IKA RV 3 pro V Complete Rotary Evaporator System

Overview

The IKA RV 3 pro V Complete is a fully integrated rotary evaporation system engineered for reproducible solvent removal, concentration, and purification in research, quality control, and pilot-scale production environments. Based on the proven Couette-flow principle—where sample rotation within a heated bath induces thin-film formation on the inner surface of the rotating flask—the system enables efficient heat transfer and controlled evaporation under reduced pressure. Its modular architecture combines the RV 3 pro rotary evaporator base unit with the HB eco heating bath (4 L capacity, ambient to 99 °C), a high-efficiency vertical condenser (1500 cm² active cooling surface), a VACSTAR digital vacuum pump (ultimate vacuum ≤1 mbar), VC 10 lite vacuum controller with programmable setpoint logic, and RC 2 lite recirculating chiller (−10 °C minimum, 400 W cooling capacity, R290 natural refrigerant). Designed for compliance-driven laboratories, the system supports traceable operation through configurable vacuum ramps, temperature logging, and event-based parameter recording—laying the foundation for GLP/GMP-aligned workflows.

Key Features

• Integrated vacuum management: VACSTAR digital pump delivers stable vacuum down to 1 mbar; VC 10 lite controller enables manual or multi-step vacuum programming with real-time feedback and RS232/USB interface for external data capture.
• Thermal precision: HB eco heating bath maintains ±1 K accuracy across its full 0–99 °C range, with overtemperature protection and PID-controlled power modulation.
• Optimized condensation: Vertical condenser with 1500 cm² effective surface area ensures rapid vapor recondensation—even for low-boiling solvents such as diethyl ether or dichloromethane—minimizing carryover and improving recovery yield.
• Robust mechanical design: Brushless DC motor delivers smooth, low-vibration rotation (20–300 rpm) with speed stability of ±1 rpm below 100 rpm and ±1% above; manual lift mechanism offers 150 mm vertical travel with ergonomic locking.
• Sustainable cooling infrastructure: RC 2 lite chiller uses propane (R290), a low-GWP natural refrigerant compliant with EU F-Gas Regulation (EU) No 517/2014, and features a stainless-steel filter for easy maintenance and long-term coolant integrity.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RV 3 pro V Complete accommodates standard ISO-KF 25/35 and ISO-KF 40 glassware configurations, including 4 L round-bottom flasks and 1 L receiving flasks. Its sealed, chemically resistant PTFE-coated seals and borosilicate 3.3 glass components ensure compatibility with common organic solvents (e.g., acetone, ethanol, ethyl acetate), mild aqueous solutions, and moderately aggressive reagents. The system conforms to DIN EN 61010-1 (safety requirements for electrical equipment) and carries CE marking per the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11–compliant, audit-ready operation is achievable when paired with validated third-party LIMS or ELN software that captures timestamped vacuum, temperature, and rotation logs—supporting FDA-regulated QC environments in pharmaceutical and biotech settings.

Software & Data Management

The VC 10 lite controller provides local parameter configuration via intuitive membrane keypad and LCD display, supporting up to 10 user-defined vacuum profiles with ramp/hold logic. All setpoints and real-time values—including actual vacuum (mbar), bath temperature (°C), rotation speed (rpm), and chiller outlet temperature—are accessible via analog outputs or digital serial communication (RS232/USB). When connected to IKA Labworldsoft or compatible SCADA platforms, the system generates time-stamped CSV logs suitable for electronic record retention. For regulated labs, optional integration with audit-trail-enabled laboratory information management systems (LIMS) enables full traceability of method execution, operator ID, and environmental deviations—meeting core ALCOA+ (Attributable, Legible, Contemporaneous, Original, Accurate, Complete, Consistent, Enduring, Available) data integrity principles.

Applications

This system is routinely deployed in synthetic chemistry for post-reaction solvent removal prior to crystallization or chromatography; in pharmaceutical development for API concentration and excipient screening under controlled thermal stress; in food and beverage analytics for volatile compound isolation (e.g., flavor extraction); and in polymer science for monomer recovery from reaction mixtures. Its consistent thin-film evaporation kinetics make it particularly suited for heat-sensitive compounds—such as peptides, natural extracts, or labile catalysts—where precise temperature/vacuum coordination prevents decomposition. In teaching laboratories, its modular design and intuitive controls support hands-on instruction in separation science fundamentals aligned with ASTM E2655 and ISO 6425 standards.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended flask size for the RV 3 pro V Complete?

The system is optimized for 4 L round-bottom flasks, though smaller volumes (e.g., 1–2 L) may be used with appropriate adapter rings and adjusted rotation speed to maintain film uniformity.
Can the VC 10 lite controller manage both vacuum and chiller parameters simultaneously?

Yes—the VC 10 lite communicates with the RC 2 lite chiller via dedicated analog signal lines, enabling coordinated cooling setpoint adjustment based on vacuum level or process stage.
Is remote monitoring supported out-of-the-box?

Basic remote readout is enabled via USB or RS232; full remote control and automation require integration with IKA Labworldsoft or third-party OPC-UA-compatible software.
What does the 2+3 warranty extension cover?

Registration extends the base 2-year warranty to 5 years for the RV 3 pro evaporator and HB eco heating bath; vacuum pump and chiller receive an additional 1 year (2+1 total).
Does the system meet ISO/IEC 17025 calibration requirements?

While the instrument itself is not certified, all critical subsystems (temperature sensor, vacuum transducer, tachometer) are factory-calibrated with documented uncertainty budgets—enabling user-performed periodic verification per ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.5.