IKA RC 2 green basic Cooling Circulator

Overview

The IKA RC 2 green basic is a high-efficiency, environmentally conscious cooling circulator engineered for precise temperature control in laboratory applications requiring stable thermal management across a wide operational range (−30 °C to +70 °C). Designed and manufactured in Staufen, Germany, it employs a closed-loop refrigeration cycle using the natural hydrocarbon refrigerant R290—characterized by zero ozone depletion potential (ODP) and a global warming potential (GWP) of just 3—ensuring compliance with EU F-Gas Regulation and modern sustainability mandates. Its core thermodynamic architecture integrates a high-torque compressor, optimized heat exchanger geometry, and intelligent load-adaptive control logic to deliver consistent cooling power (up to 800 W at 20 °C ambient) while maintaining tight temperature stability (±0.15 K per DIN 12876 at −10 °C). Unlike conventional chillers reliant on fixed-speed compressors and mechanical expansion valves, the RC 2 green basic utilizes digital refrigerant flow modulation and real-time evaporator superheat monitoring to minimize thermal overshoot and maximize energy efficiency—particularly critical during extended low-temperature operation (e.g., −20 °C to −30 °C), where its 90 W cooling capacity remains fully controllable and reproducible.

Key Features

• Environmentally compliant R290 refrigeration system meeting strict EU and global regulatory requirements for low-GWP alternatives
• Speed-controlled PEEK diaphragm pump enabling continuous, stepless adjustment of flow rate (0–21 L/min) and pressure (0–0.5 bar), minimizing cavitation risk and ensuring compatibility with narrow-bore tubing or high-backpressure external systems
• Thermally insulated 4 L stainless steel bath with minimum fill volume of 1.5 L—optimized for both internal immersion and external circulation via dual inlet/outlet ports
• DIN 12876-certified temperature stability (±0.15 K) validated across the full operating range, supported by a calibrated PT100 sensor with three-point traceable calibration capability
• Integrated safety architecture including visual/audible alarms for temperature deviation, low-level coolant detection, overpressure (21 bar max), and motor overload; all compliant with EN 61000-6-2/6-4 EMC standards
• Large-format LED display with intuitive menu navigation, real-time temperature/flow/pressure readouts, and dual-language support (English/German)
• Rugged IP21-rated enclosure suitable for standard laboratory environments (5–32 °C, ≤80 % RH), featuring tool-free front panel access for air filter maintenance and rapid drain valve operation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RC 2 green basic is designed for use with common heat transfer media—including water, water-glycol mixtures (up to 50 % v/v), and silicone oils—within its specified viscosity and flash point limits. Its chemically resistant wetted components (PEEK pump head, stainless steel bath, EPDM seals) ensure long-term compatibility with mildly aggressive solvents and aqueous buffers. Regulatory conformance includes full adherence to DIN 12876 Class III for laboratory cooling devices, EN 61010-1 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment), EN 61326-1 (EMC for Laboratory Use), and RoHS 2011/65/EU. For regulated environments (e.g., pharmaceutical QC labs), the device supports audit-ready operation when paired with labworldsoft® software: temperature logs include timestamped, user-identifiable entries with tamper-proof digital signatures, satisfying FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures when configured with appropriate network authentication and role-based access controls.

Software & Data Management

Remote operation and data acquisition are enabled via native RS232 or USB connectivity, interfacing seamlessly with IKA’s labworldsoft® v4.x software suite. This platform provides real-time graphical monitoring of temperature, flow rate, pump pressure, and compressor duty cycle; automated logging at user-defined intervals (1 s to 60 min); and export of CSV/Excel-compatible datasets with metadata (instrument ID, operator, method name, calibration status). Firmware updates are performed securely over USB without external programming hardware. The software also supports multi-device synchronization for cascade cooling setups and allows configuration of programmable temperature ramps, hold steps, and alarm thresholds—all stored in non-volatile memory with battery-backed clock integrity. All logged data retain ISO/IEC 17025-compliant traceability when instrument calibration certificates (including as-found/as-left reports) are linked within the software’s asset management module.

Applications

The RC 2 green basic serves as a primary thermal management solution in diverse analytical and synthetic workflows: maintaining constant bath temperatures for rotary evaporation under reduced pressure; providing precise coolant supply to HPLC column ovens, UV-Vis spectrophotometer detectors, and mass spectrometer ion sources; stabilizing reaction temperatures in jacketed glass reactors (up to 2.5 L external loop volume); and supporting cryogenic sample preparation for XRD, DSC, or rheological measurements. Its low-noise operation (<55 dB(A)) and compact footprint make it suitable for benchtop integration in shared instrumentation cores, while its robust construction ensures reliable 24/7 operation in production QC labs performing ASTM D2878 (viscosity), ISO 3104 (petroleum products), or USP environmental monitoring protocols.

FAQ

What refrigerant does the RC 2 green basic use, and why is it environmentally advantageous?
It uses R290 (propane), a natural hydrocarbon refrigerant with ODP = 0 and GWP = 3—significantly lower than legacy alternatives like R134a (GWP = 1430) or R404A (GWP = 3922)—fully aligned with EU F-Gas Phase-down targets.
Can the internal temperature sensor be recalibrated in-house?
Yes—the PT100 sensor supports three-point calibration using NIST-traceable reference standards; calibration offsets are stored permanently in device memory and reflected in all subsequent readings.
Is external circulation possible without modifying the unit?
Yes—dual quick-connect ports (M16x1) enable direct connection to external jackets, coils, or process equipment; maximum recommended external volume is 2.5 L with minimal head loss.
Does the device meet requirements for GLP or GMP-regulated laboratories?
When operated with labworldsoft® and configured with user authentication, audit trail logging, and electronic signature enforcement, it satisfies key elements of FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 for computerized system validation.
What is the minimum allowable bath fill volume for stable operation?
1.5 L—below this level, the low-level sensor triggers automatic shutdown to prevent dry-run damage to the pump and heater elements.