IKA RV 10 digital FLEX Rotary Evaporator

Overview

The IKA RV 10 digital FLEX Rotary Evaporator is an engineered solution for precise, reproducible solvent removal and concentration under reduced pressure in research, quality control, and pilot-scale laboratories. Based on the classic rotary evaporation principle—thin-film distillation driven by rotation, controlled heating, and vacuum—it integrates a vertically oriented condenser assembly with a universal heating bath (HB 10) capable of both water and oil operation. Its design adheres to fundamental fluid dynamics and heat transfer requirements for efficient vapor generation and condensation: the 1500 cm² condensing surface area ensures high thermal exchange efficiency, while the optimized 3 L bath volume enables rapid thermal equilibration across diverse sample viscosities and boiling points. The system operates within a vacuum range down to 1 mbar, supporting gentle evaporation of thermolabile compounds without decomposition. Built to DIN EN 60529 (IP20) specifications, it meets baseline electrical safety and environmental operating conditions (5–40 °C, ≤80% RH), making it suitable for ISO 17025-accredited labs and GLP-compliant workflows.

Key Features

• Universal heating bath (HB 10) compatible with water and oil media, delivering stable temperature control from ambient to 180 °C with ±1 K accuracy
• Vertically aligned condenser with 1500 cm² effective cooling surface—maximizing condensation efficiency for low-boiling and high-volatility solvents
• DC motor drive enabling smooth start-up, bidirectional rotation (clockwise/counter-clockwise), and precise speed regulation from 20 to 280 rpm
• Motorized lift mechanism with 140 mm travel, featuring automatic upward movement upon power interruption to prevent overheating or bumping
• Comprehensive safety architecture: dry-run protection, user-adjustable safety temperature cutoff, programmable descent endpoint, and heating bath parameter lockout
• Ergonomic design elements including a contoured safety handle on the heating bath, dedicated flask-release knob, and intuitive digital interface
• RS232 serial port and infrared remote interface for integration with IKA labworldsoft software—enabling remote monitoring, parameter logging, and protocol execution

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RV 10 digital FLEX accommodates standard ground-glass jointed glassware (e.g., 3 L round-bottom flasks, vertical condensers, and buffer traps) and supports optional explosion-resistant coated glass components for handling hazardous or highly volatile solvents. Its mechanical and thermal specifications align with common regulatory expectations for laboratory instrumentation used in pharmaceutical development (per USP Analytical Instrument Qualification), chemical synthesis, and natural product isolation. While not intrinsically rated for hazardous locations, its safety features—including fail-safe motor lift, overtemperature cut-off, and physical parameter locking—support compliance with internal SOPs governing equipment use in GMP and GLP environments. The absence of built-in vacuum regulation necessitates external vacuum control (e.g., diaphragm pump with pressure feedback), allowing users to define and document vacuum setpoints per method requirements.

Software & Data Management

Via the RS232 interface, the RV 10 digital FLEX communicates with IKA labworldsoft—a validated laboratory software platform supporting instrument configuration, real-time parameter visualization (rotation speed, bath temperature, timer status), and ASCII-based data export for traceability. All parameter changes are timestamped and logged when connected to a compliant host system, contributing to audit readiness under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (when deployed with appropriate electronic signature controls and system validation). Infrared remote functionality permits non-contact adjustment of key parameters—reducing cross-contamination risk during sterile or containment-sensitive operations. No onboard memory or cloud connectivity is included; data persistence relies on external host systems, preserving data sovereignty and network security integrity.

Applications

This evaporator is routinely deployed in organic synthesis for post-reaction solvent removal prior to chromatographic purification; in analytical chemistry for concentrating environmental water extracts (e.g., EPA Method 525.3); in food science for isolating volatiles via gentle evaporation; and in polymer research for solvent recovery from viscous precursor solutions. Its broad temperature range (ambient to 180 °C) and compatibility with high-boiling solvents (e.g., DMF, DMSO, ethylene glycol) extend utility beyond conventional low-boiling applications. The reversible rotation mode aids in dislodging crystalline residues or viscous films from flask walls, improving recovery yields in multi-step extractions.

FAQ

Does the RV 10 digital FLEX include an integrated vacuum controller?
No. It requires an external vacuum source and optional pressure sensor for closed-loop vacuum regulation.
Can the heating bath be operated without liquid medium?
No. Dry operation is prohibited. The dry-run protection circuit automatically disables heating if no thermal medium is detected.
Is labworldsoft software included with the instrument?
labworldsoft is available separately from IKA and must be licensed for full remote control and data logging capabilities.
What is the maximum recommended flask size for stable rotation at 280 rpm?
A 3 L round-bottom flask is the certified maximum load; exceeding this may compromise rotational stability and condensation efficiency.
Are calibration certificates provided with the unit?
Factory calibration data for temperature and rotation sensors is supplied; formal metrological certification (e.g., DAkkS) is available upon request as an add-on service.