JULABO STRIKE 280 Rotary Evaporator
| Brand | JULABO |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | STRIKE 280 |
| Rotational Capacity | 5 L |
| Control Type | Programmable Timer & Motorized Lift |
| Safety Features | Overheat Protection, Power-Fail Auto-Raise, Real-Time Vapor & Cooling Water Temperature Monitoring |
Overview
The JULABO STRIKE 280 Rotary Evaporator is a high-performance, CE-compliant benchtop system engineered for precise solvent removal, sample concentration, and compound purification under reduced pressure. Designed and manufactured in Germany, it operates on the fundamental principle of rotary evaporation—rotating a flask under vacuum to increase surface area while applying controlled heating and efficient condensation—to achieve rapid, reproducible, and thermally gentle separation of volatile solvents from heat-sensitive samples. Its integrated modular architecture ensures stable rotational dynamics, uniform bath temperature distribution (±0.1 °C), and consistent vacuum coupling—critical for maintaining batch-to-batch repeatability in analytical, pharmaceutical, and synthetic chemistry workflows.
Key Features
- Motorized vertical lift with programmable endpoint positioning—enabling precise, repeatable flask immersion and retrieval without manual intervention.
- Integrated digital timer and multi-step program controller for unattended operation; supports up to 9 user-defined evaporation protocols with independent setpoints for rotation speed, bath temperature, and vacuum ramping.
- Real-time dual-sensor monitoring: vapor temperature at the condenser neck and inlet cooling water temperature—providing continuous feedback for thermal safety and condensation efficiency optimization.
- Intelligent overheat protection: automatic cutoff and lift activation if bath temperature exceeds user-defined threshold or deviates beyond ±3 °C from setpoint.
- Power-fail safety protocol: immediate motorized lift initiation upon mains interruption, preventing bumping, sample loss, or thermal degradation.
- Corrosion-resistant stainless-steel frame with chemical-resistant polymer housing; compatible with common laboratory solvents including acetone, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane, and ethanol.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The STRIKE 280 accommodates standard 5 L round-bottom flasks (ISO 2768-mK tolerance) and supports interchangeable condenser configurations—including vertical, diagonal, and cold-finger types—for optimized recovery across low- to medium-boiling-point solvents (bp range: 30–150 °C). It meets EN 61010-1:2019 (Safety Requirements for Electrical Equipment for Measurement, Control, and Laboratory Use) and complies with EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC. Its sealed bath design and leak-tested vacuum pathway support GLP-aligned documentation when paired with validated SOPs. While not intrinsically rated for Class I Div 1 environments, it is suitable for general-purpose fume hood installation per ANSI Z9.5 and ISO 15195 guidelines.
Software & Data Management
The STRIKE 280 operates via an embedded microcontroller with local LCD interface—no external PC required for routine operation. All program parameters, runtime logs, and alarm events (e.g., temperature deviation, lift timeout, vacuum instability) are timestamped and stored internally for ≥1,000 cycles. Data export is supported via USB-C port in CSV format for integration into LIMS or ELN platforms. Though the device does not feature native 21 CFR Part 11 compliance (e.g., electronic signatures or audit trail encryption), its deterministic behavior, immutable event logging, and hardware-enforced safety interlocks facilitate qualification under GMP Annex 11 and FDA Q7A process validation frameworks when deployed within controlled IT infrastructure.
Applications
- Solvent removal following column chromatography or solid-phase extraction in natural product isolation.
- Concentration of peptide solutions prior to lyophilization in biopharmaceutical development.
- Recovery of reaction solvents in fine chemical synthesis under inert atmosphere (when coupled with nitrogen purge kit).
- Parallel evaporation of multiple samples using optional dual-flask adapter kits (not included).
- Teaching laboratories requiring robust, intuitive instrumentation for undergraduate organic chemistry curricula.
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended rotational speed for the STRIKE 280 with a 5 L flask?
The unit supports 0–120 rpm, but optimal stability and film formation for 5 L loads are achieved between 40–80 rpm depending on solvent viscosity and bath temperature.
Does the STRIKE 280 include a vacuum controller?
No—the system requires an external vacuum source (e.g., diaphragm pump or water aspirator); however, its vacuum port is fitted with a standardized DN25 KF connector and supports analog vacuum feedback input for third-party controllers.
Can the STRIKE 280 be integrated into a centralized lab automation network?
It does not feature Ethernet or RS-485 interfaces; integration is limited to USB-based data retrieval and manual protocol synchronization via exported CSV files.
Is the heating bath fluid compartment accessible for cleaning or refilling?
Yes—the bath lid is removable, and the stainless-steel reservoir accepts silicone oil, water-glycol mixtures, or other non-corrosive heat-transfer fluids meeting DIN 51528 specifications.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term reliability?
JULABO recommends annual verification of lift motor torque, vacuum seal integrity, and temperature sensor calibration traceable to PTB/NIST standards—documentation templates available upon request from authorized service partners.
