IKA RV 3 FLEX Rotary Evaporator, without Glassware, HB eco Heating Bath, up to 300 rpm, 0010003331

Anyone who operates a rotary evaporator, a jacketed vessel or a reflux condenser knows the problem of the open tap water circuit: as the outside temperature rises, the cooling effect falls, and water consumption drives up costs and effort. The IKA RC 2 lite recirculating chiller replaces this open circuit with a closed, PID-controlled refrigeration circuit and delivers up to 400 watts of cooling capacity at 20 degrees Celsius, constant and independent of the season or the water pressure in the laboratory. Cooling capacity from room temperature down to minus 10 degrees Celsius The cooling capacity of the RC 2 lite falls as expected as the target temperature drops: 400 watts at 20 degrees, 350 watts at 10 degrees, 250 watts at 0 degrees and still 140 watts at minus 10 degrees Celsius. The working temperature range extends from minus 10 degrees Celsius to room temperature, and with an external heater the bath can additionally be operated up to 70 degrees Celsius. Control is handled by a PID controller with a PT1000 sensor and LED display. The temperature stability is ±0.5 kelvin according to DIN 12876, and the display resolution and setting accuracy are each 0.1 kelvin. Natural refrigerant R290 to DIN 12876 Class I The refrigerant used is R290, a natural, halogen-free hydrocarbon refrigerant, filled with 76 grams at a maximum permissible pressure of 21 bar. According to DIN 12876, the RC 2 lite is classified as Class I with the marking NFL and is therefore intended for operation with non-flammable liquids. Practical note: R290 (propane) is itself flammable, so, as with all laboratory equipment using a hydrocarbon refrigerant, we recommend a sufficiently ventilated installation location without open ignition sources in the immediate vicinity of the unit. Recirculating chiller, circulating thermostat or heating bath: choosing the right design Within the IKA temperature control family, three designs can be distinguished: pure recirculating chillers such as the RC 2 lite only cool, refrigerated heating circulators such as the HRC 2 series cool and heat in one unit, and heating baths such as the HB digital heat without an active cooling function. The following overview compares the cooling capacity at different target temperatures: ModelDesign20 °C10 °C0 °C-10 °CHeating power RC 2 lite (this product)Recirculating chiller400 W350 W250 W140 Wnone (external heater up to 70 °C possible) RC 2 basicRecirculating chiller400 W370 W320 W240 Wnone HRC 2 liteCirculating thermostat400 W350 W250 W100 W1000 W HRC 2 controlCirculating thermostat400 W370 W320 W240 W1500 W RC 2 lite, RC 2 basic or RC 2 GREEN control: the right specification level The RC 2 lite is the compact entry-level version of the IKA recirculating chiller series for pure cooling tasks down to minus 10 degrees Celsius, with the climate-friendly refrigerant R290. Anyone who prefers pure cooling with the synthetic refrigerant R134a and a cooling capacity of 400 watts will find it in the IKA RC 2 basic. Anyone looking for a more powerful version will find it in the IKA RC 2 GREEN control, which likewise uses the natural refrigerant R290 and, according to IKA, has roughly double the output of the previous device generation. If the same unit has to heat actively as well as cool, for example for temperature cycles between minus 10 and 100 degrees Celsius, the IKA HRC 2 lite is the right choice. It is identical in construction to the RC 2 lite, but with an additional 1000-watt heater and an extended working range. Typical applications As an external cooling source with a closed circuit, the RC 2 lite is suitable for the following, among others: Cooling of rotary evaporators, for example the IKA RV 10 digital V-C or the IKA RV 3 V-C, as a replacement for the open tap water circuit Cooling of reflux condensers in syntheses and extractions Cooling source for devices that dissipate heat via a heat exchanger, for example double-walled grinding vessels, cooled incubators, laboratory reactors or cooling coils Connection, installation and ongoing operation The integrated pressure/suction pump reaches a maximum flow rate of 18 litres per minute at a maximum pump pressure of 0.35 bar on the pressure side and 0.15 bar on the suction side, connected via M16x1 threaded connections. The scope of delivery includes two hose nozzles for DN 8 hoses, which allow standard cooling water hoses to be connected directly. The filling volume of the internal bath is between 1 and 3.5 litres. RS232 and USB-B are available for connection to a PC or process control system, for example for logging temperature profiles. With a noise level of 51 dB(A) and a permissible duty cycle of 100 per cent, the RC 2 lite is designed for continuous operation in everyday laboratory use. The permissible ambient temperature range is 5 to 32 degrees Celsius at a maximum of 80 per cent relative humidity. Which cooling capacity for which rotary evaporator The decisive factor in choosing the right cooling capacity is the target temperature of the respective evaporation process: if a cooling bath at around 0 degrees Celsius is sufficient, the RC 2 lite still has 250 watts of cooling capacity available, and at minus 10 degrees Celsius it is 140 watts. The lower the required target temperature or the higher the solvent throughput at the rotary evaporator, the more worthwhile it is to consider a more powerful specification level such as the RC 2 GREEN control. The pump capacity also plays a role when connecting external devices: a maximum flow rate of 18 litres per minute at 0 bar back pressure is sufficient for most laboratory reactors and rotary evaporators at a direct installation distance. With longer hose runs or several consumers connected in series, the actual flow rate falls accordingly because of the rising line resistance, so the shortest possible hose routing lets the full pump capacity reach the consumer. Technical details Device typeRefrigerated circulator Classification according to DIN 12876Class I, marking NFL Working temperature range-10 °C to room temperature (with external heater up to 70 °C) Temperature stability (DIN 12876)±0.5 K Temperature sensorPT1000 Display resolution / setting accuracy0.1 K Cooling capacity at 20 / 10 / 0 / -10 °C400 / 350 / 250 / 140 W RefrigerantR290, 76 g, max. 21 bar Pump typePressure/suction pump Max. pump pressure (pressure / suction side)0.35 bar / 0.15 bar Max. flow rate (0 bar back pressure)18 l/min Pump connectionsM16x1 Filling volume1 to 3.5 l Permissible duty cycle100 % Noise level51 dB(A) InterfacesRS232, USB-B Protection class according to DIN EN 60529IP 21 Permissible ambient temperature5 to 32 °C Permissible relative humiditymax. 80 % Dimensions (W x H x D)225 x 385 x 430 mm Weight24.5 kg Voltage / frequency / connected load230 V, 50/60 Hz, 250 W (other variants 115 V / 100 V available) Scope of delivery 1 x IKA RC 2 lite recirculating chiller (ident no. 0025006624) 2 x hose nozzle for DN 8 hoses Regulatory information As an electrical device, the RC 2 lite is subject to the German Electrical and Electronic Equipment Act (ElektroG) and is registered with Stiftung EAR under WEEE registration number DE 66784213. At the end of its service life, the device must not be disposed of with household waste but must be taken to a separate collection point for waste electrical equipment. The refrigerant R290 contained in the refrigeration circuit must be removed professionally by an approved refrigerant recovery company before disposal. Frequently asked questions about the RC 2 lite Can the RC 2 lite also heat?No, the RC 2 lite is a pure recirculating chiller. Heating the bath above room temperature is only possible with an external heater up to a maximum of 70 degrees Celsius. If an integrated heater is required, the IKA HRC 2 lite is the suitable alternative. Which hoses fit the RC 2 lite?The pump connections are designed as M16x1 threads, and two hose nozzles for DN 8 hoses are included in the scope of delivery. Is R290 as a refrigerant harmless in everyday laboratory use?R290 is a natural but flammable hydrocarbon refrigerant. For operation, we recommend a sufficiently ventilated installation location without open ignition sources in the immediate vicinity, as is usual for all devices with this type of refrigerant. How loud is the RC 2 lite in continuous operation?The noise level is 51 dB(A), and the device is designed for a duty cycle of 100 per cent. Can the RC 2 lite be integrated into laboratory software?Yes, the existing RS232 and USB-B interfaces allow the device to be connected to a PC or process control system. How does the RC 2 lite differ from the RC 2 GREEN control?Both are pure recirculating chillers with the natural refrigerant R290. The RC 2 GREEN control is the higher-specification, current version with, according to IKA, roughly double the output of the previous device generation, while the RC 2 lite is positioned as a compact entry-level model for applications down to minus 10 degrees Celsius. Is the pump capacity sufficient for several connected devices?The maximum flow rate of 18 l/min at 0 bar back pressure applies to a direct connection. With longer hose runs or several consumers in series, the flow actually available falls because of the line resistance, so a short hose routing is preferable. Individual requirements & procurement service For suitable connection hoses, additional valves, adapters or connection to existing laboratory reactors and rotary evaporators, our procurement service will support you. If you have questions about certificates and attestations for the RC 2 lite, please get in touch.

The IKA VACSTAR digital (MPN 0020016236) is a dry 4-chamber diaphragm vacuum pump with digital speed display. Anyone who has so far operated a purely analogue pump without feedback on the current speed can see here at a glance which setting is currently in use, without depending on full automation. The VACSTAR digital is thus positioned between the purely manual VACSTAR lite and the VACSTAR control with integrated vacuum controller: more control than with a purely analogue pump, but without the additional cost of a permanently installed controller when it is not yet needed for the application in question. Digital display with simple turn-and-push operation The parameters are set with a turn-and-push knob, and an LED display shows the current speed in real time. The pumping speed of 22 l/min (1.32 m³/h) and an ultimate vacuum of 2 mbar reliably cover typical tasks such as rotary evaporators, drying ovens or filtrations. The speed range extends from 285 to 1200 revolutions per minute, regulated by an analogue speed-vacuum control with two-point control for stable, readily reproducible process behaviour. Prepared for later automation An analogue cable for connecting an external vacuum controller of type VC 10 is already included in the scope of delivery. Anyone who wants to run automated processes, for example a programmed distillation ramp, can extend the pump with the VC 10 at any time without having to buy an additional connecting cable and without having to replace the pump itself with another model. For the protection of laboratory air and the environment, the VSE 1 vacuum safety emission condenser is also recommended. It prevents solvent vapours from being released into the room air and can be retrofitted at any time if required. Chemically resistant and designed for continuous operation All parts in contact with the product are made of Al2O3, PTFE, FFPM, PPS and NBR, and the housing of coated die-cast aluminium and thermoplastic. As a dry-running pump, the VACSTAR digital works entirely without operating oil, so oil changes and the disposal of waste oil are eliminated and samples cannot be contaminated by oil vapours. This combination of materials makes the pump particularly resistant to aggressive solvents and ensures low-maintenance continuous operation in everyday laboratory work, even with daily changes between different solvents. Connection, format and operating values With dimensions of 150 x 375 x 370 millimetres and a weight of 11.5 kilograms, the VACSTAR digital is designed for a fixed place at the laboratory workstation, for example next to a rotary evaporator or drying oven. It is connected to 100 to 240 volts at 50 or 60 hertz with a device power consumption of 130 watts in operation and 3 watts in standby. Both an RS232 and a USB interface are available for connection to laboratory software, and the housing is classified IP 20. Robust design for daily laboratory use The lower housing made of coated die-cast aluminium in combination with thermoplastic components is designed for daily continuous use in the laboratory and withstands occasional solvent splashes without visible damage to the housing. The permissible ambient temperature of 5 to 40 degrees Celsius and a tolerated relative humidity of up to 80 percent at 31 degrees Celsius, decreasing linearly to a maximum of 50 percent at 40 degrees Celsius, make the pump suitable even for laboratories without continuous air conditioning. With a sound pressure level of 54 dB(A) at minimum pressure, operation next to the workstation remains pleasantly quiet. Typical applications As a digital intermediate step between manual operation and a fully integrated controller, the VACSTAR digital is particularly suitable for the following applications: Rotary evaporator operation with direct reading of the current speed instead of estimating from the scale on the knob Vacuum drying in drying ovens with a traceable speed setting that can be read on the display Vacuum filtration in the routine laboratory where digital control without full automation is already sufficient Laboratory workstations that are to be retrofitted later with a VC 10 vacuum controller for full automation Training and practical courses in which the digital speed display supports participants' understanding of the process Workstations with several users where a traceable speed setting is more important than estimating from a scale Technical details Pump type4-chamber diaphragm vacuum pump, dry Delivery rate max. (50/60 Hz)1.32 m³/h (22 l/min) Ultimate pressure without gas ballast2 mbar Suction stages / cylinders4 / 4 Connection diameter suction/pressure side8 mm Inlet pressure2 to 1030 mbar ControlTwo-point control, analogue speed-vacuum control, setting via turn-and-push knob Speed range285 to 1200 rpm DisplayLED Sound pressure level at min. pressure54 dB(A) Wetted materialAl2O3, PTFE, FFPM, PPS, NBR Housing materialCoated die-cast aluminium / thermoplastic Dimensions (W x H x D)150 x 375 x 370 mm Weight11.5 kg Permissible ambient temperature5 to 40 °C Permissible relative humidity80 % (up to 31 °C), decreasing linearly to max. 50 % (at 40 °C) Protection class according to DIN EN 60529IP 20 InterfacesRS232, USB Voltage / frequency100 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz Device power consumption130 W (standby 3 W) Scope of delivery 1 x IKA VACSTAR digital Vacuum Pump 1 x vacuum hose (1 m) 1 x silencer 1 x USB cable (USB-A to USB-B) 1 x analogue cable for connecting an external vacuum controller (e.g. VC 10) Individual requirements & procurement service The VC 10 vacuum controller is available as an extension for fully automatic distillations, and for the protection of laboratory air and the environment we also recommend the VSE 1 emission condenser. Further accessories and spare parts are available on request through our procurement service.

The IKA VACSTAR control (MPN 0020109375) is a dry, oil-free 4-chamber diaphragm vacuum pump with a factory-integrated vacuum controller. Anyone who has so far operated a separate pump and an additional vacuum controller side by side saves bench space and wiring effort with this 1:1 concept: the control electronics are already in the pump housing, and it is operated via a detachable display that can also be read and operated directly at the fume hood. For recurring distillation routines, for example on a rotary evaporator in routine operation, the separate wiring and calibration of an external controller for each setup is no longer necessary, which makes it easier to switch between several workstations in the laboratory. Integrated controller instead of a separate vacuum regulator The pumping capacity of 22 l/min (1.32 m³/h) and an ultimate vacuum of 2 mbar reliably cover typical tasks such as rotary evaporators, drying ovens or vacuum filtrations. The speed range extends from 285 to 1200 revolutions per minute, regulated by a ceramic Al2O3 vacuum sensor. Unlike with a plain diaphragm pump, the question of which external controller is suitable no longer arises, because the pump and control unit are already matched to each other. WiCo remote control for operation under the fume hood The TFT display of the WiCo remote control can be detached from the pump and placed separately, for example directly at the fume hood window, while the pump itself stands underneath or beside it and therefore does not have to be operated constantly through the front window. Several operating modes can be selected via the menu: automatic operation with boiling point detection and a stored solvent library, manual operation at a fixed speed, and separate pump-down and cleaning functions. The automatic boiling point detection helps to avoid bumping and to protect samples from loss through pumping down too quickly, especially with low-boiling solvents. Chemically resistant and designed for continuous operation The PTFE diaphragms and chemically resistant materials in the media path make the VACSTAR control robust against aggressive solvent vapours. An integrated valve cleaning function removes solvent residues from the system and thereby extends the service life of the diaphragms, without the pump having to be dismantled for manual cleaning. For the protection of laboratory air and the environment, the VSE 1 emission condenser can be connected afterwards, so that solvent vapours do not enter the room air unfiltered. As the pump works as a dry-running pump, oil changes are also eliminated, and with them the risk of oil vapours coming into contact with the sample. Connection and format for fixed laboratory workstations With dimensions of 270 x 435 x 500 millimetres and a weight of 14 kilograms, the VACSTAR control is designed for a fixed place at the workstation, for example directly under the fume hood bench, rather than for frequent transport between workstations. Data connection is via USB and RS232, for example for process documentation with laboratory software. The housing is classified IP 20, the device power consumption is 140 watts in operation and 1.5 watts in standby, and the pump is connected to 100 to 240 volts at 50 or 60 hertz, which allows worldwide use without a separate voltage converter. Reproducible processes thanks to automatic boiling point detection The stored solvent library automatically recognises common solvents from their boiling behaviour and adjusts the vacuum accordingly, instead of the target speed having to be readjusted manually. This reduces the variation between individual distillations and makes it easier to hand a process over to changing laboratory staff, because the parameters can be documented and repeated on the device. In combination with the USB or RS232 connection to laboratory software, the complete course of the process can also be logged, which means a noticeable time saving compared with a manually kept process file, especially in quality-assured environments with batch documentation. Typical applications As a 1:1 vacuum solution with integrated controller, the VACSTAR control is particularly suitable for the following applications: Automated distillations on the rotary evaporator with boiling point detection, also with changing solvents Vacuum drying in drying ovens with reproducible, documented process parameters Vacuum filtration where documented, repeatable process control is also required Laboratory workstations with limited space where a separate vacuum controller does not fit Process documentation via USB or RS232 in quality-assured laboratory environments Fixed vacuum workstations where several users are to run the same process reproducibly Technical details Pump type4-chamber diaphragm vacuum pump, dry, with integrated controller Pumping speed max.22 l/min (1.32 m³/h) Ultimate pressure2 mbar Inlet pressure1 to 1030 mbar Speed range285 to 1200 rpm Number of cylinders4 Connection diameter suction/pressure side8 mm Vacuum sensorCeramic (Al2O3) Controller / operationIntegrated, detachable WiCo display with touch operation Operating modesAutomatic with boiling point detection, manual operation, pump-down and cleaning function InterfacesUSB, RS232 Protection class according to DIN EN 60529IP 20 Dimensions (W x H x D)270 x 435 x 500 mm Weight14 kg Voltage / frequency100 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz Device power consumption140 W (standby 1.5 W) Scope of delivery 1 x IKA VACSTAR control Vacuum Pump with Integrated Controller 1 x WiCo remote control WH11 (detachable control unit) 1 x power supply OS 1.0 for the WiCo remote control 1 x vacuum hose (1 m) 1 x USB cable (USB-A to Micro-B, 2 m) 1 x USB cable (USB-A to USB-B) 1 x screwdriver Individual requirements & procurement service For additional protection of laboratory air and the environment, the VSE 1 emission condenser can be retrofitted, as can a Woulff bottle to protect the pump from liquid surges or suitable connecting hoses for your rotary evaporator. For technical advice, please contact our procurement service.

Part of the IKA Specials Q4/2026, valid until 31 December 2026. The crossed-out price is IKA's recommended list price. Our promotional price is net.Compact, high-performance equipment for your laboratory: the IKA VACSTAR lite Starter Solution With the IKA VACSTAR lite Starter Solution (MPN 0010014496), you get a perfectly coordinated vacuum package that combines space-saving design, high suction power and environmental awareness. This 4-cylinder diaphragm vacuum pump has been developed to handle the demanding tasks of everyday life in a modern laboratory – whether as a partner for your rotary evaporator, for drying cabinets or for filtration tasks. For you, the ‘Starter Solution’ means: unpack, connect and start safely, as the essential safety emission capacitor (VSE 1) is already included in the scope of delivery. Small but mighty: performance in a minimal space The VACSTAR lite impresses with its award-winning, extremely compact design. With dimensions barely larger than a drinks bottle, this pump fits into even the smallest of nooks or directly inside a fume cupboard. But don’t be fooled by its size: with an impressive pumping speed of 22 l/min and an outstanding ultimate vacuum of 2 mbar, it’s right up there with the big players. This high pumping speed guarantees fast process times and efficient operation, even with low-boiling-point solvents. Protection for the laboratory and the environment: the safety emission condenser A highlight of this set is the included VSE 1 vacuum safety emission condenser. Vacuum pumps extract vapours that should often not simply be released into the room air. The VSE 1 reliably prevents solvent vapours from entering the laboratory atmosphere. This not only protects staff health from harmful emissions but also safeguards the environment. Furthermore, the condenser enables the effective recovery of valuable solvents, which reduces operating costs and promotes sustainable working practices. Chemical-resistant and low-maintenance As a dry diaphragm pump, the VACSTAR lite operates 100% oil-free. For you, this means: no tedious oil changes, no disposal of waste oil and no contamination of your samples by oil vapours. All parts in contact with the process fluid are made from high-quality, chemical-resistant materials (PTFE diaphragms, FKM valves, etc.). This makes the pump extremely resistant to aggressive chemicals and vapours, guaranteeing a long service life and low maintenance costs. Intuitive operation and process reliability The “lite” version focuses on the essentials: pure functionality. Operation is intuitive via a rotary knob, which allows you to continuously adjust the speed and thus the suction capacity. This enables the process to be started gently to prevent boiling delays, or ramped up to maximum performance. An integrated non-return valve also protects the system against backflow when the pump is switched off or in the event of a power cut. Technical specifications in detail Type: 4-cylinder diaphragm vacuum pump Max. pumping speed: 22 l/min (1.32 m³/h) Ultimate vacuum: 2 mbar (abs.) Control: Speed control via rotary knob (manual) Materials (in contact with the medium): Al₂O₃, PTFE, FKM, PP, PPS (chemical-resistant) Connection: Hose nozzle Ø 8 mm Sound pressure level: 54 dB(A) (pleasantly quiet) Protection class: IP 20 Dimensions (W x H x D): 150 x 375 x 270 mm Weight: 5.75 kg Special feature: Includes VSE 1 emission capacitor Contents 1 x IKA VACSTAR lite vacuum pump 1 x VSE 1 vacuum safety emission condenser 1 x vacuum hose 1 x power supply unit (multi-plug) Operating instructions Individual requirements & accessories Do you also require a digital vacuum controller (e.g. VC 10) for fully automatic distillations, or Woulff flasks to protect the pump from liquid hammer? We stock the entire IKA vacuum range. Please contact our procurement service for system advice.