IKA RV10 Control-V Rotary Evaporator

Overview

The IKA RV10 Control-V Rotary Evaporator is a high-precision, fully integrated laboratory system 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 while controlled heating and vacuum lower the boiling point—the RV10 Control-V implements advanced process automation to minimize operator intervention and maximize method consistency. Designed for routine use in pharmaceutical QC labs, academic research facilities, and fine chemical synthesis workflows, it supports GxP-aligned operations through traceable parameter logging, programmable distillation sequences, and built-in safety interlocks. Its vertical condenser with 1200 cm² cooling surface ensures efficient vapor condensation across a wide range of solvents, including low-boiling ethyl acetate and higher-boiling dimethylformamide (DMF), without flooding or bumping.

Key Features

• Integrated vacuum controller with real-time display of vacuum level, temperature, rotation speed, and distillation curve
• Programmable distillation by volume or time, with automatic endpoint detection via boiling point recognition
• User-expandable solvent database supporting >100 common organic and aqueous solvents, enabling context-aware safety warnings and default parameter presets
• Large color TFT display with multi-language interface (English, German, French, Spanish, Chinese) and intuitive graphical navigation
• Automated post-run sequence: automatic venting, cooling water shutoff, and heating bath deactivation upon completion
• Comprehensive safety architecture—including bath temperature error monitoring, overheat protection, lift position sensing, and real-time cooling water flow verification
• Dual communication interfaces (RS232 and USB) for seamless integration with IKA labworldsoft® software, enabling remote control, data export (CSV, PDF), and audit-trail-compliant reporting
• Heating bath with 1300 W power output, precise ±1 K temperature regulation, and 3 L capacity compatible with standard 1–2 L round-bottom flasks

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The RV10 Control-V accommodates standard ground-glass jointed glassware (ISO 29771), including 1 L, 2 L, and custom 3 L flasks. Its vacuum range (1050–1 mbar) and temperature span (ambient to 180 °C) support applications from gentle ethanol removal at 35 °C/200 mbar to high-temperature residue recovery under deep vacuum. The system complies with DIN EN 60529 (IP20 enclosure rating) and meets essential requirements of the EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. When operated with labworldsoft® and configured for electronic signatures and user access levels, it supports ALCOA+ data integrity principles and aligns with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 expectations for electronic records in regulated environments. Routine operation adheres to ISO 17025 calibration traceability guidelines when paired with certified reference thermometers and pressure transducers.

Software & Data Management

labworldsoft® v4.x provides full bidirectional control, method storage, and GLP-compliant documentation. Users can define, save, and recall complete distillation protocols—including ramp profiles, vacuum setpoints, rotation acceleration, and endpoint criteria. All executed runs are timestamped and logged with operator ID, environmental conditions, and raw sensor data (temperature, pressure, speed, lift position). Export formats include CSV for statistical analysis in JMP or Minitab, and PDF reports with embedded distillation curves suitable for regulatory submissions. Audit trails record all parameter modifications, method edits, and user logins, satisfying internal QA review and external inspection requirements.

Applications

• Concentration of natural product extracts (e.g., plant alkaloids, terpenes) without thermal degradation
• Removal of reaction solvents (THF, toluene, dichloromethane) in API intermediate synthesis
• Lyophilization pre-concentration steps for biopolymer solutions
• High-throughput sample preparation in analytical chemistry labs prior to GC-MS or HPLC analysis
• Recovery and recycling of expensive solvents in pilot-scale R&D
• Standardized evaporation protocols compliant with ASTM D129, ISO 3675, and USP

FAQ

Does the RV10 Control-V support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
Yes—when used with labworldsoft® configured for electronic signatures, role-based access control, and immutable audit trails, it fulfills core technical requirements for electronic records and signatures.
Can the solvent database be customized for non-standard solvents?
Yes—users may manually enter boiling points, vapor pressure curves, and safety thresholds for proprietary or uncommon solvents via the software interface.
What is the maximum recommended flask size for stable rotation at 280 rpm?
For optimal mechanical stability and film uniformity, IKA recommends using flasks ≤2 L at speeds above 200 rpm; the 3 L bath accommodates larger flasks but rotation should be limited to ≤180 rpm for such configurations.
Is external chiller connectivity supported?
Yes—the unit features standard 10 mm quick-connect ports compatible with most recirculating chillers (e.g., Huber, Julabo, LAUDA); cooling water flow is actively monitored and triggers alarms if below threshold.
How is temperature calibration verified during routine maintenance?
The heating bath includes a PT100 sensor traceable to NIST standards; users may perform in-situ verification using a calibrated reference thermometer inserted into the bath’s auxiliary port per ISO/IEC 17025 procedures.