IKA RC 2 lite Compact Cooling Circulator

Overview

The IKA RC 2 lite is a compact, laboratory-grade cooling circulator engineered for precision thermal management in demanding benchtop applications. Utilizing a closed-loop refrigeration cycle based on the environmentally benign hydrocarbon refrigerant R290 (propane), the RC 2 lite delivers high-efficiency heat extraction without ozone-depleting or high-global-warming-potential (GWP) compounds. Its thermodynamic architecture integrates a hermetically sealed compressor, copper-aluminum evaporator, and PT1000-sensed feedback loop to maintain stable setpoint temperatures across its operational range of –10 °C to ambient (extendable to +70 °C when paired with an external heating source). Designed in accordance with DIN 12876 Class I safety standards for laboratory cooling equipment, the RC 2 lite supports both internal bath temperature regulation and external recirculation—making it suitable for continuous-duty operation in analytical, synthetic, and bioprocess workflows where thermal consistency directly impacts reproducibility.

Key Features

• Compact footprint (225 × 385 × 430 mm) optimized for space-constrained fume hoods and modular lab benches
• Dual-mode circulation: configurable for internal bath stabilization or external heat exchange via M16×1 quick-connect ports
• High-flow, low-noise pressure/suction pump delivering up to 18 L/min at zero backpressure and maintaining ≥0.15 bar suction head for multi-branch distribution
• Stainless steel removable filter integrated into the fluid path to prevent particulate-induced blockage and ensure long-term thermal transfer efficiency
• Visual level indicator tube enabling real-time monitoring of coolant volume within the 1–3.5 L stainless steel reservoir
• Digital LED display with 0.1 K resolution, showing actual and setpoint temperatures; controlled via PT1000 sensor with ±0.1 K heating accuracy and ±0.5 K overall stability
• Native RS232 and USB interfaces for remote parameter configuration, logging, and integration into centralized lab automation systems
• Full compliance with IP21 ingress protection and CE marking under Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RC 2 lite is compatible with water, water-glycol mixtures (up to 30% v/v), and other non-corrosive, low-viscosity heat transfer fluids approved for use with R290-compatible seals (e.g., EPDM or FKM). It is routinely deployed to cool rotary evaporators, reflux condensers, jacketed reactors, double-walled grinding vessels, incubators, and coil-based heat exchangers. Its DIN 12876 Class I classification certifies suitability for general-purpose laboratory use with no requirement for additional safety enclosures. The unit meets essential requirements of the EU Machinery Directive and carries full conformity documentation traceable to notified body assessments. For regulated environments—including GLP and GMP laboratories—the RC 2 lite supports audit-ready data capture when connected to validated software platforms that comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record provisions.

Software & Data Management

Via its RS232 and USB interfaces, the RC 2 lite communicates using ASCII-based command protocols compatible with common SCADA frameworks and custom Python/LabVIEW drivers. Logged parameters—including real-time temperature, setpoint, pump status, and compressor duty cycle—can be streamed at user-defined intervals (1–60 s) and stored in CSV or TDMS formats. Optional IKA Labworld software provides graphical trending, alarm thresholds (e.g., low-level or overtemperature), and exportable PDF reports compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements. All firmware updates are delivered through signed binaries verified against SHA-256 checksums to ensure integrity during deployment.

Applications

• Cooling of rotary evaporation systems to enhance solvent recovery efficiency and reduce bumping risk
• Temperature control of exothermic chemical reactions in glass or stainless-steel jacketed reactors
• Stabilization of optical components and laser diodes requiring sub-ambient thermal sinks
• Thermal conditioning of chromatography columns and detector cells in HPLC/UHPLC systems
• Support of enzymatic assays and cell culture processes where precise low-temperature maintenance is critical
• Integration into automated synthesis platforms as a distributed cold source for parallel reaction blocks

FAQ

What is the minimum recommended coolant volume for stable operation?
The RC 2 lite achieves optimal thermal inertia and pump priming with ≥1.5 L of coolant. Operation below 1.0 L may trigger low-level warnings and reduce cooling capacity consistency.
Can the RC 2 lite be used with silicone oil or ethylene glycol solutions?
Yes—provided viscosity remains ≤50 cSt at operating temperature and the fluid is chemically inert toward stainless steel, EPDM seals, and R290-compatible lubricants. Glycol concentrations >30% v/v are not recommended due to increased pumping resistance and reduced heat transfer coefficient.
Is external heating integration supported out-of-the-box?
The RC 2 lite does not include built-in heating elements but features a dedicated external heater interface (analog 0–10 V input) compatible with third-party PID-controlled immersion heaters or jacketed heating modules.
Does the unit support continuous 24/7 operation?
Yes—rated for 100% duty cycle under ambient conditions of 5–32 °C and ≤80% relative humidity. Continuous operation requires adequate ventilation around the rear condenser grille and periodic inspection of the air filter.
How is refrigerant charge integrity verified during service?
IKA-certified technicians perform pressure decay testing per EN 378-2, verify R290 mass (70 g ±2 g) via calibrated charging station, and validate system performance against DIN 12876-defined cooling capacity benchmarks at multiple setpoints.