IKA RC2 Lite Compact Circulating Chiller

Overview

The IKA RC2 Lite is an integrated, air-cooled circulating chiller engineered for precision thermal management in laboratory environments where compact footprint, energy efficiency, and reliable low-temperature operation are essential. Based on vapor-compression refrigeration using the natural hydrocarbon refrigerant R290 (propane), the RC2 Lite delivers environmentally sustainable cooling without compromising performance or safety compliance. Its core function is to maintain stable, controllable bath temperatures between –10 °C and ambient (RT), with a maximum refrigeration capacity of 400 W at 20 °C ambient — sufficient to support demanding applications such as rotary evaporation condensation, jacketed reactor temperature control, and active cooling of double-walled grinding vessels or incubators. The unit operates continuously under load, with a robust compressor architecture designed for long-term duty cycles typical of QC labs, pilot-scale synthesis, and analytical instrumentation cooling.

Key Features

• Compact footprint (225 × 430 × 385 mm) and lightweight design (24.5 kg) optimized for benchtop integration in space-constrained laboratories.
• Stainless steel removable filter ensures consistent flow integrity and simplifies routine maintenance without tools.
• Integrated pressure/suction dual-mode pump enables flexible fluid handling: supports both closed-loop internal circulation and open-bath external circulation (e.g., with level controllers), with max. pressure output of 0.35 bar and suction capability up to 0.15 bar.
• Visual liquid-level tube provides real-time reservoir monitoring; fill volume adjustable from 1.0 to 3.5 L to match application requirements — including extended external loop operation up to 2.5 L without refilling.
• LED digital temperature display with ±0.1 °C resolution and DIN 12876-compliant stability (±0.5 °C) across the full operating range.
• R290 refrigerant system certified per EN 378-1:2016 and compliant with EU F-Gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014 for low global warming potential (GWP = 3).
• IP21-rated enclosure provides protection against vertically falling solid objects and limited ingress of moisture — suitable for standard laboratory environments (5–32 °C ambient, ≤80% RH).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RC2 Lite is compatible with aqueous and water-glycol mixtures (up to 30% v/v) commonly used in laboratory cooling circuits. Its stainless steel wetted components resist corrosion from standard coolants and ensure compatibility with common lab-grade solvents in secondary loops. The unit meets DIN 12876 Class III requirements for laboratory refrigerating equipment, supporting traceable temperature control in regulated workflows. While not intrinsically rated for hazardous area use, its R290 charge (<150 g) complies with safety thresholds defined in IEC 60335-2-89 and EN 60335-2-40 for non-hermetic refrigerant systems. For GLP/GMP environments, the optional labworldsoft software interface enables audit-trail-capable data logging aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles when deployed with validated PC configurations.

Software & Data Management

The RC2 Lite includes standard USB and RS232 communication interfaces for bidirectional control and monitoring. When connected to a host PC running IKA’s labworldsoft software (v4.0+), users can configure setpoints, log temperature and flow profiles over time, trigger alarms based on deviation thresholds, and export CSV-formatted datasets for post-processing. The software supports time-stamped event logging (start/stop, error codes, parameter changes), fulfilling basic electronic record requirements under ISO/IEC 17025 and ASTM E2500-18 for instrument qualification. Firmware updates are delivered via secure download through IKA’s official support portal — no proprietary dongles or cloud dependencies required.

Applications

• Cooling of rotary evaporators and reflux condensers in organic synthesis and natural product isolation.
• Temperature stabilization of jacketed glass reactors and calorimetric cells during exothermic or endothermic reactions.
• Active cooling of high-power laboratory equipment including NMR probe precoolers, laser sources, and plasma generators.
• Thermal conditioning of bioreactor jackets, CO₂ incubators, and environmental test chambers requiring sub-ambient setpoints.
• Integration into automated synthesis platforms where programmable chillers synchronize with reaction scheduling logic via serial command protocols.

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended coolant concentration for glycol-based solutions?
A 20% v/v aqueous propylene glycol solution is recommended for optimal viscosity and freeze protection down to –10 °C. Higher concentrations may reduce heat transfer efficiency and increase pump load.
Can the RC2 Lite be operated in a fume hood or ventilated cabinet?
Yes — provided ambient temperature remains within 5–32 °C and airflow does not impede rear-mounted condenser ventilation. Avoid direct exhaust ducting onto the unit’s air intake.
Is remote start/stop functionality supported without labworldsoft?
No — external TTL or dry-contact control is not natively available. All remote commands require serial communication via RS232/USB and labworldsoft or custom SCPI-compatible scripting.
Does the unit include automatic leak detection or refrigerant charge monitoring?
No — the RC2 Lite lacks built-in refrigerant sensors. Leak verification requires external manifold gauge sets and adherence to local HVAC-R service regulations.
What is the expected service interval for compressor oil maintenance?
The hermetically sealed compressor is lubricated for life under normal operating conditions (≤8 h/day, ambient ≤28 °C). No scheduled oil replacement is specified by IKA; however, annual visual inspection of refrigerant lines and electrical connections is advised per preventive maintenance guidelines.