VACUUBRAND CVC3000 VACUU·SELECT Desktop Vacuum Controller

Overview

The VACUUBRAND CVC3000 VACUU·SELECT Desktop Vacuum Controller is an engineered solution for precise, reproducible vacuum process management in modern chemical and life science laboratories. Based on the established CVC platform and significantly enhanced with intuitive capacitive touchscreen operation, this controller implements two distinct pressure regulation strategies—classical two-point switching control via solenoid valves and advanced VARIO variable-speed motor control—enabling stable, pulse-free vacuum maintenance across a wide operational range. Its core architecture follows VACUUBRAND’s long-standing design philosophy: oil-free operation, full chemical compatibility, and modularity. Unlike general-purpose vacuum regulators, the CVC3000 integrates seamlessly into both standalone pump configurations and centralized vacuum networks, delivering consistent performance from rough vacuum (10⁰ mbar) down to medium vacuum (1 × 10⁻³ mbar), making it suitable for applications such as solvent evaporation, rotary evaporation support, freeze-drying pre-vacuum stages, Schlenk line degassing, and controlled drying protocols.

Key Features

• Capacitive touchscreen interface with haptic feedback—fully operable while wearing standard laboratory safety gloves (EN 374-compliant)
• Chemically inert wetted path: all fluid-contact surfaces constructed from PTFE, FKM elastomers, and borosilicate glass—resistant to aggressive solvents including acetone, chloroform, HCl, and HNO₃ vapors
• Dual-mode control architecture: selectable between discrete two-point regulation (for cost-sensitive or intermittent use) and continuous VARIO speed modulation (for high-stability applications requiring < ±0.5 mbar deviation)
• Modular mechanical design: compact footprint (230 × 160 × 120 mm) enables benchtop deployment, under-bench mounting, or integration into custom lab furniture or central vacuum distribution panels
• Real-time pressure monitoring with integrated Pirani sensor (calibrated range: 1 × 10⁻³ to 1000 mbar); optional external capacitance manometer input for high-accuracy trace-level measurement
• Robust industrial-grade enclosure (IP42-rated) with ESD-safe housing and reinforced cable glands for long-term reliability in demanding lab environments

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CVC3000 is explicitly validated for use with VACUUBRAND’s full line of chemically resistant diaphragm vacuum pumps (e.g., RC 6, PC 3001 VARIO). Its material compatibility extends to common organic and inorganic laboratory media, including aqueous acid/base solutions, halogenated solvents, and low-molecular-weight esters. All internal components comply with EU Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH) and Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS). The controller supports audit-ready operation: event logging (timestamped pressure setpoints, alarm triggers, pump runtime), user-access level configuration (admin/operator), and optional password-protected parameter locking—features aligned with GLP (OECD Principles) and GMP (FDA 21 CFR Part 11) documentation requirements when paired with compliant data export workflows.

Software & Data Management

While the CVC3000 operates autonomously via its embedded firmware, it supports bidirectional USB and RS-485 communication for integration into laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or SCADA platforms. VACUUBRAND’s optional VACUU·VIEW software (Windows-based) enables remote configuration, real-time graphing of pressure vs. time profiles, batch export of CSV-formatted logs, and automated report generation—including compliance metadata (user ID, timestamp, instrument serial number). Audit trails are retained locally for ≥10,000 events and can be exported without modification—ensuring traceability for QA/QC review cycles.

Applications

• Routine solvent removal under controlled vacuum in rotary evaporators and parallel evaporators
• Pre-conditioning and primary drying phases in laboratory-scale freeze dryers (lyophilizers)
• Inert atmosphere preparation and degassing in Schlenk lines and glovebox antechambers
• Vacuum-assisted filtration with chemical-resistant filter housings (e.g., PTFE membrane assemblies)
• Controlled drying of hygroscopic or thermolabile compounds in vacuum ovens
• Integration into multi-station vacuum networks serving analytical instrumentation (e.g., mass spectrometer sample introduction, GC carrier gas conditioning)

FAQ

Can the CVC3000 control non-VACUUBRAND vacuum pumps?
Yes—provided the pump features analog (0–10 V) or digital (Modbus RTU) speed control inputs and is oil-free and chemically compatible. Pump-specific calibration files may be required.
Is the touchscreen compatible with gloved operation in ISO Class 5 cleanrooms?
Yes—the capacitive interface responds reliably through nitrile and latex gloves up to 0.15 mm thickness; validation reports available upon request.
Does the unit include built-in pressure calibration capability?
No—calibration must be performed externally using a NIST-traceable reference manometer; however, the device stores calibration offset values post-adjustment.
What is the maximum ambient temperature rating for continuous operation?
40 °C at ≤80% relative humidity (non-condensing), per IEC 61010-1 Ed. 3.0.
Can multiple CVC3000 units be daisy-chained for synchronized network control?
Yes—via RS-485 multidrop configuration with unique node addressing; master-slave coordination supported through VACUU·VIEW software.