Heidolph Hei-VOLUME Distimatic Pro 24/7 Industrial Automated Distillation Module

Overview

The Heidolph Hei-VOLUME Distimatic Pro 24/7 Industrial is a purpose-engineered automated distillation module designed for seamless integration with Hei-VAP Industrial-series rotary evaporators. It implements precise, programmable solvent removal via controlled vacuum-assisted rotary evaporation—leveraging the fundamental principles of boiling point depression under reduced pressure and efficient heat transfer across rotating thin-film surfaces. Unlike standalone controllers or retrofit kits, this module functions as a fully coordinated subsystem: it autonomously manages feedstock replenishment, condensate collection, residue disposal, and system cleaning—enabling unattended operation over extended periods (24/7), critical for high-throughput laboratories, process development units, and GMP-aligned pilot-scale purification workflows. Its architecture prioritizes operational continuity, chemical compatibility, and traceable process control—making it suitable for applications ranging from natural product isolation to pharmaceutical intermediate recovery and QC sample concentration.

Key Features

• Integrated 7-inch movable touchscreen interface supporting dual operating modes: sensor-driven (e.g., level- or temperature-triggered) and time-based parameter programming
• Automated sample replenishment synchronized with evaporation rate and flask capacity—minimizing manual intervention and operator variability
• Programmable condensate drainage into a ~1 L membrane-coated collector, with adjustable timing and vacuum release sequencing to prevent bumping or backflow
• Dedicated residue evacuation cycle, including post-distillation rinse and dry-down steps, ensuring cross-contamination prevention between batches
• Optional emergency stop button compliant with EN ISO 13850; configurable via hardware interlock for immediate vacuum break and rotation halt
• IP42-rated enclosure and control panel—providing protection against solid objects >1 mm and vertically falling water droplets, suitable for standard laboratory and light industrial environments
• All fluid-contact components—including tubing, valves, and internal manifolds—constructed from chemically inert materials (e.g., PTFE, borosilicate glass A1/A2 series, EPDM-free elastomers) validated for compatibility with alcohols, esters, ketones, chlorinated solvents, and mild acids

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Hei-VOLUME Distimatic Pro 24/7 Industrial supports both A1 (standard high-precision borosilicate 3.3 glass) and A2 (foam-resistant geometry with optimized vapor path) glass assemblies—enabling reliable processing of low-surface-tension, foaming, or viscous matrices without carryover or splashing. Its design adheres to core safety and performance expectations outlined in DIN EN 61000-6-2 (immunity) and DIN EN 61000-6-4 (emissions). While not certified as a standalone medical device, its repeatable, auditable operation aligns with GLP documentation requirements and supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data integrity when paired with validated third-party LIMS or ELN systems. All wetted-path materials are documented per USP Class VI and ISO 10993-5 standards for cytotoxicity and extractables profiling.

Software & Data Management

Operation is managed entirely through the embedded HMI firmware—no external PC or proprietary software installation required. The interface logs timestamped event records (e.g., start/stop, refill initiation, drain completion, error codes) to internal non-volatile memory with export capability via USB. While native cloud connectivity is not included, the module’s digital I/O ports (0–10 V analog, relay outputs, RS485 Modbus RTU) enable integration into centralized SCADA or MES platforms for real-time status monitoring, batch record generation, and alarm forwarding. Audit trails capture user actions, parameter changes, and system states—facilitating internal validation and regulatory review.

Applications

• Continuous concentration of botanical extracts, fermentation broths, or cell culture supernatants in bioprocessing labs
• High-volume solvent recovery and reuse in API synthesis workflows under EHS-compliant closed-loop operation
• Automated parallel distillation of QC samples across multiple Hei-VAP Industrial units—reducing analyst workload and improving inter-batch consistency
• Method development for thermally sensitive compounds requiring precise bath temperature ramping and vacuum gradient control
• Scale-down modeling of industrial thin-film evaporation processes using reproducible small-scale parameters

FAQ

Is the Hei-VOLUME Distimatic Pro compatible with non-Heidolph rotary evaporators?
No—it is mechanically and electronically engineered exclusively for Hei-VAP Industrial models equipped with A-series glass components and the corresponding mounting interface.
Can the module operate without the 7-inch touchscreen?
No—the touchscreen serves as the primary HMI and system controller; there is no alternative front-panel keypad or remote control protocol supported out-of-the-box.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term 24/7 operation?
Heidolph recommends quarterly inspection of sealing gaskets, valve actuation cycles, and tubing integrity; annual calibration of pressure and temperature sensors using NIST-traceable references is advised for regulated environments.
Does the system support solvent-specific distillation profiles?
Yes—users can save and recall up to 20 custom programs, each defining vacuum setpoints, rotation speed ramps, bath temperature profiles, and drain timing—optimized per solvent boiling point and thermal stability.
Is the condensate collector volume adjustable?
The standard membrane-coated collector holds approximately 1 L; larger-capacity variants are available as optional accessories but require mechanical adaptation and recalibration of level-sensing thresholds.