IKA RV 10 digital V-C Rotary Evaporator
| Brand | IKA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | RV 10 digital V-C |
| Capacity | 3 L |
| Ultimate Vacuum | 1 mbar |
| Rotational Speed | 20–280 rpm |
| Temperature Range | 0–180 °C |
| Heating Power | 1300 W |
| Condenser Surface Area | 1500 cm² |
| Motor Travel | 140 mm |
| Timer | Yes |
| RS232 Interface | Yes |
| Infrared Interface | Yes |
| Protection Class | IP20 |
| Weight | 20 kg |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 500 × 430 × 410 mm |
| Ambient Operating Conditions | 5–40 °C, ≤80% RH |
Overview
The IKA RV 10 digital V-C is a high-performance, CE-compliant rotary evaporator engineered for precision solvent removal, concentration, and gentle sample recovery in research, quality control, and pilot-scale synthesis laboratories. Based on the classic Couette-flow principle—where rotation induces thin-film formation across the inner surface of the evaporation flask—the system enables efficient heat transfer and controlled mass transfer under reduced pressure. Its integrated vacuum-compatible design supports operation down to 1 mbar, facilitating low-temperature evaporation of thermolabile compounds. The instrument combines a vertically oriented condenser assembly with a universal heating bath (HB 10) capable of both water and oil heating, enabling broad compatibility with diverse solvents and boiling point ranges—from low-boiling diethyl ether (34.6 °C) to high-boiling dimethyl sulfoxide (189 °C). Unlike basic analog units, the RV 10 digital V-C embeds digital process control at its core, delivering reproducible distillation outcomes through synchronized regulation of rotation, temperature, and motor lift.
Key Features
- Digital DC motor drive with bidirectional rotation (clockwise/counter-clockwise) and soft-start functionality to prevent bumping and ensure stable film formation
- Motorized lifting mechanism with 140 mm vertical travel, programmable descent endpoint, and automatic lift-up upon power failure to prevent overheating or bumping
- Universal heating bath HB 10 (3 L capacity) featuring adjustable safety temperature cutoff, dry-run protection, and ergonomic insulated handle compliant with DIN EN 60529 (IP20)
- Vertical condenser with 1500 cm² effective cooling surface area; optional explosion-resistant coated glass components available for hazardous solvent handling
- Integrated timer function and real-time parameter monitoring via large backlit LCD display
- Dual communication interfaces: RS232 for integration with IKA labworldsoft software (enabling remote protocol execution, data logging, and GLP-compliant audit trails), and infrared interface for wireless heating bath control
- Compliance-ready architecture supporting 21 CFR Part 11–aligned workflows when paired with validated labworldsoft configurations
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The RV 10 digital V-C accommodates standard ISO/KG glassware (e.g., 1 L, 2 L, and 3 L round-bottom flasks) and supports common laboratory solvents including acetone, methanol, ethyl acetate, hexane, and chloroform. Its temperature range (0–180 °C) and vacuum capability (1 mbar) meet ASTM E2171 and ISO 6779 requirements for standardized evaporation efficiency testing. The heating bath’s ±1 K temperature stability and programmable safety cutoff align with GLP and GMP environmental control expectations. Optional explosion-proof glass kits satisfy DIN EN 14175-5 and OSHA 1910.1200 criteria for volatile organic compound (VOC) handling. All electrical components conform to IEC 61010-1 for laboratory equipment safety.
Software & Data Management
When connected via RS232 to IKA labworldsoft (v4.0+), the RV 10 digital V-C supports full experimental parameter scripting—including ramped temperature profiles, multi-step rotation sequences, and timed lift cycles. The software provides timestamped export of raw sensor data (temperature, rpm, vacuum status, lift position), enabling traceability required under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 for regulated environments. Audit trail functionality logs user actions, parameter changes, and system events with immutable timestamps. Local infrared control allows standalone heating bath adjustment without PC dependency—ideal for routine operations requiring rapid setup.
Applications
- Solvent removal from natural product extracts (e.g., plant alkaloids, essential oils) without thermal degradation
- Concentration of peptide solutions prior to lyophilization or HPLC analysis
- Recovery of reaction solvents in medicinal chemistry scale-up (e.g., THF, DMF, DCM)
- Preparative purification in synthetic organic labs using fractional evaporation protocols
- Standardized residue-on-evaporation assays per USP and Ph. Eur. 2.2.37
- Teaching laboratories requiring robust, intuitive instrumentation for undergraduate distillation modules
FAQ
Does the RV 10 digital V-C include a built-in vacuum controller?
No—it requires an external vacuum source (e.g., IKA RV 10 vacuum pump or compatible diaphragm/vacuum system) for pressure regulation.
Can the heating bath operate with both water and silicone oil?
Yes—the HB 10 bath is chemically resistant and rated for continuous use with water, glycerol, and silicone oils up to 180 °C.
Is the explosion-proof glass kit included by default?
No—it is an optional accessory (order code: 3022000000); standard delivery includes standard borosilicate 3.3 glass.
What is the maximum recommended flask size for optimal film formation?
A 3 L flask is fully supported; however, for highest evaporation efficiency with viscous or foaming samples, a 1–2 L flask is recommended to maintain uniform film thickness.
How is calibration traceability maintained for temperature and rotation parameters?
IKA provides factory calibration certificates (traceable to DAkkS-accredited standards); users may perform field verification using NIST-traceable PT100 probes and optical tachometers.
