Thermo Savant RVT400 Modules | RVT400-230 0020-20292 E17317990

Technical Dossier

Product Details And Specifications

Thermo Savant RVT400 Series: Comprehensive Module Range and Technical Overview

The Thermo Savant RVT400 series of refrigerated vapor traps occupies a critical position in laboratory vacuum systems across global heavy-use industries, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, chemical processing, semiconductor fabrication, and freeze-drying operations. Designed to protect vacuum pumps from solvent and moisture contamination, the RVT400 series has been installed in thousands of facilities worldwide as a standard component in rotary evaporation, lyophilization, and centrifugal concentration workflows.

The RVT400 operates by cooling a glass or stainless-steel cold finger to temperatures as low as -60°C, intercepting vapors before they reach the vacuum pump. Its compact footprint and compatibility with standard KF/NW vacuum fittings made it a default specification in laboratory procurement for over two decades. Units in this series are found in OEM configurations integrated with Thermo Savant SpeedVac, Savant SC series centrifugal concentrators, and third-party rotary evaporators.

The Evolution of RVT400 Architecture

The RVT400 series was introduced by Savant Instruments (later acquired by Thermo Electron Corporation, now Thermo Fisher Scientific) as a successor to earlier passive cold trap designs. The architecture evolved through three identifiable generations:

Generation 1 (Original RVT400): Single-voltage configurations (115V or 230V), manual defrost, compressor-based refrigeration with R-134a or equivalent refrigerant. Cold finger material: borosilicate glass. Operating temperature: approximately -50°C to -60°C. Designed for intermittent laboratory use.

Generation 2 (RVT400A / RVT400B variants): Introduced auto-restart functionality after power interruption. Improved compressor mounting to reduce vibration transmission to connected vacuum lines. Some variants added an analog temperature display. Compatibility with KF25 and KF40 vacuum fittings standardized across the range.

Generation 3 / End-of-Life Transition: As Thermo Fisher consolidated its laboratory equipment portfolio, the RVT400 series entered a maintenance-only lifecycle. Current production has ceased for most configurations. Replacement is nominally directed toward the Thermo Scientific RVT4104 and RVT4204 series, which offer digital temperature control and improved energy efficiency. However, due to the large installed base of RVT400 units in legacy systems, demand for original spare parts, compressor assemblies, cold finger replacements, and power board components remains active.

Compatibility note: RVT400-115 (North American 115V/60Hz) and RVT400-230 (European/international 230V/50Hz) are not interchangeable without internal modification. Procurement must specify voltage configuration explicitly.

RVT400 Full Catalog & Functionalities (SKU List)

The following SKUs represent the documented RVT400 series product range and associated replacement components. Each entry reflects a distinct configuration or spare part classification:

RVT400-115: Refrigerated vapor trap, 115V/60Hz, North American configuration, glass cold finger, KF25 inlet.
RVT400-230: Refrigerated vapor trap, 230V/50Hz, international configuration, glass cold finger, KF25 inlet.
RVT400A-115: Revised compressor mount, auto-restart, 115V/60Hz, analog temp indicator.
RVT400A-230: Revised compressor mount, auto-restart, 230V/50Hz, analog temp indicator.
RVT400B-115: Enhanced vibration isolation, updated refrigerant circuit, 115V/60Hz.
RVT400B-230: Enhanced vibration isolation, updated refrigerant circuit, 230V/50Hz.
0020-20292: OEM assembly reference / internal build code associated with RVT400-230 production run (E17317990 lot).
E17317990: Manufacturing lot/serial batch identifier for RVT400-230 units; used for warranty and service traceability.
RVT400-CF: Replacement borosilicate glass cold finger assembly, KF25 compatible.
RVT400-CF-SS: Replacement stainless-steel cold finger assembly, chemical-resistant variant.
RVT400-COMP: Replacement compressor unit for RVT400 series, R-134a compatible.
RVT400-PCB: Main power control board replacement for RVT400/RVT400A series.
RVT400-FAN: Condenser fan motor assembly, direct replacement for all RVT400 variants.
RVT400-SEAL: O-ring and vacuum seal kit, KF25/KF40, PTFE and Viton options.
RVT400-CLAMP: KF25 centering ring and clamp set for RVT400 inlet/outlet connections.
RVT4104: Current-generation successor; digital control, -105°C capability, replaces RVT400 in new installations.
RVT4204: High-capacity successor; dual cold finger, -105°C, for high-throughput vacuum systems.

Sourcing Hard-to-Find & Obsolete RVT400 Parts

The RVT400 series has been discontinued from active Thermo Fisher Scientific production. OEM spare parts availability through standard distribution channels is limited or exhausted for most sub-assemblies, including compressor units, power boards, and glass cold fingers.

DriveKNMS maintains a dedicated inventory of RVT400 series units and components sourced through authorized surplus channels, decommissioned laboratory equipment, and verified third-party suppliers. Our procurement scope covers:

— Complete RVT400 units (tested, refurbished, or as-removed)
— Compressor assemblies (original OEM and compatible replacements)
— Glass and stainless-steel cold finger assemblies
— Power control boards and wiring harnesses
— Vacuum fittings, clamps, and seal kits
— Documentation: original service manuals and wiring diagrams

For facilities operating legacy SpeedVac or lyophilization systems where RVT400 units are integrated into fixed vacuum manifolds, replacement with current-generation traps may require manifold modification. DriveKNMS can supply original-configuration RVT400 units to avoid system redesign costs. Lead times vary by configuration; contact us with your specific model and voltage requirement.

Quality Control for the RVT400 Range

All RVT400 units and components processed by DriveKNMS undergo a structured inspection and functional test protocol prior to dispatch:

Visual Inspection: Cold finger integrity check (no cracks, chips, or devitrification in glass variants); compressor housing inspection for corrosion or mechanical damage; power cord and connector condition assessment.

Electrical Safety Test: Insulation resistance measurement; ground continuity verification; voltage configuration confirmation (115V vs. 230V) prior to power-on.

Functional Cold Test: Unit powered and monitored for compressor start, refrigerant circulation, and cold finger temperature descent. Minimum acceptance criterion: cold finger reaches -45°C within 20 minutes of startup at 23°C ambient.

Vacuum Integrity Check: KF25 inlet and outlet fittings tested with calibrated leak detector. Acceptance criterion: no detectable leak at 10⁻³ mbar.

Documentation: Each unit dispatched with a test record including serial/lot number (e.g., E17317990), test date, technician ID, and measured cold finger temperature at stabilization.

Units that do not meet all acceptance criteria are quarantined, documented, and either repaired to standard or listed explicitly as-removed/for-parts to ensure accurate representation to the buyer.