IKA RV 3 pro V Complete Rotary Evaporator System

Overview

The IKA RV 3 pro V Complete Rotary Evaporator System is a fully integrated, entry-level laboratory solution engineered for reproducible solvent removal, concentration, and purification under reduced pressure. Based on the fundamental principle of rotary evaporation—where sample rotation increases surface area, simultaneous heating accelerates vaporization, and controlled vacuum lowers boiling points—the system enables efficient separation of volatile solvents from thermally sensitive compounds. Designed for routine use in academic research labs, pharmaceutical QC environments, and small-scale biotech process development, the RV 3 pro V Complete integrates core components into a single validated workflow: the RV 3 V evaporator unit, a 4 L HB eco heating bath, a vertical condenser with 1500 cm² effective cooling surface, VACSTAR digital vacuum pump, VC 10 lite vacuum controller, and RC 2 lite recirculating chiller. All interconnecting tubing, glassware (including 1 L receiving flask), support stands, and mounting hardware are pre-selected and included—eliminating compatibility uncertainties and reducing setup time.

Key Features

• Modular & Pre-Configured Architecture: Delivered as a factory-matched suite, ensuring mechanical, thermal, and vacuum interface compatibility across all subsystems—no third-party integration required.
• Precision Vacuum Management: VACSTAR digital pump achieves ultimate vacuum down to 1 mbar; paired with VC 10 lite controller for both manual setpoint adjustment and programmable vacuum ramps (e.g., stepwise reduction to prevent bumping).
• Thermal Stability & Control: HB eco heating bath provides uniform temperature distribution from ambient to 99 °C with ±1 K accuracy, critical for maintaining compound integrity during gentle evaporation.
• High-Efficiency Condensation: Vertical condenser design maximizes condensate recovery; 1500 cm² active cooling surface ensures rapid phase transition even at elevated feed rates or low-boiling solvents (e.g., diethyl ether, dichloromethane).
• Intelligent Cooling Integration: RC 2 lite chiller operates with natural refrigerant R290 (GWP = 3), delivering −10 °C minimum temperature and 400 W cooling capacity. Integrated suction-pressure pump (0.35 bar) maintains stable coolant flow across variable load conditions.
• Ergonomic & Service-Oriented Design: Manual lift mechanism with 150 mm travel allows safe, tool-free flask exchange; stainless-steel filter mesh is accessible and cleanable without disassembly.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RV 3 pro V Complete accommodates standard 24/29 and 29/32 ground-glass jointed glassware, supporting volumes up to 4 L in the evaporation flask. It is routinely deployed for aqueous, organic, and mixed-solvent systems—including ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, and chloroform—across synthetic chemistry, natural product isolation, and formulation stability testing. The system complies with IEC 61010-1 for electrical safety and meets IP20 ingress protection requirements for indoor laboratory use. While not certified for GMP manufacturing environments out-of-the-box, its modular architecture supports documentation packages compatible with GLP audits and 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when used with validated SOPs and electronic logbooks.

Software & Data Management

The VC 10 lite vacuum controller features an intuitive LED interface for real-time vacuum monitoring and setpoint input. Though the base configuration lacks PC connectivity, optional analog outputs (0–10 V) allow integration into centralized lab data acquisition systems. All operational parameters—including actual rotation speed (±1 rpm accuracy below 100 rpm; ±1% above), bath temperature, and vacuum level—are continuously monitored and displayed locally. For traceability, users may manually record timestamps and settings per run; extended validation packages (e.g., IQ/OQ documentation templates) are available upon request from IKA’s technical support team.

Applications

• Solvent removal following column chromatography or reaction workup
• Concentration of dilute natural extract solutions prior to HPLC analysis
• Recovery and recycling of high-purity solvents in medicinal chemistry synthesis
• Preparation of thin films or solvent-cast polymer samples
• Lyophilization pre-concentration steps for unstable biomolecules
• Teaching laboratories: Demonstrating phase equilibria, Raoult’s law, and vacuum thermodynamics

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended evaporation volume per batch?
The system is optimized for 1–3 L working volumes in the 4 L flask to ensure stable rotation, efficient heat transfer, and minimal risk of bumping or foaming.

Can the RC 2 lite chiller operate continuously at −10 °C?
Yes—RC 2 lite is rated for continuous operation at its minimum setpoint when ambient temperature remains ≤25 °C and ventilation is unobstructed.

Is the VACSTAR digital pump oil-free?
Yes. It employs a diaphragm-based dry vacuum technology, eliminating oil contamination risks and enabling maintenance-free operation for typical lab usage cycles.

Does the RV 3 pro V Complete support automatic distillation sequences?
No. It does not include programmable distillation profiles or endpoint detection (e.g., temperature gradient sensing); such functionality requires upgrade to the RV 10 series with Labworldsoft integration.

What warranty coverage applies after online registration?
RV 3 V evaporator and HB eco heating bath: 2-year standard warranty extended to 5 years (2+3). VACSTAR pump and RC 2 lite chiller: 2-year standard warranty extended to 3 years (2+1).