IKA RV 10 digital FLEX Rotary Evaporator
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Manufacturer | IKA Works GmbH & Co. KG |
| Type | Imported Equipment |
| Model | RV 10 digital FLEX |
| Capacity | 3 L |
| Ultimate Vacuum | 1 mbar |
| Rotation Speed | 20–280 rpm |
| Temperature Range | Ambient to 180 °C |
| Heating Control Accuracy | ±1 K |
| Condenser Surface Area | 1500 cm² |
| Motor Travel | 140 mm |
| Heating Power | 1300 W |
| Total Input Power | 1400 W |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 500 × 430 × 410 mm |
| Weight | 20 kg |
| IP Rating | IP20 |
| Operating Environment | 5–40 °C, ≤80% RH |
| Interface | RS232 + IR |
| Safety Certifications | Compliant with DIN EN 60529, CE, and IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment |
Overview
The IKA RV 10 digital FLEX is a high-performance rotary evaporator engineered for precision solvent removal, concentration, and purification in research, quality control, and pilot-scale synthesis laboratories. Based on the Couette flow principle, it operates by rotating a flask under reduced pressure while simultaneously heating the sample bath—enabling efficient evaporation of volatile solvents at temperatures significantly below their atmospheric boiling points. Its modular architecture integrates a universal heating bath (HB 10), vertically oriented condenser assembly, motorized lift mechanism, and digital control interface—all designed to maximize thermal efficiency, operational reproducibility, and user safety. Unlike conventional systems relying on passive cooling or fixed geometry, the RV 10 digital FLEX employs an optimized 1500 cm² condenser surface area combined with laminar vapor path design to achieve high condensation efficiency across diverse solvent classes—including low-boiling ethers, mid-range alcohols, and higher-boiling esters and hydrocarbons.
Key Features
- Motorized vertical lift with programmable endpoint adjustment and automatic upward retraction upon power interruption—preventing overheating and bumping.
- Universal heating bath (HB 10) compatible with both water and oil media, delivering rapid thermal equilibration and stable temperature control within ±1 K across the full 20–180 °C range.
- Dual-direction rotation (forward/reverse) with soft-start function to minimize mechanical stress on glassware and ensure consistent film formation on flask walls.
- Integrated timer for automated run termination, supporting unattended operation during overnight or multi-step protocols.
- Comprehensive safety architecture: dry-run protection, adjustable safety temperature cutoff, bath temperature lockout, and optional explosion-resistant coated glassware kits compliant with DIN EN 15193-1 for hazardous solvent handling.
- Ergonomic design including non-slip bath handle, dedicated flask ejection knob, and compact footprint (500 × 430 × 410 mm) optimized for fume hood integration.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The RV 10 digital FLEX accommodates standard ISO-K 29/32 and ISO-K 35/20 ground-glass joints, supporting round-bottom flasks from 50 mL to 3 L capacity. Its vacuum compatibility down to 1 mbar enables efficient distillation of solvents with vapor pressures as low as 0.1 hPa (e.g., dichloromethane, acetone, ethyl acetate, toluene, DMF). All electrical components meet IEC 61010-1 safety requirements for laboratory instruments, and the device carries CE marking per EU Directive 2014/30/EU (EMC) and 2014/35/EU (LVD). The system is suitable for environments operating under GLP and GMP frameworks; when paired with IKA labworldsoft software, audit trails, electronic signatures, and parameter change logging can be implemented to support FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance in regulated QC/QA settings.
Software & Data Management
The built-in RS232 interface enables bidirectional communication with IKA labworldsoft—a validated laboratory software platform supporting remote parameter configuration, real-time monitoring of rotation speed, bath temperature, and timer status. Data export is available in CSV format for traceability and integration into LIMS or ELN systems. Infrared (IR) connectivity allows wireless control via handheld remotes or tablet-based interfaces, reducing cable clutter and enabling flexible benchtop deployment. Firmware updates are delivered through IKA’s secure support portal, ensuring long-term compatibility with evolving regulatory data integrity expectations.
Applications
This instrument is routinely deployed in synthetic organic chemistry for post-reaction solvent removal prior to crystallization or chromatography; in natural product isolation for gentle concentration of heat-sensitive extracts; in polymer science for monomer recovery and residual solvent analysis; and in pharmaceutical development for API purification under controlled thermal profiles. Its precise temperature ramping and vacuum regulation also make it suitable for method development aligned with USP and ASTM E2912–21 guidelines for evaporation-based analytical sample preparation.
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended flask size for optimal performance?
The system is calibrated and validated for use with up to 3 L round-bottom flasks; larger vessels may compromise rotational stability and condensation efficiency.
Can the heating bath operate without liquid medium?
No—the HB 10 bath requires either water or heat-transfer oil to function safely; dry operation triggers immediate thermal cutoff via integrated dry-run protection.
Is the condenser assembly compatible with dry ice/acetone cooling?
Yes—the vertical design accepts standard cryogenic coolant jackets; however, condenser surface area remains fixed at 1500 cm² regardless of cooling method.
Does the RV 10 digital FLEX support validation documentation packages?
IKA provides IQ/OQ documentation templates and calibration certificates traceable to national standards (DKD/DAkkS-accredited labs) upon request for GxP-compliant installations.
How is firmware updated?
Firmware upgrades are performed via RS232 connection using IKA’s official update utility, with version history and checksum verification included in each release.
