IKA RC 2 Controlled Cooling Circulator

Overview

The IKA RC 2 Controlled Cooling Circulator is a precision-engineered laboratory circulator designed for stable, bidirectional temperature control of external systems and internal baths. Based on a closed-loop refrigeration cycle with integrated heating elements, the RC 2 employs a high-efficiency compressor and PTFE-coated evaporator to deliver consistent thermal output across its full operating range of −20 °C to +40 °C. Its core architecture follows the principles of dynamic heat exchange regulation—where refrigerant flow, heater duty cycle, and pump-driven fluid dynamics are continuously coordinated via a PID-controlled microprocessor. This ensures minimal thermal overshoot and rapid recovery after load disturbances, making it suitable for applications requiring long-term thermal stability, such as jacketed reactor temperature control, spectroscopic cell conditioning, or calorimetric reference baths.

Key Features

• High-precision temperature stability of ±0.1 K (verified at −10 °C), achieved through dual-sensor feedback and adaptive PID tuning
• 400 W cooling capacity at −20 °C, enabling effective heat extraction from moderate thermal loads in external loops
• PEEK-bodied, chemically resistant circulation pump with infinitely variable speed control—adjustable from 0–100% to optimize flow rate (up to 12 L/min) and system backpressure
• Integrated WiCo wireless remote controller for real-time parameter adjustment and status monitoring up to 10 m line-of-sight distance—eliminates cable clutter and enhances ergonomic operation in fume hoods or confined setups
• 10-segment programmable temperature profile function supporting ramp-and-soak sequences; each segment includes setpoint, dwell time, and ramp rate definition
• Ergonomic front-access design: removable front panel grants direct access to condenser fan for routine dust removal without disassembly
• Dual-port fluid interface: top-mounted funnel-style fill port and bottom-mounted drain valve facilitate safe, spill-free bath fluid exchange (recommended fluids: water-glycol mixtures, silicone oils)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RC 2 is compatible with standard laboratory heat transfer fluids—including aqueous glycol solutions (up to 50% v/v), mineral oils, and silicone-based media—provided viscosity remains below 50 mm²/s at operating temperature. Its stainless steel and PEEK-wetted components ensure resistance to mild organic solvents and non-oxidizing acids. The unit complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and carries CE marking under the EU Machinery Directive. While not certified for use in explosion-hazard zones (ATEX), its sealed refrigeration circuit and grounded chassis meet general-purpose GLP lab infrastructure requirements. For regulated environments, audit trails for temperature logs and program changes can be exported manually via USB; however, native 21 CFR Part 11 compliance requires integration with third-party LIMS or ELN platforms.

Software & Data Management

The RC 2 operates autonomously via its embedded control interface and does not require PC connectivity for basic operation. All temperature programs, setpoints, and pump speed settings are stored in non-volatile memory and retained during power loss. Real-time temperature data (internal bath and optional external PT100 input) are displayed on the high-contrast OLED screen with 0.1 °C resolution. Logged temperature values over time can be exported as CSV files via the USB-B port using IKA’s optional LabWorldSoft software (v4.0+). This software supports graphical trend visualization, export of timestamped event logs (e.g., program start/end, alarm triggers), and batch export for QA documentation. No cloud synchronization or automatic firmware updates are implemented—firmware revisions are applied manually via signed binary upload.

Applications

• Temperature control of jacketed glass reactors (1–5 L volume) in synthetic chemistry workflows
• Stabilization of optical components in UV-Vis and FTIR spectrophotometers during extended acquisition cycles
• Cooling support for rotary evaporators operating under reduced pressure to prevent solvent bumping
• Calibration reference baths for thermocouple and RTD probe verification per ASTM E74 or ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines
• Pre-conditioning of samples prior to rheological or DSC analysis where thermal history must be tightly controlled
• Integration into automated analytical platforms where compact footprint (<280 mm W × 390 mm D × 420 mm H) and low acoustic emission (<52 dB(A)) are critical

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended bath fill volume for external circulation mode?
For reliable pump priming and stable temperature control in external loop configurations, a minimum of 2.5 L of compatible heat transfer fluid is required in the 4 L insulated bath.
Can the RC 2 maintain temperature while circulating fluid through a 10-meter tubing loop?
Yes—provided the total system volume remains ≤8 L and thermal insulation is applied to minimize ambient heat gain; flow rate should be adjusted to ≥4 L/min to avoid localized chilling effects.
Is PT100 sensor calibration traceable to national standards?
The RC 2 accepts standard 2-, 3-, or 4-wire PT100 inputs but does not perform in-situ calibration; users must validate sensor accuracy independently using NIST-traceable references.
Does the WiCo remote controller support multi-unit addressing?
No—the WiCo unit communicates via fixed-frequency RF pairing and is dedicated to a single RC 2; simultaneous operation of multiple RC 2 units requires individual remotes.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for optimal long-term performance?
Condenser cleaning every 3 months (or more frequently in dusty environments); refrigerant integrity checks every 24 months by authorized IKA service technicians; pump seal inspection every 36 months.