IKA LR-2.ST Modular Laboratory Reactor System with Lid

Overview

The IKA LR-2.ST is a modular, scalable laboratory reactor system engineered for precise control and reproducible execution of chemical synthesis, dispersion, homogenization, and emulsification processes under controlled thermal, mechanical, and vacuum conditions. Designed around Couette-type mixing geometry and integrated torque-based rheological monitoring, the system enables real-time characterization of reaction media viscosity changes during process development. Its single-wall or jacketed borosilicate glass vessel (Duran® 3.3) supports both ambient and elevated temperature operation—up to 230 °C—while maintaining optical clarity for visual process observation and in-situ sampling. The system’s open architecture allows seamless integration with external temperature control units (e.g., circulators), feed pumps, pH/temperature probes, and condensation traps, making it suitable for batch, semi-batch, and early-stage continuous-flow process simulation.

Key Features

• Modular port configuration with three NS 29/32 and two NS 14/23 standardized ground-glass joints for flexible attachment of condensers, dropping funnels, gas inlets, thermometers, and sampling valves.
• High-temperature, chemically resistant sealing system using perfluoroelastomer (FFPM) gaskets rated for continuous operation at 230 °C and compatible with aggressive solvents, acids, and bases.
• Motor-driven vertical lift column with 390 mm stroke range ensures precise positioning of stirrer shafts and dispersing tools relative to vessel geometry—critical for scalable impeller tip speed consistency.
• Variable-speed digital drive (8–290 rpm) with integrated torque measurement interface (compatible with VK 600 or VM 600 viscometers) for real-time rheological profiling during reaction progression.
• RS-232 serial interface and analog output (0–10 V / 4–20 mA) support bidirectional communication with lab automation platforms and data acquisition systems.
• Compliance-ready design featuring IP 42 ingress protection, CE marking per Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC and Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, and conformity with DIN EN 60529 environmental rating standards.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LR-2.ST accommodates heterogeneous mixtures including high-viscosity pastes (e.g., lipid nanoparticle suspensions), abrasive slurries (e.g., CaCO₃ or TiO₂ dispersions in emulsions), and heat-sensitive formulations common in pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis and cosmetic product development. All wetted components—vessel, lid, stirrer shaft, and seals—are constructed from USP Class VI-certified materials (borosilicate glass 3.3, PTFE, FFPM, and ASTM A276 1.4571 stainless steel), ensuring extractables and leachables compliance for GLP/GMP-aligned workflows. The system supports vacuum-assisted degassing down to 25 mbar, enabling oxygen-sensitive reactions and low-boiling-point solvent removal without thermal degradation. It meets key regulatory prerequisites for method validation under ICH Q5, Q7, and USP Analytical Instrument Qualification guidelines when paired with qualified peripherals and documented IQ/OQ protocols.

Software & Data Management

The LR-2.ST is fully compatible with IKA’s labworldsoft® software suite (v5.0+), enabling centralized control of stirring speed, lift position, and external device synchronization (e.g., circulator setpoints, pump flow rates). labworldsoft® provides time-stamped parameter logging with audit-trail functionality compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—including electronic signatures, user access levels, and immutable raw data export (CSV, PDF, XML). Optional integration with third-party LIMS or ELN systems via OPC UA or RESTful API is supported through middleware configuration. All analog and digital signals are sampled at ≥10 Hz resolution, ensuring fidelity for kinetic modeling and Arrhenius-based activation energy calculations.

Applications

• Development and scale-up of topical pharmaceutical formulations (e.g., liposomal doxycycline gels, microemulsion-based transdermal delivery systems).
• Routine preparation of stable oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions for cosmetic prototypes, including surfactant screening and phase inversion temperature (PIT) mapping.
• Inorganic pigment dispersion in polymerizable monomers for UV-curable coatings and dental composites.
• Thermal stability testing of catalyst slurries under inert atmosphere and controlled shear stress.
• Process analytical technology (PAT) deployment for real-time monitoring of viscosity-driven endpoint detection in esterification or transesterification reactions.

FAQ

Can the LR-2.ST operate under inert gas blanket?
Yes—the NS 29 ports support standard Schlenk line adapters and pressure-rated septa for nitrogen or argon purging; optional gas inlet modules with mass flow controllers are available.
Is the vessel available with bottom discharge valve as standard?
Two configurations are offered: standard version without valve and “LR-2.ST-BV” variant with PTFE-lined diaphragm valve (NS 29 thread, DN 15) for sterile or residue-free emptying.
What torque measurement accuracy is achievable with VK 600 integration?
When calibrated per ISO 2555, the VK 600 delivers ±1.0 % full-scale accuracy across its 0.01–200 mNm range, enabling reliable determination of yield stress and plastic viscosity in non-Newtonian systems.
Does the system support automated temperature ramping during reaction?
Yes—via labworldsoft®, users can define multi-step temperature profiles synchronized with stirring speed and lift position, with feedback control enabled when paired with an external chiller/heater.
Are replacement parts such as FFPM seals and glass vessels traceable to lot-specific certificates of conformance?
All critical spare parts ship with material certifications (EN 10204 3.1), including extractables test reports for FFPM and hydrolytic resistance data for borosilicate glass 3.3.