Selecta Vacuo-Temp Compact Vacuum Heating Dryer

Overview

The Selecta Vacuo-Temp Compact Vacuum Heating Dryer is an engineered solution for controlled thermal processing under reduced pressure. Designed around the fundamental principle of vacuum-assisted drying—where lowering ambient pressure reduces the boiling point of solvents and accelerates moisture removal—the Vacuo-Temp enables precise, gentle dehydration of heat-sensitive samples without oxidative degradation. Its compact footprint (ideal for benchtop deployment in QC labs, R&D fume hoods, or individual workstations) integrates a borosilicate glass bell jar chamber with a thermally stable resistive heating plate and robust stainless steel housing. This architecture supports reproducible operation across pharmaceutical stability studies, polymer solvent removal, lyophilization pre-drying, and analytical sample preparation where residual solvent content, oxidation risk, or thermal decomposition must be minimized.

Key Features

• Compact, space-efficient design optimized for single-user laboratories and ISO-classified cleanroom-adjacent environments
• Borosilicate glass bell jar (3 L internal volume) providing full visual process monitoring and chemical resistance to common organic solvents and aqueous media
• PID-controlled digital temperature regulation with ±1 °C stability and 1 °C resolution across a usable range from ambient +5 °C to 170 °C
• 23.5 cm diameter aluminum heating plate with uniform thermal distribution and rapid thermal response
• High-integrity sealing system using FDA-compliant silicone gaskets, validated for sustained vacuum integrity at ≤0.01 mmHg (≤1.33 Pa)
• Stainless steel outer enclosure with smooth, non-porous surface for easy decontamination and compliance with GLP laboratory hygiene standards
• Integrated LED display with intuitive button interface—no external software required for basic operation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Vacuo-Temp accommodates a wide range of sample formats including open petri dishes, weighing boats, glass vials (up to 100 mL), and custom aluminum trays placed directly on the heated plate. Its inert glass chamber and absence of internal airflow prevent cross-contamination and particle shedding—critical for API handling and reference standard drying per USP . The device meets mechanical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1 and carries CE marking for use within the European Economic Area. While not intrinsically rated for explosive atmospheres, its vacuum-only operation (no internal pumps or ignition sources) supports safe drying of Class I flammable solvent residues when used with external certified vacuum pumps and cold traps. Documentation packages include factory calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards.

Software & Data Management

The Vacuo-Temp operates as a stand-alone instrument with no embedded data logging or network connectivity. All operational parameters—including setpoint, real-time temperature, and elapsed time—are displayed locally via the LED interface. For regulated environments requiring audit trails, users may integrate external USB or RS-232 data loggers compatible with common lab informatics platforms (e.g., LabWare LIMS, Thermo Fisher SampleManager). When deployed in GMP settings, the unit supports manual entry into batch records; optional third-party validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ) are available through Selecta-certified service partners to satisfy FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 requirements for equipment qualification.

Applications

• Pre-lyophilization drying of biopharmaceutical formulations to reduce primary drying time and improve cake structure
• Residual solvent removal from polymer films and thin-film coatings prior to FTIR or DSC analysis
• Moisture content determination in hygroscopic APIs per USP gravimetric methods
• Drying of botanical extracts and natural product isolates to preserve thermolabile terpenes and flavonoids
• Conditioning of reference materials and calibration standards under inert, low-humidity conditions
• Accelerated stability testing per ICH Q1A(R3) guidelines using controlled vacuum-thermal stress profiles

FAQ

Is the Vacuo-Temp suitable for drying samples containing volatile organic solvents?

Yes—when paired with an external oil-free vacuum pump and appropriate cold trap, it safely handles acetone, ethanol, ethyl acetate, and other low-boiling solvents under vacuum. Always verify compatibility of your specific solvent with borosilicate glass and silicone gaskets.
Can the glass chamber withstand repeated thermal cycling between room temperature and 170 °C?

Borosilicate glass (e.g., Pyrex-type) exhibits low thermal expansion (3.3 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹) and is rated for continuous use up to 500 °C; however, rapid quenching or mechanical impact must be avoided. Thermal ramp rates ≤5 °C/min are recommended for long-term chamber integrity.
Does the unit include vacuum pump and gauge?

No—the Vacuo-Temp is supplied as a vacuum chamber system only. A separate vacuum pump (e.g., diaphragm or scroll type), vacuum gauge (capacitance manometer preferred for accuracy below 100 mTorr), and connecting hose kit are required for full operation.
What maintenance is required to ensure long-term vacuum integrity?

Routine inspection of the silicone gasket for compression set or cracking every 6 months; replacement recommended annually or after 500 vacuum cycles. Clean the glass surface and sealing flange with isopropanol before each use to prevent particulate-induced leaks.