IKA VACSTAR lite Advanced Plus Solution – Diaphragm Vacuum Pump with Integrated Controller and Emission Condenser
IKA’s VACSTAR lite Advanced Plus Solution combines three components into a ready-to-use package: the VACSTAR lite diaphragm vacuum pump, the VC 10 pro vacuum controller, and the VSE 1 emission condenser. What sets this bundle apart from a simple vacuum pump is automatic boiling point detection via an integrated solvent library—the setpoint is not estimated manually but is automatically determined and maintained based on preconfigured parameters for common solvents. This makes the system particularly suitable for applications such as distillation using a rotary evaporator, filtration, and drying, where a stable pressure value is critical.
Vacuum Control and Operation: TFT Display, Program Mode, and Operating Modes
The VC 10 pro controls the pump via a TFT display that shows pressure values in mbar, hPa, mmHg, or Torr. Four operating modes cover different requirements: Automatic, Manual, Pump %, and Program. In Program mode, multiple ramp steps can be defined in sequence—useful for processes involving a stepwise pressure reduction. The graph function documents the pressure curve directly on the display. The speed range extends from 285 to 1,100 rpm, and the control range of the ceramic sensor (Al₂O₃) spans 1 to 1,100 mbar with a resolution of 1 mbar. If you don’t need complex programming and are only performing simple vacuum tasks, a pump without a vacuum controller is a more cost-effective option—the Advanced Plus Solution package pays for itself as soon as precise pressure control or automatic boiling point detection is required.
VSE 1 Emission Condenser and Connection Communication
The included VSE 1 emission condenser prevents solvent vapors from escaping into the ambient air. This is important when using volatile or harmful solvents—without this condenser, vapors would escape uncontrolled. The pump can be connected to laboratory software via RS-232 and USB-C; additionally, an analog input and output as well as a connection for an external PT1000 temperature sensor are available. The temperature probe’s measurement range extends from -10 to 200 °C with an accuracy of ±1 K. The cooler control system enables synchronization with a recirculating thermostat. Users who do not require an emission condenser—for example, because they process only aqueous media—can opt for a package without the VSE 1.
Materials in Contact with the Product, Scope of Delivery, and Operating Conditions
All parts in contact with the medium are made of PTFE, FFPM, PPS, and NBR—materials that are resistant to most common laboratory solvents. The pump achieves a ultimate pressure of 9 mbar at a maximum flow rate of 1 m³/h (16.67 l/min). The housing, made of coated cast aluminum and thermoplastic, weighs 11.2 kg. The pump operates on 100 to 240 V at 50/60 Hz, with a power consumption of 144 W. The scope of delivery includes the VACSTAR lite pump, the VC 10 pro controller, the VSE 1 emission condenser, and a VC 10.600 tripod rod. The IP 20 protection rating means: The device is intended for dry indoor use, not for damp environments or splashing water.
Technical Specifications
- Max. flow rate: 1 m³/h / 16.67 l/min (50/60 Hz)
- Final pressure: 9 mbar
- Suction stages: 2
- Cylinders: 2
- Suction/discharge port diameter: 8 mm
- Inlet pressure: 10 – 1030 mbar
- Speed range: 285 – 1,100 rpm
- Rated speed: 1,100 rpm
- Vacuum sensor type: Al₂O₃ ceramic
- Measuring range (absolute): 1 – 1,100 mbar
- Control range: 1 – 1,100 mbar
- Resolution: 1 mbar
- Measurement uncertainty: 1 mbar
- Max. pressure at the pressure sensor: 1.6 bar
- Medium temperature (gas): 5 – 40 °C
- Temperature measurement range (external PT1000): -10 – 200 °C
- Temperature measurement accuracy: ±1 K
- Pressure units: mbar, hPa, mmHg, Torr
- Display: TFT display
- Boiling point detection: yes
- Solvent library: yes
- Two-point control: Yes
- Analog speed and vacuum control: Yes
- Operating modes: Automatic, Manual, Pump %, Program
- Graph function: yes
- Vacuum valve: yes
- Vent valve: yes
- Emission capacitor: VSE 1 (included)
- Vacuum leak test: yes
- Cooler control: yes
- Timer: yes (1 s – 6000 min)
- External temperature sensor connection: PT1000
- Interfaces: RS-232, USB-C
- Analog input/output: yes
- Voltage: 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz
- Device power consumption: 144 W
- Standby power consumption: 3.5 W
- Fuse: 2x T4A 250V
- Materials in contact with the product: PTFE, FFPM, PPS, NBR
- Housing material: Coated cast aluminum / thermoplastic
- Protection rating: IP 20
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 260 x 502 x 377 mm
- Weight: 11.2 kg
- Ambient temperature: 5 – 40 °C
- Relative humidity: max. 80% (up to 31 °C), decreasing linearly to max. 50% (at 40 °C)
- Package contents: VACSTAR lite, VC 10 pro, VSE 1, VC 10,600 tripod pole
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in the VACSTAR lite Advanced Plus Solution package?
The package includes the VACSTAR lite diaphragm vacuum pump, the VC 10 pro vacuum controller, the VSE 1 emission condenser, and a VC 10,600 tripod pole. All four components are designed to work together and are shipped as a set—no separate purchase of the controller or condenser is necessary.
Which solvents does the integrated solvent library recognize?
The library contains preconfigured parameters for common laboratory solvents; IKA specifies which substances are included in the VC 10 pro product data sheet. For solvents not listed in the library, the setpoint can be set manually via the TFT display.
Can the pump be controlled using laboratory software?
Yes, the VACSTAR lite Advanced Plus Solution can be connected to external laboratory software via RS-232 and USB-C. Additionally, an analog input and output are available for integration into automated laboratory environments.
How loud is the VACSTAR lite during operation?
At minimum pressure, the pump generates 54 dB(A). For comparison: This is roughly equivalent to the noise level of a quiet office—which is generally not a problem in a lab with other equipment.
For which pressure ranges is the pump suitable, and what are its limits?
The control range extends from 1 to 1,100 mbar, and the achievable ultimate pressure is 9 mbar. Applications requiring an ultimate pressure below 9 mbar—such as certain high-vacuum processes—require a different pumping technology, as diaphragm pumps in this class do not cover this range.
