IKA LR 1000.3 laboratory reactor vessel with bottom drain valve, vacuum, 1000 ml, 0025001955

Rheological challenges and hydrodynamic product discharge

In chemical and cosmetic process engineering, the handling of extremely high-viscosity, non-Newtonian fluids – such as structurally viscous polymer gels, pastes or dense emulsions – presents a major physical challenge. Whilst standard reactors usually have to be laboriously dismantled or tilted to remove the end product – a process that leads to high shear stresses and product losses – the IKA LR 1000.3 laboratory reactor vessel features a fully integrated bottom drain valve. This key process engineering component is positioned precisely at the lowest point of the 1000-ml reactor. It enables the continuous or batch discharge of viscous media (up to 100,000 mPa·s) whilst minimising dead volume to an absolute minimum. Direct hydrodynamic emptying preserves the molecular structure of shear-sensitive products and reduces the risk of contamination during transfer to downstream filling systems.

Thermodynamic process control and vacuum insulation

As the centrepiece of the LR 1000 basic and control systems, the vessel is designed for highly precise thermodynamic reaction control. The thermal energy of the base unit is transferred absolutely homogeneously into the medium via the reactor vessel, which prevents localised overheating (hotspots) and ensures process temperatures of up to 120 °C. Another critical feature of complex syntheses is absolute control of the reactor atmosphere. The LR 1000.3 is fully compatible with high vacuum. Evacuating the reaction chamber is essential for the bubble-free deaeration of gels following high-speed dispersion, or for carrying out moisture-sensitive polymerisations under inert protective gases. The solid reactor lid ensures a hermetic seal against the ambient atmosphere.

Metrological connectivity via standardised ports

To enable the reactor to be used as a self-contained measurement and control system, the lid is fitted with standardised ground ports (3 x NS 14 and 1 x NS 29). These precision-ground ports allow for the absolutely gas-tight insertion of process-critical sensors (PT 100 temperature sensors, pH electrodes) or process engineering accessories such as drip funnels for precise stoichiometric dosing and reflux condensers for the condensation of volatile solvents. An NS 14 vacuum valve for direct pressure regulation is already integrated into the lid system at the factory.

Material integrity in GMP-regulated environments

To ensure complete chemical stability against aggressive reactants, strong acids and organic solvents, all components in contact with the process medium are made from materials of the highest industrial quality. The cylindrical reactor body is manufactured from temperature-cycling-resistant, highly transparent borosilicate glass 3.3, which allows for continuous in-situ visual monitoring of phase transitions. The metallic valve components and sensor feed-throughs are made of high-quality AISI 316L stainless steel. Extremely durable FFPM and PTFE elastomers are used as sealing materials. To comply with strict GLP/GMP hygiene guidelines, the bottom drain valve can be completely dismantled for intensive thermal or chemical cleaning.

Technical details

• Maximum working volume: 1000 ml
• Max. operating temperature of the product: 120 °C
• Specific feature: Integrated bottom drain valve for highly viscous media
• Fluid dynamics design: For viscosities up to 100,000 mPa·s
• Vacuum compatibility: Designed for vacuum operation and degassing
• Reactor vessel material: Borosilicate glass 3.3 (highly transparent)
• Material (metals in contact with the medium): AISI 316L stainless steel (material no. 1.4404)
• Seal material: FFPM and PTFE
• Lid connections (standard ground joints): 3 x NS 14, 1 x NS 29
• Vacuum integration: Includes NS 14 vacuum tap in the lid
• Compatible drive systems: IKA LR 1000 basic base and LR 1000 control base
• Hygiene: Valve and vessel can be completely dismantled for decontamination

Scope of delivery

• 1 x IKA LR 1000.3 laboratory reactor vessel (1000 ml, with bottom drain valve)
• 1 x reactor lid with PTFE/FFPM seals
• 2 x NS 14 glass stoppers (including clamps)
• 1 x NS 29 glass stopper (including fixing clamp)
• 1 x vacuum tap NS 14

Custom requirements & accessories

The LR 1000.3 vessel functions purely as a process chamber and must be operated in combination with the IKA LR 1000 basic base or control base heating unit. For mechanical energy input, you will also require a suitable stirring device, such as the LR 1000.11 anchor stirrer. For extremely wall-adhering, viscous gels, we recommend the LR 1000.10 stirrer with PEEK scrapers to maximise heat exchange at the glass wall. Please feel free to contact our specialist procurement service at any time for the thermodynamic and fluid dynamics design of your reactor system.