Green Leaf Scientific's Insights on Enhancing Laboratory Efficiency using Organomation Evaporation Systems

In a recent conversation between David Oliva, General Manager at Organomation, and Olivier Welaratne, General Manager at Green Leaf Scientific, the significant impact of Organomation’s evaporation systems on laboratory operations across Europe was highlighted. This discussion provided valuable insights into how research labs can enhance their efficiency, safety, and accuracy using tailored evaporation solutions. The conversation touched on two case studies where the MICROVAP and MULTIVAP systems played pivotal roles in transforming laboratory processes.

Case Study 1: Automating Evaporation for Safety and Efficiency in the UK

Background

A research lab in the UK was grappling with the challenges of manual evaporation for chemical analyses involving highly flammable and corrosive solvents, such as chloroform and ethyl acetate. The manual process was not only labor-intensive but also posed significant safety risks and resulted in inconsistent and inefficient operations.

Challenges

The lab’s manual evaporation process led to several key challenges:

1. Safety Risks: Handling hazardous solvents manually increased the potential for accidents.

2. Inefficiency: The slow and labor-intensive process limited the lab’s throughput. 

3. Inconsistency: Variability in manual handling affected the reliability of their analytical results.

Solution

With the expertise of Green Leaf Scientific and Organomation’s support, the lab explored several options before settling on the 15 Position MICROVAP Nitrogen Blowdown Evaporator. The MICROVAP was chosen for its compatibility with smaller tubes (10 mm diameter, 15 mL length) and its ability to process multiple samples simultaneously, significantly improving throughput and safety.

Implementation and Benefits

Olivier Welaratne explained that the automated MICROVAP system drastically reduced the time required for evaporation, allowed the lab to handle 15 samples at once, and minimized manual handling of hazardous solvents. This transition led to:

- Increased Efficiency: The automated process streamlined operations, enabling higher throughput.

- Enhanced Safety: Automation reduced the risk of accidents by limiting manual solvent handling.

- Consistent Results: The MICROVAP provided reliable and reproducible results, crucial for accurate analyses.

Outcome

The lab’s decision to wait for the ideal equipment, despite initial hesitation, proved to be beneficial. They have since reported great success with the MICROVAP system, achieving a safer, more efficient, and reliable solvent evaporation process.

Case Study 2: Versatile Solutions for PFAS Analysis in Germany

Background

Another case discussed involved a commercial lab in Germany specializing in environmental analysis, including PFAS testing. The lab required an evaporation system versatile enough to handle a variety of solvents, such as MTBE, hexane, dichloromethane, ethanol, and more. They previously used a sand bath with 50 mL vials, but this method presented several challenges.

Challenges

The lab faced multiple issues with their existing setup:

1. Sample Instability: The 50 mL PE vials used in a water bath were prone to floating, leading to instability. 

2. Tube Size Flexibility: The lab needed to accommodate various tube sizes for different analyses.

3. Solvent Compatibility: The use of diverse solvents required a system that could manage different boiling points and prevent cross-contamination.

Solution

After evaluating the lab's needs, the 64 Test Tube MULTIVAP Evaporator was recommended as the ideal solution for PFAS analysis. This system offered:

- Secure Tube Accommodation: The MULTIVAP securely held 50 mL vials, preventing the floating issue.

- Controlled Heating: The water bath provided precise temperature control, maintaining sample integrity.

- Versatility: The system’s ability to handle different tube sizes made it a flexible choice for the lab’s varied sample concentration needs.

Implementation and Benefits

Olivier noted that the MULTIVAP system allowed the lab to process a higher number of samples efficiently and safely. The water bath’s precise temperature management was crucial for handling solvents with varying boiling points, ensuring consistent and reliable results across different analyses.

Outcome

Interestingly, the lab decided to invest in both the MULTIVAP and the N-EVAP systems. This decision was driven by the need to balance high throughput with adherence to standard methods, such as those specified by the US EPA for PFAS analysis. The combination of these systems allowed the lab to scale their operations while maintaining compliance with recognized standards.

Customization and Expertise as Key Drivers of Success in Sample Prep

The conversation between David Oliva and Olivier Welaratne underscores the importance of customization and technical expertise in selecting the right evaporation equipment for laboratory needs. Whether addressing safety concerns in manual evaporation or managing complex PFAS analyses, Organomation’s systems, supported by Green Leaf Scientific’s scientific expertise, have enabled labs to achieve significant improvements in efficiency, safety, and analytical reliability.

As Olivier pointed out, Green Leaf Scientific’s staff, primarily composed of scientists, brings a deep understanding of the technical requirements of their customers. This expertise, combined with Organomation’s ability to offer a range of configurations, ensures that laboratories can find the best solutions tailored to their specific challenges, driving both operational excellence and research success.

Learn more about the partnership between Green Leaf Scientific and Organomation from our Distributor Spotlight Series or visit https://greenleafscientific.com/og-nitrogen-evaporators.