High Performance whilst Achieving Good Energy Efficiency - the New Refrigerated Circulators from IKA

Maintaining a high performance level while achieving good energy efficiency is the focus of the new RC 2 basic and RC 2 control refrigerated circulators from IKA. Great emphasis has also been placed on safety features and intelligent functions.

The RC 2 basic and RC 2 control refrigerated circulators from IKA are the first temperature control solutions designed for temperatures as low as -20°C. Delivering 400 watts of cooling power (at 20°C), the RC 2 can be used for applications such as cooling rotation evaporators, calorimeters or small laboratory reactors from IKA. The device offers an impressive level of energy efficiency (up to 60% lower energy consumption) and a temperature stability of up to ± 0.05 K. The performance of the RC 2 is sufficient to cool other small-scale distillation and extraction equipment.

Conserving Resources

As with all IKA devices, a great deal of emphasis has been placed on the ability of the RC 2 refrigerated circulators to conserve resources during operation. This is a particularly important feature for chillers that are often used in continuous operation over several hours.

The RC 2 refrigerated circulators save up to 60,000 litres of water a year compared to a cooling operation using mains water: The RV 10 control auto rotary evaporator—with a flow rate of 50 l/h at the chiller—requires 300 litres of water a day. Over a period of 200 working days, this amounts to 60,000 litres a year.

Energy-Efficient

The interaction between the high-quality components and intelligent controller in the RC 2 refrigerated circulator allows up to 60% energy to be saved.  For instance, the microchannel condenser and the speed-controlled fan provide optimum heat dissipation. The electronically controlled expansion valve keeps the temperature constant, the speed-controlled compressor regulates performance in an energy-efficient manner, and the high-quality foam insulation on the reservoir and bath minimises energy loss.

Safe and secure handling

The sophisticated design of the devices makes them safe and secure to handle. The castors recessed in the base plate make it easy to position the device in the laboratory. The moulded handles recessed in the housing increase the transportation options for the devices, which weigh just under 30 kg. The fill level is automatically detected. If it is too high or too low, the device provides the user with an audible and visual warning. The ‘control’ devices also feature an integrated, removable remote control, ensuring the devices are easy to operate and monitor from a distance, even in hard-to-reach places.

Intelligent Functions for Simpler Operation

All of the RC 2 refrigerated circulators feature USB and RS232 interfaces that allow them to be controlled using software (e.g. labworldsoft®). Users can also update the device firmware using the Firmware Update Tool, ensuring they benefit from software enhancements.

The method of operating the devices follows proven principles: The devices are simple to operate via the two rotary pushbuttons, which are coupled with an easy-to-read display in the "control" devices so that all the relevant parameters are visible at a glance.

Temperature Control Based on Medium Temperature

The temperature of the cooling fluid is controlled to an accuracy of ± 0.05 K. There is also the scope to connect a PT 100 temperature sensor to RC 2 control devices to provide more accurate control to the external medium temperature.

Practical and Quiet

The cooling fluid can be fully drained from the bath in a simple and clean process. The physical separation of the drain valve and the opening screw ensures that the user does not come into contact with the fluid. The intelligent position of the drain in the bath ensures it can be emptied completely.

Despite all of these impressive performance values and integrated functions, the noise generated by the devices remains at a moderate level. The amount of noise produced is minimised by the compressor and fan control system. These elements are controlled in line with demand depending on power requirements.

Equipment

In accordance with the IKA product policy, all models are available as a basic and control version. Even the basic version offers more than most temperature control instruments available in this design. Both devices use an infinitely adjustable PEEK pressure and suction pump (up to 0.3 bar/15 l/min), which enables universal use for internal and external temperature control tasks in open and closed containers. Standard USB or RS232 interfaces allow the device functions to be controlled and monitored (e.g. using the IKA labworldsoft software). The automatic fill level monitoring function ensures that all of the devices are safe to use. In addition to the unique wireless controller, the control versions also provide space for ten programs that allow individual procedures to be carried out. All of the devices in the IKA temperature control instrument series meet the toughest demands when it comes to safety, performance and intelligence.