Efficient solvent removal is crucial for many laboratory processes including concentrating samples post SPE for LC-MS and GC-MS. A customized sample evaporator made for your specific needs can significantly enhance this process.
1. Precision-Fit Sample Holders
Standard evaporators often come with limited heating block options, which may not accommodate various sample vial sizes. For example, not only does Thermo Scientific’s Reacti-Vap have limited sample holder offerings but these blocks are geared towards using Thermo's line of small vials. For labs using different sample vials, this could be a problem. The most common issue is that the vial does not fit perfectly which causes two issues. For one, heat transfer between the block and the vial will not optimal. A more obvious issue could be that the vial slightly leans which can cause issues with getting the needle to align properly.
Sub-optimal heat transfer and misalignment issues can lead to poor or uneven evaporation rates between samples. Customized sample evaporators, like those offered by Organomation, address this problem by providing custom-drilled sample holders. (Photo of a custom-drilled sample holder block by Organomation's machine shop team)
Benefits of custom-drilled sample holders:
- Ensuring a perfect fit for your specific sample vials
- Optimizing heat transfer
- Maintaining proper needle placement and alignment
- More uniform and efficient solvent removal
2. Flexible Sample Capacity
Generic evaporators often come with fixed sample capacities, which may not align with your laboratory's needs. Customized evaporators like Organomation's offer a wider range of options to match your typical batch sizes.
Sample capacity options with Organomation evaporators:
- N-EVAP: 6 to 45 sample positions
- MICROVAP: 15 or 24 vial capacity
- MULTIVAP: 9 to 100 sample capacity
This flexibility allows you to choose the most suitable capacity for your workflow, potentially increasing efficiency by processing more samples simultaneously or avoiding wasted space with oversized units.
For example, if you purchase a TurboVap LV, you can dry down 50 test tube samples at one time. In this case, a lab who could benefit from drying more sample simultaneously would be much better off with a 64, 80 or 100 Position MULTIVAP batch evaporator. Procuring the best fit around your typical sample batch size is useful, especially if you desire to concentrate more than 50 samples at once.
Benefits of a right-sized sample evaporator:
- Having the right sample capacity for your lab's needs
- Not wasting benchtop or fume hood space on a unit that is too large
3. Optimized for Specific Solvents
While it might see obvious when read, the effectiveness of solvent removal heavily depends on the properties of the solvent being evaporated. Customized evaporators can be tailored to accommodate a wide range of solvents and provide features that enhance the evaporation process.
Customization options for solvent-specific needs:
- Wider temperature range for evaporating various organic solvents
- Acid-resistant coatings for working with corrosive solvents
- Choice between water baths and dry block units
- Addition of a purge device for safely evaporating flammable solvents
These customization options ensure that your evaporator is optimized for the specific solvents you work with, improving efficiency and extending the lifespan of your equipment.
Benefits of using the best evaporator for the solvent being evaporated:
- Faster evaporation speeds due to optimal application of heat
- Long lasting protection against harsh solvents
- Prevention of ignition when heating flammable solvents
4. Application-Specific Customizations
While all blow-down evaporators serve the general purpose of sample concentration, certain models are specifically designed or customized for particular applications, making them the ideal choice for specific methodologies.
For example, the Organomation N-EVAP evaporator, particularly with the -NT (No Teflon) option, is specifically cited for use in EPA methods 533 and 537.1 for the analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in drinking water. These methods explicitly mention the use of the N-EVAP, highlighting its importance in the analytical process.
Key features that make the N-EVAP ideal for PFAS analysis include:
- Teflon-free construction in -NT models, eliminating potential PFAS contamination
- Precise individual flow control for each sample position
- Compatibility with a wide range of sample vial sizes
The EPA's specific mention of the N-EVAP in these methods underscores its reliability and effectiveness for PFAS analysis. Laboratories adhering to these EPA methods should trust the specified equipment to ensure compliance and accurate results.
Discover how Waters Corporation utilizes their N-EVAP sample evaporator for PFAS analysis.
By offering application-specific customizations and being cited in official methodologies, Organomation's evaporators provide laboratories with the confidence that they are using the most appropriate and reliable equipment for their specific analytical needs.
Benefits of using instrumentation cited in official methodologies:
- Peace of mind knowing that the equipment has been tested and validated for use by the authorities in that field of study
In conclusion, customized sample evaporators offer significant advantages for efficient solvent removal, including precision-fit sample holders, flexible sample capacities, and optimization for specific solvents. These enhancements not only improve the evaporation process but also contribute to more consistent and reliable results in your laboratory.
To explore some of the unique products we have developed for specialized applications, we encourage you to visit our Custom Solvent Removal page. Here you can see how Organomation tailors its offerings to meet the specific needs of various industries and research projects. Discover the innovative solutions we provide that can elevate your laboratory's efficiency and effectiveness.