When planning for a new evaporation system, one of the most common questions lab managers face is: How much capacity do we really need?
Choosing a laboratory sample evaporator that’s too small can bottleneck workflows, delay analyses, and frustrate staff. On the other hand, investing in a system that’s larger than necessary can tie up valuable bench space and budget. The key is finding the right balance—sizing your evaporator to fit current demand while leaving some room for growth.
This guide walks LC-MS and GC-MS labs through the main factors to consider when mapping out sample throughput.
Step 1: Define Your Sample Workload
Start by developing a clear picture of your lab’s current workload. Ask yourself:
1. How many samples do you process each week?
Be sure to account for your typical weekly workload, as well as potential peak demand periods (when multiple projects overlap, regulatory deadlines approach, seasonal testing volumes increase, etc.)
2. What's the average solvent volume per sample?
Each LC-MS and GC-MS workflow requires its own specific sample solvent volume, which depends on both the extraction method and the analysis technique that follows.
3. What level of concentration are you aiming for?
Some workflows start with high-volume samples that need to be dried down to a specific volume, while other workflows require evaporating samples to complete dryness.
4. How does evaporation time compare to other steps in your workflow?
Consider how long your sample batches take to evaporate relative to other processes such as extraction or centrifugation. If extraction is much faster than evaporation, you may need an evaporator with greater capacity to keep pace and prevent bottlenecks. Conversely, if extraction or analysis is the slower step, a smaller evaporator or one matched to your extraction throughput may be sufficient.
This baseline helps ensure your equipment matches the actual requirements of your applications.
Step 2: Evaluate Turnaround Time Requirements
Once you know your workload, consider how quickly samples need to be processed. Turnaround time affects whether you need a single larger evaporator to handle full batches efficiently, or if smaller, multiple-position systems can keep pace with several ongoing experiments. Key questions include:
1. How quickly must samples be ready for analysis after extraction?
Some projects require rapid results for time-sensitive decisions, while others have more flexible timelines.
2. Do you frequently run multiple batches at the same time?
Labs processing multiple experiments in parallel may benefit from higher-capacity or multiple units to avoid delays.
3. Is your workflow continuous, or do samples accumulate before evaporation?
Continuous workflows might need a system that can handle staggered batches efficiently, whereas batch accumulation may allow for scheduling evaporation runs more strategically using a higher capacity unit.
Understanding these factors helps you choose a system that matches your lab’s pace and keeps results flowing without bottlenecks.
Step 3: Match Workload to Evaporator Capacity
With workload and turnaround time in mind, you can begin to align your needs with available instrument sizes. As a general guideline:
<50 samples per week: Lower capacity evaporators such as the 12 position N-EVAP work well for smaller labs, pilot studies, and routine LC-MS prep.
50-150 samples per week: Mid-capacity systems such as the 24 position MICROVAP or 24 position N-EVAP balance throughput and bench space for mid-sized labs.
150+ samples per week: High capacity batch evaporators like Organomation's MULTIVAP line is best for high-throughput labs, such as environmental testing or pharmaceutical QA/QC.
Keep in mind that running multiple smaller batches can often meet demand without requiring the largest unit.
Step 4: Consider Parallel vs. Serial Processing
Next, consider whether to centralize evaporation into one high-capacity instrument or distribute it across multiple smaller units.
- One large unit: Efficient for processing full batches in a single run.
- Two or more smaller units: Offers flexibility, allows multiple analysts to work simultaneously, and provides redundancy so evaporation can continue even if one system requires maintenance or repair.
Choosing the right approach depends on staff size, workflow style, and tolerance for downtime.
Step 5: Factor in Lab Resources
Even a well-matched evaporator must fit seamlessly into your lab’s physical and operational environment. Key considerations include:
1. Bench Space: Larger instruments can significantly increase throughput, but they also require more room. Make sure your lab layout can accommodate the instrument comfortably without crowding other essential equipment.
2. Gas Supply: Will you use cylinders, house nitrogen, or a generator? Each option has different setup requirements, ongoing costs, and operational convenience. Planning ahead ensures your gas supply aligns with your sample concentrator needs including flow rate and input pressure.
3. Budget: Balance upfront investment with long-term operating expenses, including consumables, gas usage, and routine maintenance. Considering both purchase and operational costs helps prevent unexpected financial strain and supports sustainable lab operations.
Step 6: Plan for Future Growth
Finally, look beyond your current workload. If your lab expects to expand services, take on new regulatory-driven testing, or scale R&D projects, it may be worth sizing up one tier. Investing slightly ahead of demand prevents premature equipment replacement and ensures the system won’t become a bottleneck as workload increases.
Takeaway
The right evaporation system can streamline LC-MS and GC-MS workflows, keeping samples moving efficiently and reducing bottlenecks. By considering your workload, turnaround needs, lab resources, and growth plans, you can select an evaporator that balances capacity, efficiency, and cost. Careful planning ensures your lab makes a confident, future-ready investment.
Use our sample evaporator product finder to see which unit is best for your needs!