IKA RV 3 V-C rotary evaporator, coated vertical condenser, 0010003328

Thermodynamics of phase transitions and wick film evaporation

In instrumental solvent recovery, distillation kinetics are based on the manipulation of vapour pressure curves through the application of a vacuum. The IKA RV 3 rotary evaporator controls this phase transition (liquid to gas) via precise mechanical rotation of the evaporator flask. The stepless direct drive generates speeds of 20 to 300 revolutions per minute. This rotation uses radial centrifugal forces to force the liquid medium in the flask to form a continuous, extremely thin liquid film (wipe film) on the heated inner glass wall. This fluid-mechanical surface enlargement drastically maximises the heat transfer coefficient from the 4-litre heating bath into the medium. At the same time, the continuous mixing prevents thermodynamic boiling delay and reduces the specific evaporation enthalpy, enabling even high-boiling-point solvents to be gently distilled off at moderate heating bath temperatures.

Polymer physics and mechanical vacuum containment

From a process engineering perspective, distillation apparatus operates under high vacuum, which exerts a massive negative differential pressure (Δp) on the molecular silicate structure of the glass components. Under this pressure, mechanical micro-cracks or thermal shock stresses can lead to a catastrophic implosion. The suffix ‘V-C’ (Vertical – Coated) defines the safety-related architecture of this system: the entire borosilicate vertical cooler is completely coated with a highly transparent, thermoplastic polymer matrix. In the event of glass fracture, this plastic coating acts as a mechanical vacuum containment. It absorbs the kinetic energy of the collapsing glass structure and absolutely reliably prevents the ballistic ejection of glass splinters and toxic aerosols into the laboratory atmosphere.

Kinematics of the lifting system and immersion angle geometry

On the RV 3, the physical positioning of the evaporating flask at the thermodynamic centre of the heating bath is achieved via a purely mechanical, manual lifting system. Locking the vertical axis requires the use of both hands, which, from a safety perspective, prevents the glass components from being lowered unintentionally by gravity. The mechanical end stop of the lifting mechanism can be precisely set manually to physically prevent the rotating glass flask from colliding with the base of the heating bath. In addition, the system allows for stepless adjustment of the immersion angle, enabling the fluid-dynamic geometry of the flask to be adapted to asymmetrical fill volumes or varying viscosities of the sample matrix.

Technical details

• Product type: Rotary evaporator with manual lifting system
• Thermodynamic principle: Thin-film evaporation under vacuum
• Cooler geometry: Vertical cooler (V-C)
• Glass coating (containment): Thermoplastic splatter protection (coated)
• Drive kinematics: Stepless rotation (20–300 rpm)
• Heating bath volume: 4 litres (HB eco heating bath for aqueous media)
• Lifting mechanism: Manual lift with two-handed safety lock and end stop
• Immersion angle: Infinitely adjustable to optimise fluid dynamics
• Cooling surface area: 1500 cm² for maximum thermodynamic condensation rate

Scope of delivery

• 1 x IKA RV 3 drive unit (manual lift)
• 1 x IKA HB eco heating bath (4 litres)
• 1 x IKA RV 10.10 glassware set (vertical condenser, coated, incl. evaporating flask and receiving flask)

(Important note: The vacuum pump, which is essential for distillation, the vacuum controller and a recirculating cooler for thermodynamic condensation are not included in the scope of delivery!)

Individual requirements & accessories

The RV 3 V-C is a purely physical distillation apparatus and does not generate any phase transitions without the appropriate pressure and cooling infrastructure. To maintain the thermodynamic gradient in the vertical condenser, it is essential to combine it with a high-performance recirculating cooler (e.g. IKA RC 2 basic). To manipulate the vapour pressure curve of the solvent, you must use a chemical-resistant diaphragm vacuum pump. Please contact our procurement service at any time for a metrologically accurate calculation of vacuum and cooling capacity requirements for your specific solvents.