IKA LR 1000 control system, laboratory reactor, vacuum, 1000 ml, 0025001991

Scale-up and thermodynamic process control

In demanding chemical synthesis, pharmaceutical formulation development and cosmetic polymer processing, the precise reproducibility of thermodynamic and rheological parameters is absolutely essential. The IKA LR 1000 control system is a highly integrated, modular reactor platform that physically simulates the fluid dynamic and thermal behaviour of large-scale industrial production plants on a 1,000-millilitre scale. The system consists of a processor-controlled base station with integrated heating, a borosilicate glass reactor suitable for high vacuum, and high-precision sensor technology. The direct thermal coupling of the heating plate to the reactor base enables a substantial energy input, which heats the medium to precisely defined process temperatures of up to 120 °C. This allows complex endothermic reactions to be carried out or high-molecular-weight resins to be melted under strictly controlled laboratory conditions.

Rheology and wall-near mixing kinetics

The processing of non-Newtonian, structurally viscous fluids requires specialised mechanical energy input. The system is factory-fitted with the IKA LR 1000.10 anchor stirrer. This stirring element, manufactured from AISI 316L stainless steel, induces immense radial and tangential shear stresses in the medium. The integrated PEEK scrapers continuously abrade the inner wall of the reactor vessel. This kinematics mechanically breaks down the highly insulating thermal boundary layer (hotspots) on the heated glass wall and maximises the convective heat transfer coefficient in matrices with a dynamic viscosity of up to 100,000 mPa·s. To ensure the gentle discharge of these viscous gels and pastes, the reactor vessel (LR 1000.3) included in the set features a dead-space-free bottom drain valve at the lowest point of the vessel.

Metrological data acquisition and pH integration

The key difference from the “basic” version lies in the metrological superiority of the “control” infrastructure. The base station features a multilingual TFT display which not only controls the rotation speed (10 to 150 rpm) and the heating power, but also acts as a central hub for chemical sensor technology. The system allows the direct connection of pH electrodes for in-situ monitoring of acid-base reactions. The temperature at the core of the medium is simultaneously recorded by the supplied PT 100.30 sensor. An integrated weighing algorithm also continuously measures changes in the torque trend of the stirring mechanism, enabling highly precise, indirect real-time analysis of increases in viscosity (for example, during polymerisation processes).

Vacuum architecture and digital system integration

Control of the reactor atmosphere is essential for the bubble-free degassing of emulsions or for moisture-sensitive reactions. The system is designed for hermetically sealed vacuum operation. Standard-threaded ports (NS 14 and NS 29) in the lid allow for the gas-tight insertion of sensors and the connection of vacuum pumps or inert gas lines. For certified laboratories (GLP/GMP), the “control” system offers seamless digital traceability. The integrated USB and RS-232 interfaces allow the entire reactor to be connected to a PC in a tamper-proof manner. Using the IKA labworldsoft software, complex temperature and speed ramps can be programmed, and all metrological measurement data (temperature, pH value, torque) can be archived with precise time stamps for official QM audits.

Technical details

• Maximum working volume: 1000 ml
• Max. operating temperature of the product: 120 °C
• Viscosity limit: 100,000 mPa·s
• Rotational speed range: 10 – 150 rpm
• Torque trend measurement: Integrated for rheological monitoring
• Temperature measurement: Integrated (including PT 100.30 sensor)
• pH measurement: Connection for external pH electrode provided (BNC)
• Vacuum compatibility: System is approved for vacuum operation
• Product discharge: Via a bottom-mounted drain valve (LR 1000.3)
• Display: High-resolution TFT display for process visualisation
• Materials (in contact with the medium): Borosilicate glass 3.3, stainless steel 1.4404, PEEK, PTFE, FFPM
• Interfaces: USB, RS 232 (compatible with IKA labworldsoft)
• Permissible ambient temperature: 5 – 40 °C
• Protection class (according to DIN EN 60529): IP 21

Scope of delivery

• 1 x IKA LR 1000 control base station
• 1 x IKA LR 1000.3 laboratory reactor vessel (with bottom drain valve)
• 1 x IKA LR 1000.10 anchor stirrer (with PEEK scrapers)
• 1 x IKA PT 100.30 temperature probe
• 1 x sensor cable (for pH and temperature)
• 1 x USB cable for data logging
• 1 x Detailed operating instructions

Customised requirements & accessories

The LR 1000 control system is supplied as a fully functional complete package. However, to upgrade it to a fully automated synthesis unit, we recommend the following process-related additions: To record acid-base titrations, a separate pH electrode with a BNC connector is required. For bubble-free dispersion under high vacuum, you will also require the LR 1000.41 shaft holder in combination with a T 25 digital LR drive. Please contact our procurement service at any time regarding the complex software integration (IKA labworldsoft) and the fluid dynamics configuration of your specific reactor.