How Organomation's MULTIVAP Compares to the Biotage TurboVap

When it comes to selecting an evaporation system for your laboratory, understanding the differences between the MULTIVAP and TurboVap is crucial. Each system brings its own set of advantages, designed to meet varying needs in sample capacity, flexibility, and operational efficiency. Choosing the right system can enhance your workflow, optimize resource use, and ensure precise results.

In this blog, we’ll compare the Organomation MULTIVAP—available in Dry and Wet models—with the Biotage TurboVap. We'll explore aspects such as sample capacity, flexibility with tube sizes, gas flow control, nitrogen consumption, and temperature range. By examining these features, you’ll be better equipped to determine which system aligns with your laboratory’s requirements and goals.

Each system offers distinct benefits, and this comparison will help you understand how either system would fit into your lab’s workflow, offering insights into their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and adaptability. Read on to explore how these evaporation systems stack up against each other, and which one might be the ideal fit for your laboratory needs.

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Sample Capacity 

For high throughput laboratories, the large capacity MULTIVAPs will be the better suited solution. The water bath MULTIVAPs allow you to evaporate either 64 or 100 samples at once, and the dry bath MULTIVAPs allow you to evaporate up to 80 samples at once, whereas the TurboVap can only hold up to 48. You may think that double the capacity means double the size, but the two units are actually quite similar. The footprint of the TurboVap is 15" x 15" while the water MULTIVAP is only slightly bigger at 17" x 19" and the dry bath MULTIVAP is ever so slightly smaller at 15" x 14".

Flexibility 

The TurboVap flexible sample racks are designed to hold a range of tube sizes to prevent a custom rack needing to be made, and to save storage space in your lab. The MULTIVAP sample racks, on the other hand, are customized to fit just one sample size, requiring you to purchase an additional rack for each additional tube size being used. The MULTIVAP
heat blocks include a set of inserts that are customized to fit just one sample size, requiring you to purchase additional inserts for each additional tube size used.

Price

For labs that have a limited budget, such as start-ups or academic labs who are restricted by grant funding, the MULTIVAP provides a much more affordable option than the TurboVap. Even the highest capacity MULTIVAP with additional features costs less than the base model TurboVap. The simplicity of Organomation’s units allow the cost of both the unit itself and the overall maintenance costs to remain low.

Nitrogen Consumption 

The MULTIVAP requires much less nitrogen flow than the TurboVap, making it the better option for labs who are looking to conserve their gas consumption. For comparison, the 48 position TurboVap requires 160 L/min of nitrogen while the 100 position water MULTIVAP, which is double the capacity, only requires 33 L/min. The 48 position dry MULTIVAP only requires 16 L/min. Whether you’re using nitrogen tanks or producing your own nitrogen with a generator, the minimal gas usage of the MULTIVAP provides a much more affordable and economical option.

Temperature Range 

When working with solvents that have a boiling point above 90°C such as heptane, pyridine, or toluene, the MULTIVAPs will be a more suitable option as they can promote faster evaporation rates. The dry bath MULTIVAPs utilize a solid aluminum heat block which allows the bath temperature to reach up to 120°C, and the water bath MULTIVAPs are able to reach 100°C. The TurboVap is only able to reach 90°C, making the MULTIVAP the clear choice for labs that need a higher heat range for their testing. 

Safety with Corrosive Solvents 

Although both units have an acid resistant version to prevent corrosion, the MULTIVAP is rated for a higher concentration of strong acids or bases such as hydrochloric acid, formic acid, or tetrahydrofuran. For comparison, the MULTIVAP is rated for concentrations of up to 3M of HCl while the TurboVap is only rated for concentrations of up to 0.1M HCl. If you’ll
be working with these types of corrosive solvents, the PTFE-coated MULTIVAP will provide a longer-lasting solution.

Digital Features and Automation

Unlike the MULTIVAP which has a button-interfaced control box, the TurboVap includes a digital touch screen where you can control the heat and gas flow. The digital system allows you to save preferences and methods in the system for future use. Although entirely preference-based, the touch screen feature can provide a more modern approach to the evaporation process.

For labs that require a more hands-off evaporation experience, the TurboVap will be the better solution. The TurboVap LV allows the gas flow to slowly increase throughout the evaporation cycle eliminating manual adjustments, and also includes an alarm that goes off once your samples have reached a specific volume. Conversely, the higher capacity N-EVAPs include a timer function that can shut the heat and gas flow off after a specified amount of time. Although it is not based on solvent volume, the timer can be just as useful once you’re familiar with your evaporation rates.

Placement 

The TurboVap models have the option to either be used within a fume hood, or to be connected to a ventilation system using an exhaust outlet at the back of the unit. If your lab has limited fume hood space or even no fume hood at all, the TurboVap allows you to use it on just a regular benchtop workspace. The general recommendation is to always use the
MULTIVAP within a fume hood, however a portable fume extractor can also be used in instances where that’s not possible.

Tube Visibility 

If it’s important for you to keep an eye on your test tubes throughout the evaporation process, the TurboVap would be preferred. The TurboVap’s water bath has a glass casing that allows your samples to remain visible as the solvent level goes down, which can be valuable when drying to a specific end-point or to complete dryness. The MULTIVAP uses an aluminum heat block, which allows you to view your samples from the top. You can lift the samples out of the bath for
quick visibility, but this does require you to remove them from the heat source, possibly slowing down the evaporation process.

Conclusion 

When choosing between the MULTIVAP and the TurboVap for your lab’s evaporation needs, it's clear that both systems offer distinct advantages tailored to different operational requirements.

The Organomation MULTIVAP stands out with its superior sample capacity and higher temperature range. Whether you're handling small batches or large volumes, the Dry and Wet bath MULTIVAP models cater to varying needs with their substantial sample capacities—up to 100 samples for the Wet MULTIVAP compared to 48 for the TurboVap. Additionally, the MULTIVAP’s capability to accommodate different tube sizes in separate blocks or racks adds a layer of versatility that the TurboVap’s single tube size per rack cannot match. The MULTIVAP is also less prone to solvent corrosion than its counterpart. 

The MULTIVAP models consume significantly less nitrogen compared to the TurboVap, which could lead to cost savings and a more sustainable operation. The MULTIVAP is also more affordable, both at the initial purchase and for maintenance and repairs. The TurboVap may be more costly, but it does offer more digital features, including an automated system. It can also be used outside of a fume hood, which is not recommended for the MULTIVAPs. The TurboVap also boasts easier tube visibility, with glass siding that allows for maximum tube visibility. 

Ultimately, while the TurboVap offers competitive features and might be preferable in labs with specific requirements or space constraints, the Organomation MULTIVAP models provide a compelling choice for labs with higher throughput needs or more varied sample processing requirements. Choosing the right evaporation system depends on your specific needs and laboratory setup. However, for those seeking maximum efficiency and flexibility in handling samples, the MULTIVAP’s range of features and capabilities offers a valuable advantage.