Thermo Savant RVT4104-115 Refrigerated Vapor Trap

Product Code : SKU 5454D TRAP

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Thermo Scientific Savant RVT4104-115 Refrigerated Vapor Trap – Refurbished

The Thermo Scientific Savant RVT4104-115 Refrigerated Vapor Trap is an ultra-low-temperature laboratory cold trap designed to capture solvent vapors and protect vacuum pumps during centrifugal evaporation, vacuum concentration, and other solvent removal procedures. Featuring a nominal operating temperature of −104°C, a 4-liter collection capacity, and a mechanically refrigerated cooling system, the RVT4104 provides an effective solution for laboratories handling volatile organic solvents and other compatible vapors.

The RVT4104 is particularly useful in laboratories operating Savant SpeedVac vacuum concentrators and other vacuum evaporation systems. By condensing solvent vapors before they reach the vacuum pump, the trap helps reduce solvent contamination of pump oil, limit vapor exposure within the vacuum system, and support more reliable equipment operation.

Unlike traditional cold traps that require dry ice or liquid nitrogen, the RVT4104 uses a self-contained refrigeration system to achieve ultra-low temperatures. Its digital temperature display allows operators to monitor trap temperature during operation.

This Thermo Scientific Savant RVT4104-115 is offered refurbished by American Instrument Exchange. The system is inspected and tested before shipment and includes a 90-day warranty, providing laboratories with a cost-effective alternative to purchasing new solvent trapping equipment.

Key Features

Thermo Scientific Savant RVT4104-115 refrigerated vapor trap
Ultra-low operating temperature of approximately −104°C
4-liter solvent collection capacity
Designed to capture solvent vapors before they reach vacuum pumps
Suitable for compatible volatile organic solvents
Mechanically refrigerated, dual-compressor cascade cooling system
Digital LED temperature display
Eliminates the routine need for dry ice or liquid nitrogen cooling
Compatible with Savant SpeedVac concentrators and other suitable vacuum systems
Removable glass condensation flask design
Helps protect oil-sealed vacuum pumps from solvent contamination
Self-contained benchtop refrigeration system
Electrical requirements: 115/120V, 60Hz, approximately 12A
Refurbished and tested by American Instrument Exchange
90-day warranty included

Overview

The Thermo Savant RVT4104 is a refrigerated solvent trap developed for laboratory applications involving vacuum evaporation and concentration.

During vacuum evaporation, solvents are removed from samples as vapor. Without an appropriate trapping system, these vapors may travel through the vacuum line and enter the vacuum pump.

Solvent contamination can degrade vacuum pump oil, reduce pumping performance, increase maintenance requirements, and shorten pump service life.

The RVT4104 addresses these concerns by cooling solvent vapors to extremely low temperatures, allowing compatible vapors to condense within a collection vessel before reaching the pump.

Its nominal −104°C operating temperature makes it particularly useful for trapping many low-boiling solvents that may not be captured effectively by higher-temperature cold traps.

Thermo Savant RVT4104-115 Refrigerated Vapor Trap Common Applications

The Thermo RVT4104 is used in centrifugal vacuum concentration, solvent evaporation, pharmaceutical research, biotechnology, analytical chemistry, organic synthesis, environmental sample preparation, and molecular biology laboratories.

It is particularly useful in applications involving compatible volatile solvents such as methylene chloride and chloroform, where effective vapor condensation requires very low temperatures.

Additional applications include protecting vacuum pumps connected to SpeedVac concentrators, laboratory evaporators, and other suitable vacuum systems.

Solvent compatibility, trapping efficiency, and collection capacity should be evaluated for the specific process.

Thermo Savant RVT4104-115 Refrigerated Vapor Trap Key Specifications

Specification	Details
Manufacturer	Thermo Scientific / Savant
Model	RVT4104-115
Equipment Type	Ultra-Low-Temperature Refrigerated Vapor Trap
Operating Temperature	−104°C Nominal
Solvent Collection Capacity	4 Liters
Refrigeration System	Mechanically Refrigerated Cascade System
Temperature Display	Digital LED
Exterior Width	20 in. (50.8 cm)
Exterior Depth	26 in. (66 cm)
Exterior Height	13 in. (33 cm)
Manufacturer-Listed Net Weight	Approximately 150 lb (68 kg)
Electrical Requirements	115/120V AC
Frequency	60Hz
Current Requirement	12A
Condensation Vessel	GCF400 Glass Flask, When Equipped
Flask Cap	FC400, When Equipped
Cooling Fluid	Manufacturer-Specified CryoCool
External Vacuum Pump	Required for Vacuum Applications
Vacuum Pump Included	Not Assumed Included
Condition	Used / Refurbished
Warranty	90 Days

Specifications are compiled from Thermo Scientific manufacturer documentation and distributor technical references. Operating temperature depends on ambient conditions, electrical supply, and solvent load. The exact collection flask, cap, cooling fluid, tubing, and accessories included with the refurbished unit should be confirmed before purchase.

Ideal Laboratory Types

The Thermo RVT4104 is well suited to pharmaceutical laboratories, biotechnology research facilities, analytical chemistry departments, academic research institutions, molecular biology laboratories, environmental testing facilities, and industrial research laboratories.

It is particularly useful for laboratories operating centrifugal vacuum concentrators or other vacuum systems that generate significant solvent vapor loads.

Ultra-Low-Temperature Solvent Condensation

The RVT4104 is designed to operate at approximately −104°C, providing substantially colder trapping conditions than standard −50°C refrigerated vapor traps.

Lower trap temperatures can improve the condensation of compatible volatile solvents whose vapor pressures remain relatively high at warmer temperatures.

This capability is particularly valuable when processing solvents such as chloroform or methylene chloride.

The trap temperature represents the refrigeration system's nominal operating capability, not a guarantee that every solvent will be completely captured.

Actual solvent recovery depends on vapor pressure, evaporation rate, vacuum level, gas flow, collection vessel temperature, and system configuration.

Mechanically Refrigerated Cascade Cooling

The RVT4104 uses a mechanically refrigerated cascade system to achieve ultra-low operating temperatures.

This design allows the unit to cool its collection vessel without requiring continuous replenishment of dry ice or other disposable cryogenic materials.

The refrigeration system is enclosed within the cabinet, providing a practical benchtop solution for laboratories that perform frequent solvent evaporation procedures.

The cooling system should be allowed to reach the appropriate operating temperature before vacuum evaporation begins.

Vacuum Pump Protection

Protecting the vacuum pump is one of the RVT4104's primary functions.

During solvent evaporation, vapor that reaches an oil-sealed vacuum pump can contaminate the pump oil and affect performance.

Installing the RVT4104 between the evaporation system and the vacuum pump allows compatible vapors to condense within the trap.

This helps reduce solvent carryover and can extend the interval between pump maintenance procedures.

The trap does not eliminate the need for routine vacuum pump maintenance or appropriate exhaust management.

Compatibility with Savant SpeedVac Systems

The RVT4104 was developed for use with laboratory vacuum evaporation equipment, including Savant SpeedVac centrifugal concentrators.

SpeedVac systems use vacuum and controlled centrifugal motion, often with heating, to remove solvents from laboratory samples.

The RVT4104 captures compatible solvent vapors generated during these procedures.

The trap can also be used with other suitable vacuum evaporation equipment when the connections, operating pressures, and solvent loads are compatible.

Removable Glass Condensation Flask

The RVT4104 was originally supplied with a removable glass condensation flask designed to collect condensed solvent.

Thermo identifies the GCF400 glass condensation flask and FC400 flask cap for this equipment family.

The removable vessel facilitates collection, disposal, and cleaning of condensed solvent between operating cycles.

The condition of the flask, cap, seals, and vacuum connections is important for reliable operation.

The presence of the original glass flask and cap should be verified on the refurbished unit before purchase.

Cooling Fluid and Routine Maintenance

The RVT4104's collection arrangement requires appropriate heat-transfer fluid according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Thermo identifies CryoCool as the specified cooling fluid for the refrigerated vapor trap system.

This fluid supports thermal transfer between the refrigerated chamber and the collection vessel.

The proper fluid level and condition should be checked before operation.

Routine maintenance also includes inspecting the flask, cleaning collected solvent residues, checking vacuum seals, and maintaining adequate ventilation around the refrigeration system.

CryoCool and other consumables should not be assumed included unless specifically identified in the equipment package.

RVT4104 vs. RVT400 Refrigerated Vapor Traps

The Thermo RVT4104 and RVT400 are both refrigerated solvent traps with nominal 4-liter collection capacities.

The primary difference is operating temperature.

The RVT400 operates at approximately −50°C, making it suitable for many routine aqueous and organic solvent trapping applications.

The RVT4104 operates at approximately −104°C and is intended for applications requiring substantially lower trapping temperatures.

The RVT4104 is also larger and heavier because of its ultra-low-temperature refrigeration system.

For laboratories processing volatile solvents that require more aggressive condensation, the RVT4104 may provide an important performance advantage.

Refurbishment and Testing by American Instrument Exchange

American Instrument Exchange inspects, tests, and reconditions used laboratory refrigeration and solvent trapping equipment before shipment.

For the Thermo RVT4104, relevant testing includes checking the refrigeration system, confirming temperature display operation, monitoring cooldown performance, and verifying that the trap approaches its specified operating temperature under appropriate conditions.

The condenser chamber, collection vessel, seals, vacuum connections, electrical components, and ventilation system should also be inspected.

Where suitable equipment is available, vacuum integrity can be evaluated to help identify leaks in the trapping assembly.

Customers requiring documented temperature performance, specific collection accessories, or additional vacuum system components should discuss those requirements with AIE before purchase.

The refurbished Thermo RVT4104-115 includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.

Shipping and Installation

The Thermo RVT4104 measures approximately 20 inches wide, 26 inches deep, and 13 inches high, with a manufacturer-listed net weight of approximately 150 pounds.

The unit requires a stable laboratory bench or other suitable support surface.

Installation requires compatible 115/120V, 60Hz electrical service, appropriate vacuum tubing, a compatible external vacuum pump, and sufficient ventilation clearance.

The refrigeration system should be protected from excessive vibration and physical damage during transportation.

Before operation, users should verify the condition of the collection vessel, install the correct cooling fluid, connect the vacuum system, and allow the trap to reach its operating temperature.

Related Equipment

Laboratories using the Thermo RVT4104 may also require vacuum concentrators, laboratory vacuum pumps, other refrigerated vapor traps, rotary evaporators, and laboratory chillers.

American Instrument Exchange supplies used and refurbished laboratory vacuum systems, solvent traps, centrifugal concentrators, and related equipment for pharmaceutical, biotechnology, academic, and industrial laboratories.

Thermo RVT4104-115 FAQs

What is the Thermo RVT4104-115 used for?

The RVT4104 is a refrigerated vapor trap designed to condense solvent vapors and protect vacuum pumps during laboratory evaporation and concentration procedures.

What is the operating temperature?

The RVT4104 has a nominal operating temperature of −104°C.

What is the collection capacity?

The manufacturer specifies a 4-liter collection capacity.

Does the RVT4104 require dry ice?

No. The RVT4104 uses a mechanically refrigerated cascade cooling system rather than requiring dry ice for routine cooling.

Can the RVT4104 be used with a SpeedVac concentrator?

Yes. The RVT4104 was developed for use with compatible Savant SpeedVac and other laboratory vacuum evaporation systems.

Can it trap chloroform and methylene chloride vapors?

The manufacturer identifies the −104°C RVT4104 as suitable for trapping these types of low-boiling solvents. Actual performance depends on the operating conditions and solvent load.

Does the RVT4104 include a vacuum pump?

A vacuum pump is a separate component and should not be assumed included with the refurbished trap.

Is the glass collection flask included?

The RVT4104 originally used a GCF400 glass condensation flask and FC400 cap. The accessories included with the individual refurbished unit should be confirmed before purchase.

What are the electrical requirements?

The RVT4104-115 requires approximately 115/120V AC, 60Hz, and 12A.

What is the difference between the RVT4104 and RVT400?

The RVT4104 operates at approximately −104°C, while the RVT400 operates at approximately −50°C. Both have nominal 4-liter collection capacities.

Does American Instrument Exchange provide a warranty?

Yes. The refurbished Thermo RVT4104-115 includes a 90-day warranty from American Instrument Exchange.

Testing Procedures for Used and Refurbished Laboratory Equipment

Ensure Accuracy, Safety, and Dependable Performance Across Applications

At American Instrument Exchange, all used and refurbished laboratory equipment undergoes a rigorous, multi-point testing protocol to ensure optimal performance, operational safety, and long-term reliability. Whether the equipment is destined for research, diagnostics, quality control, or production environments, our thorough inspection and testing process is designed to meet the highest standards of laboratory excellence.

Why Testing Used Lab Equipment Is Essential

Before any refurbished laboratory equipment is returned to service, it must be carefully tested to verify:

• Functional integrity and operational performance
• Setpoint accuracy and repeatability (where applicable)
• User interface responsiveness and control features

Proper testing reduces the risk of equipment failure, measurement inaccuracies, or user hazards—helping to ensure consistent results in clinical, academic, biotech, and industrial labs.

Our standardized lab equipment testing procedures are tailored to each equipment type, ensuring every unit meets manufacturer specifications and industry benchmarks.

Key Testing Procedures for Refurbished and Used Laboratory Equipment

1. Initial Visual Inspection

• Examine equipment housing for signs of wear, corrosion, or damage
• Check ports, power cords, and exterior components for tampering or deterioration
• Verify that internal and external parts (racks, shelves, connectors, accessories) are present and undamaged

2. Functional Startup and Operational Testing

• Power on the equipment and verify startup diagnostics
• Confirm functionality of displays, buttons, switches, and control panels
• Run basic functions to confirm proper response and behavior under standard operating conditions

3. Testing and Performance Verification

• Test internal sensors or control systems using industry-standard tools
• Perform operational tests to validate accuracy and consistency
• Verify key performance specifications such as temperature control, timing, speed, or measurement outputs, depending on equipment type

4. Mechanical and Electrical System Testing

• Evaluate motors, pumps, fans, or other moving parts for smooth operation
• Inspect and test wiring, relays, fuses, and circuit boards for safety and reliability
• Test power delivery and grounding compliance

5. Safety and Compliance Checks

• Ensure equipment is grounded and insulated to meet laboratory safety standards
• Test alarms, interlocks, emergency stops, or safety shutdown systems if applicable

6. Final Quality Assurance and Documentation

• Perform extended runtime testing
• Document operational logs, testing results, and any repairs or adjustments made
• Complete a final inspection, thorough cleaning, and packaging for delivery

Trusted Quality from American Instrument Exchange

With over 50 years of experience in laboratory equipment refurbishment, American Instrument Exchange is committed to delivering certified, lab-ready instruments backed by expert testing. Our testing protocols ensure that each piece of equipment—regardless of type—is safe, accurate, and dependable from day one.

Whether you're equipping a startup lab or expanding a high-throughput facility, you can count on our refurbished laboratory equipment to perform with precision and reliability.

Refurbishment Protocol for Used Laboratory Equipment from American Instrument Exchange

At American Instrument Exchange, every piece of used laboratory equipment we offer undergoes a multi-step refurbishment process. Whether it's an analytical balance, centrifuge, freezer, oven, or any other essential lab instrument, our goal is to restore each unit to peak performance—ensuring accuracy, safety, and long-term reliability in scientific, clinical, industrial, and academic environments.

Why Choose Refurbished Lab Equipment from American Instrument Exchange?

• Thoroughly tested for performance, precision, and safety
• Backed by a warranty
• A cost-effective alternative to new equipment
• Environmentally sustainable through equipment reuse and waste reduction
• Serviced by expert technicians with decades of laboratory equipment experience

Step-by-Step Refurbishment Protocol

Every instrument and system refurbished at American Instrument Exchange follows a detailed, industry-aligned process:

1. Initial Intake & Inspection

• Complete visual and structural inspection for cosmetic damage, wear, or corrosion
• Mechanical assessment of hinges, seals, fasteners, motors, and moving parts
• Missing components and damaged items are documented for repair or replacement

2. Cleaning and Decontamination

• Full internal and external cleaning using non-abrasive, lab-safe solutions
• Removal of biological, chemical, or particulate contamination
• Disassembly and cleaning of removable parts such as trays, shelves, and filters

3. Mechanical and Electrical Repair

• Replacement or repair of worn or broken mechanical parts
• Evaluation and servicing of control panels, sensors, switches, and displays
• Testing and repair of electrical wiring, fuses, circuit boards, and power supplies

4. Functional System Testing

• Assessment of all major functions specific to the equipment type (e.g., speed, temperature, force, weight, timing)
• Operation of control interfaces, programming menus, and digital displays
• Verification of stabilization time, responsiveness, and user input reliability

5. Testing and Performance Verification

• Testing of internal sensors, controllers, and measurement systems using certified tools
• Multi-point testing to ensure repeatability, accuracy, and performance consistency
• Confirmation of user-defined setpoints, timing sequences, or programmable cycles

6. Safety and Compliance Checks

• Testing of safety interlocks, alarms, and over-limit protection systems (as applicable)
• Electrical safety inspections, including grounding and insulation verification

7. Final Quality Assurance and Documentation

• Full operational testing under simulated lab conditions
• Completion of performance benchmarks, testing results, and repair logs
• Final cleaning and visual inspection

Trust the Experts at American Instrument Exchange

With over 50 years of experience in the laboratory equipment industry, American Instrument Exchange is a trusted leader in high-quality refurbished lab instruments. Our refurbishment protocols ensure that every piece of equipment we sell is lab-ready—offering the precision, performance, and durability your team can count on.

Whether you’re outfitting a new lab or expanding an existing operation, choose American Instrument Exchange for tested, warrantied, and cost-effective laboratory equipment.

Warranty Information

All used equipment sold by American Instrument Exchange is refurbished/reconditioned, tested to meet specifications, cleaned, and comes with a 90-day warranty from the date of shipment unless otherwise specified. New products include a warranty from the manufacturer. Your warranty is only valid if you have paid your invoice. If your invoice is over 30 days old, warranty work will not be performed until your invoice is paid in full. American Instrument Exchange is not liable for any special or consequential damages that result from the use of, or the inability to use, the materials on this site or the performance of the products,

Exceptions include international sales and items that are agreed to be sold with a lesser warranty or items that are agreed to be sold “as is.”

Should there be visible shipping damage to packaging or concealed shipping damage to item(s) supplied, buyer must communicate such damage to the delivering entity or carrier upon receipt first and to American Instrument the same day item is accepted / signed for. Failure to do so voids warranty. Customer decision to involve / procure third party or OEM service other than American Instrument or AIE assigned vendors to resolve in-warranty instrument failure or defect without first placing a service call to American Instrument voids warranty.

Return & Cancellation Policy

American Instrument Exchange will authorize the return of and issue a full refund for any equipment that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer’s satisfaction by AIE or a representative of AIE during the warranty period. Returns without prior authorization and an RMA number will not be accepted.

Customers are responsible for proper packaging of the equipment and all included accessories. American Instrument will pay for insurance and shipping costs. Non-inventory items bought specifically to fill customer orders may possibly be returned, but on a case by case basis.

Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun or after delivery where there are no equipment performance issues may be subject to a Restocking/Cancellation Fee of 20% or more and responsible for shipping costs for both the delivery and return.

Ongoing and Extended Support Options

American Instrument Exchange is able to provide additional repair and support services outside the warranty terms for most products that sell.

For biosafety cabinets, clean benches, chemical fume hoods, and other clean air products our team at AIE Laboratory Services can provide certifications, repairs, decontaminations, and other services for customers throughout New England, and guidance and limited technical assistance for any customers in the US and Canada for new or refurbished biosafety cabinets purchased from American Instrument Exchange.

For all other products, the repair service team at American Instrument Exchange can provide both field and depot repair evaluations. We can easily schedule and coordinate the pick-up and transportation of your malfunctioning equipment. By offering hourly rates lower than most OEM service providers and eliminating travel time for technicians, we help reduce repair costs. Furthermore, our lab depot repair service minimizes or eliminates scheduling delays. Our experienced service technicians are qualified to restore your equipment to factory specifications.

Please contact our team at info@americaninstrument.com for more details.

FAQ

Does the equipment come with a warranty?

Yes, all equipment from American Instrument Exchange comes with a warranty.
Used/reconditioned/refurbished equipment is tested to make sure it operates to the manufacturer's specifications and comes with a 90-day warranty (unless otherwise noted). New equipment comes with a warranty from the manufacturer.

How do you test and recondition the equipment?

Testing requirements vary across all the equipment categories we sell. Temperature controlled units are tested with NIST traceable probes and data loggers. Gaskets, external housing, glass, handles, controls and control screens are all thoroughly inspected for integrity and functionality.
We test all equipment using the manufacturer's parameters and specifications to confirm that the unit operates properly.

How do products ship from American Instrument Exchange?

We can ship products both nationally and internationally using a well-established network of transporters. Smaller items will ship via UPS. Larger equipment will be palletized and shipped either LTL or air-ride, depending on the specific equipment and/or delivery requirements.

Return and order cancellation policy

American Instrument Exchange will accept the return of any product that is not working as represented and could not be replaced or repaired to the customer's satisfaction during the warranty period. Customers who cancel orders after refurbishing has begun will be subject to a cancellation and restocking fee of between 20% and 40%.

Are discounts available for educational or non-profit institutions, or for bulk purchases?

Yes – call or email us today with a list of equipment you're looking for and we can potentially put together a quote that includes a discount.

How does your price matching policy work?

We strive to keep our pricing competitive and reasonable. If you find comparable items for sale at a lower price from other vendors please send us a link and or quote for the item and we'll do our best to match or beat the price.

Can I see the equipment in person before committing to a purchase?

Customers are welcome to make an appointment to view equipment in our warehouse. Given our workload we may not be able to test or clean the equipment prior to your arrival if you have not committed to an order.

1023 Western Avenue is a working warehouse, not a showroom, and customers should dress appropriately and wear closed toe shoes.

Can I ship products that I purchased elsewhere to American Instrument for repair?

Yes – please see our repair services page for more information.