IKA RV 8 rotary evaporator with dry ice condenser, coated, HB 10 heating bath, up to 300 rpm, 0010006360

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 °C, constant and independent of the season or the water pressure in the laboratory. Cooling capacity from room temperature down to minus 10 °C 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 °C. The working temperature range extends from minus 10 °C to room temperature, and with an external heater the bath can additionally be operated up to 70 °C. 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. 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, cooling and heating circulating thermostats 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 W1,000 W HRC 2 controlCirculating thermostat400 W370 W320 W240 W1,500 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 °C, with the natural 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 °C, 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 %, the RC 2 lite is designed for continuous operation in everyday laboratory use. The permissible ambient temperature range is 5 to 32 °C at a maximum of 80 % 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 °C is sufficient, the RC 2 lite still has 250 watts of cooling capacity available, and at minus 10 °C 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 circulating thermostat 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 Degree of protection 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 °C. 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 %. 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 °C. 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 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 are not contaminated by oil vapours from the pump. 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 °C and a tolerated relative humidity of up to 80 % at 31 °C, decreasing linearly to a maximum of 50 % at 40 °C, 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 1,030 mbar ControlTwo-point control, analogue speed-vacuum control, setting via turn-and-push knob Speed range285 to 1,200 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) Degree of protection 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 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 configuration 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 1,200 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 1,030 mbar Speed range285 to 1,200 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 Degree of protection 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.

Promotional items from the IKA Specials Q4/2026, valid until 31 December 2026. The crossed-out price is IKA’s recommended retail price. Our promotional price is net.The IKA VACSTAR lite Starter Solution (MPN 0010014496) is a pre-assembled entry-level vacuum package for everyday laboratory use: a compact, oil-free diaphragm vacuum pump combined with the VSE 1 emission condenser. For example, anyone working with a rotary evaporator or setting up a filtration system does not need to purchase and set up the condenser separately, but can put the set into operation straight away. The pump thus handles standard tasks such as filtration, drying in a vacuum drying oven or evacuating Schlenk lines, without allowing solvent vapours to escape unfiltered into the ambient air. Compact two-cylinder pump with robust suction capacity At its core is a dry two-cylinder diaphragm pump with a maximum pumping speed of 1.0 cubic metres per hour (16.67 litres per minute) and an ultimate vacuum of 9 mbar without gas ballast. The speed can be continuously adjusted via a rotary knob; the speed range is between 285 and 1,100 revolutions per minute, with a rated speed of 1,100 rpm. This is sufficient for most routine laboratory tasks, but is clearly intended for applications that do not require extremely low ultimate vacuums, such as simple filtration or the drying off of solvents at moderate temperatures. VSE 1 emission condenser protects laboratory air and the environment The VSE 1 vacuum safety emission condenser included in the set captures solvent vapours before they are released into the room air via the pump. This not only protects staff health but also allows the condensed solvent to be recovered rather than wasted. Particularly when working with volatile organic solvents in fume hoods or on rotary evaporators, this significantly reduces consumption and the volume of waste to be disposed of, without the need to procure and adapt a separate component. Chemical-resistant and low-maintenance in continuous operation As a dry-running pump, the VACSTAR lite operates entirely without operating oil, thus eliminating the need for oil changes, waste oil disposal and the risk of sample contamination from oil vapours. All parts in contact with the medium are made of Al₂O₃, PTFE, FFPM, PPS and NBR, whilst the housing is made of coated die-cast aluminium and thermoplastic. This combination of materials makes the pump highly resistant to aggressive chemicals and solvent vapours and significantly reduces maintenance requirements during continuous operation. Space-saving and easy to integrate Measuring 115 x 292 x 280 millimetres and weighing 8.5 kilograms, the VACSTAR lite fits even on small work surfaces or directly inside a fume hood. Connections are made via 8-millimetre hose connections on the suction and discharge sides; the housing is rated to IP 20. With a sound pressure level of 54 dB(A) at low pressure, the pump remains pleasantly quiet even during continuous operation next to the workstation. A USB interface and an analogue input are available for connection to external control systems, for example if a digital vacuum controller is to be retrofitted at a later date. Simple operation with no training required The ‘lite’ version deliberately omits a digital display and focuses purely on functionality: a rotary knob continuously adjusts the speed and thus the pumping capacity, whilst a non-return valve protects the system against backflow when the pump is switched off. This makes the pump particularly suitable for workstations where several people with varying levels of experience use the same unit, for example during practical sessions or in teams with frequently changing personnel. Wide range of applications in everyday laboratory work IKA positions the VACSTAR-lite series as a universal vacuum source for use with rotary evaporators, laboratory reactors, temperature-controlled chambers, centrifuges and other laboratory equipment. Manual operation via the rotary knob means the pump does not require additional control software and is therefore ready for immediate use as soon as it is connected to a device. For workstations where more precise, automated process control is required at a later stage, an external vacuum controller can be retrofitted via the analogue interface if necessary, without having to replace the pump itself. Typical applications As an entry-level solution for generating vacuum in the laboratory, the VACSTAR lite Starter Solution is particularly suitable for the following applications: Vacuum filtration in routine analysis, for example when filtering precipitates Support for rotary evaporators for moderate distillation tasks Drying of samples or glassware in a vacuum drying oven Evacuating Schlenk lines and simple desiccators An introduction to vacuum technology for training and teaching, thanks to simple rotary knob operation requiring no lengthy familiarisation Technical details Pump type2-cylinder diaphragm vacuum pump, dry Max. pumping speed (50/60 Hz)1.0 m³/h (16.67 l/min) Ultimate vacuum without gas ballast9 mbar Stages / cylinders2 / 2 Inlet pressure10 to 1,030 mbar Speed range285 to 1,100 rpm (rated speed 1,100 rpm) ControlContinuously variable speed control via rotary knob, two-point control Suction/discharge connectionHose nozzle Ø 8 mm Materials in contact with the productAl₂O₃, PTFE, FFPM, PPS, NBR Housing materialCoated die-cast aluminium / thermoplastic Dimensions (W x H x D)115 x 292 x 280 mm Weight8.5 kg Degree of protection according to DIN EN 60529IP 20 Sound pressure level at low pressure54 dB(A) Permissible ambient temperature5 to 40 °C Permissible relative humidity80 % (up to 31 °C), decreasing linearly to a maximum of 50 % (at 40 °C) InterfacesUSB, analogue input Voltage / Frequency100 to 240 V, 50/60 Hz Device power consumption120 W (5 W on standby) Scope of delivery 1 x IKA VACSTAR lite vacuum pump 1 x VSE 1 vacuum safety emission condenser 1 x vacuum hose 1 x power supply unit Operating instructions Individual requirements and procurement service If you wish to control the VACSTAR lite automatically at a later date, you can retrofit it with a digital vacuum controller such as the VC 10 lite, for example to set programmed ramp profiles on the rotary evaporator. A Woulff bottle to protect the pump from liquid hammer, as well as other original accessories from the IKA vacuum range, are also available via our procurement service. Further information and contact details can be found on our procurement service page.