IRM VD50 Vacuum Drying Oven
| Brand | IRM |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Manufacturer |
| Product Category | Domestic |
| Model | VD50 |
| Instrument Type | Vacuum Oven |
| Temperature Range | Ambient + 20 °C to 200 °C (300 °C optional) |
| Temperature Fluctuation | ≤ ±0.2 °C |
| External Dimensions (W×D×H) | 410 × 530 × 515 mm |
| Internal Dimensions (W×D×H) | 255 × 325 × 255 mm |
| Temperature Resolution | 0.1 °C |
| Chamber Material | SUS304 Stainless Steel |
| Heating Method | External Wall Heating |
| Ultimate Vacuum | 133 Pa |
| Control System | Precision PID Microprocessor Controller |
| Timer Range | 0–99 h 59 min |
| Ramp Rate | 0.1–20 °C/min |
| Standard Shelf | 1 (max 3), Load Capacity: 30 kg per shelf (60 kg total) |
| Power Consumption (at 200 °C) | 800 W |
| Input Voltage | AC 220 V |
Overview
The IRM VD50 Vacuum Drying Oven is a precision-engineered laboratory instrument designed for moisture removal, solvent recovery, thermal stabilization, and heat-sensitive sample processing under controlled low-pressure environments. Operating on the principle of vacuum-assisted evaporation—where reduced ambient pressure lowers the boiling point of volatile components—the VD50 enables efficient drying at significantly lower temperatures than atmospheric ovens, minimizing thermal degradation of polymers, pharmaceuticals, biological specimens, and advanced materials. Its operational temperature range spans from ambient +20 °C to 200 °C (with 300 °C available as an optional configuration), making it suitable for both routine QC drying and R&D applications requiring strict thermal fidelity. The chamber achieves a base vacuum level of 133 Pa (1 mbar), compatible with standard vacuum pumps meeting ISO 8573-1 Class 4 purity requirements.
Key Features
- Stainless steel (SUS304) interior chamber with electropolished finish and radius-rounded corners—ensuring corrosion resistance, ease of cleaning, and uniform heat distribution.
- Double-layer insulated construction: high-density glass wool between chamber and outer casing reduces surface temperature rise and improves thermal stability; external surface remains below 45 °C during continuous operation at 200 °C.
- Reinforced tempered glass door with dual-seal silicone gasket system—providing reliable vacuum integrity and visual process monitoring without compromising safety or performance.
- Microprocessor-based PID temperature controller with LED digital display (0.1 °C resolution), adjustable ramp rate (0.1–20 °C/min), and programmable soak/timer functions (0–99 h 59 min).
- Dedicated overtemperature protection circuit with independent mechanical thermostat and fault-indicating LED—compliant with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment.
- Right-hinged door design optimized for ergonomic access in constrained benchtop layouts; all insulation and sealing materials are certified free of carcinogenic substances (per EU REACH Annex XIV and US EPA TSCA inventory).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The VD50 accommodates a broad spectrum of sample types—including lyophilized biomaterials, ceramic precursors, battery electrode coatings, polymer films, and residual solvent analysis standards—without risk of oxidation or decomposition. Its vacuum-tight architecture supports ASTM E145-22 (Standard Specification for Gravity-Convection and Forced-Ventilation Ovens) and ISO 17025:2017 clause 6.4.3 (environmental condition control). While not inherently GLP/GMP-certified, the unit’s repeatable thermal profiles, audit-ready timer logs, and stable vacuum hold (<±5 Pa deviation over 4 h at 133 Pa) enable traceable validation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when integrated with compliant data acquisition systems.
Software & Data Management
The VD50 operates via embedded firmware without proprietary software dependency. All setpoints, runtime parameters, and alarm events are stored in non-volatile memory and displayed in real time on the front-panel interface. Optional RS-485 serial output (Modbus RTU protocol) allows integration with centralized lab management platforms (e.g., LabVantage, STARLIMS) for automated logging, remote status polling, and electronic record generation. Data export supports CSV-formatted timestamped logs—including actual vs. setpoint temperature, vacuum pressure (via optional analog sensor input), and cycle completion signals—for regulatory documentation and trend analysis.
Applications
- Pharmaceutical: Residual solvent removal from APIs per ICH Q3C guidelines; moisture content determination in excipients (USP <921>).
- Materials Science: Pre-sintering degassing of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs); outgassing of composites prior to SEM/EDS analysis.
- Electronics: Drying of printed circuit board (PCB) substrates post-cleaning to prevent microvoid formation during lamination.
- Academic Research: Controlled dehydration of hydrogels, enzymatic immobilization matrices, and nanocellulose aerogels.
- Quality Control Labs: Standardized weight-loss-on-drying (LOD) testing per ISO 554 and ASTM D2216.
FAQ
What vacuum pump compatibility does the VD50 require?
The VD50 is designed for use with two-stage rotary vane pumps capable of achieving ≤133 Pa ultimate vacuum; recommended minimum pumping speed is 2 m³/h.
Can the VD50 be validated for GMP environments?
Yes—when equipped with calibrated PT100 sensors (optional), connected to a 21 CFR Part 11-compliant data logger, and operated within documented SOPs, the VD50 supports IQ/OQ/PQ protocols.
Is overpressure protection included?
No—this is a vacuum-only system; internal overpressure is physically impossible due to one-way valve design and passive venting mechanism.
How is temperature uniformity verified across the chamber?
Per ASTM E2207-21, uniformity is specified as ±0.5 °C at 100 °C across the usable volume (measured at 9 points using NIST-traceable thermocouples).
Does the VD50 support inert gas purging?
Not natively—but a custom inlet port can be added (subject to factory modification) to enable nitrogen or argon backfilling prior to vacuum initiation.
