT100 sensor output (available upon request with optional accessories) or synchronized with third-party vacuum control systems. The absence of firmware or network connectivity ensures immunity to cybersecurity vulnerabilities and simplifies 21 CFR Part 11 compliance when used in conjunction with validated paper-based or LIMS-integrated SOP documentation.

Applications

• Routine solvent removal following organic synthesis or natural product extraction
• Concentration of thermolabile compounds (e.g., vitamins, fragrances, polymer precursors)
• Preparative-scale fractionation in medicinal chemistry and phytochemistry labs
• Sample preparation for chromatographic analysis (TLC, HPLC, GC-MS)
• Teaching demonstrations of phase equilibria, vapor pressure depression, and thin-film evaporation dynamics
• QC release testing where manual, operator-controlled evaporation is specified in pharmacopoeial methods (e.g., USP <467> residual solvents)

FAQ

Does the RV 8 V-C include an integrated vacuum controller?
No. Vacuum must be supplied externally via a compatible diaphragm or rotary vane pump.
Can the heating bath be used with silicone oil?
Yes—the HB 10 heating bath is certified for use with water, silicone oil, and other non-corrosive heat-transfer fluids up to 180 °C.
Is the RV 8 V-C compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11?
As a non-computerized device without electronic records or signatures, it falls outside the scope of Part 11—but may be included in broader system-level validation when paired with compliant data acquisition tools.
What is the maximum recommended flask size?
The system is optimized for 3 L round-bottom flasks; larger vessels may compromise rotational balance and film uniformity.
How is temperature calibration performed?
Calibration is conducted using traceable PT100 reference probes per manufacturer-recommended procedures outlined in the technical manual (IKA Doc. No. 302201000).