Origin Series: Introduction
For 65 years, Organomation has pioneered laboratory innovations that transformed analytical chemistry workflows. This series chronicles the company’s evolution from a basement-born side project to a global leader in sample preparation technology. In this series, we explore how visionary engineering, adoption by regulatory authorities, and a commitment to simplicity propelled Organomation’s evaporators into laboratories worldwide. Join us as we trace six decades of ingenuity—from the birth of nitrogen blowdown evaporation to modern solutions aiding environmental testing compliance and scientific research.
Series Recap: Parts 1 & 2
Part 1: Foundations of Innovation
Canadian chemist Dr. Neal McNiven invented the Meyer N-EVAP nitrogen evaporator in 1959 while working at the Worcester Foundation for Experimental Biology, renowned for developing the first oral contraceptive. Initially a side venture managed from the McNiven family’s rented Shrewsbury, MA home, Organomation blended organic chemistry expertise with automation—a ethos captured in its unique name. Dr. McNiven’s wife, Edith, handled administrative tasks, shipping early N-EVAP units from their attic office. The company transitioned to Dr. McNiven’s full-time focus in 1969 after grant cuts at WFEB.
Part 2: Domestic Expansion and Regulatory Impact
The 1970s MULTIVAP parallel concentrator addressed batch processing needs, while the 1980s ROT-X-TRACT solvent extractor streamlined EPA methods for pesticides and PCBs. Superfund legislation (1980) and Clean Water Act amendments drove demand for Organomation’s tools, with the N-EVAP becoming EPA-method certified for VOC testing. Relocation to a Berlin, MA headquarters in the 1980s supported international expansion, cementing the company’s role in aiding environmental compliance during the Superfund testing boom.
Part 3: Supplying Nitrogen Generators and PFAS Analysis
Organomation's journey from 1990 to the present day is marked by strategic innovation, global expansion, and a continued commitment to simplicity and reliability in analytical chemistry. As the company entered its fourth decade, it shifted focus from environmental regulation-driven growth to addressing the evolving challenges of 21st-century laboratories.
Continued Product Development: 96 Well Plate Evaporator and Nitrogen Generation
In the early 2000s, Organomation introduced the MICROVAP evaporation system, a groundbreaking nitrogen blowdown unit designed specifically for 96-well plates. This innovation catered to emerging needs in drug discovery, clinical toxicology, and environmental monitoring.
Laboratories often transition from processing samples in test tubes to using 96-well plates to improve efficiency and throughput. Well plates allow for the simultaneous handling of 96 samples, significantly increasing productivity compared to working with individual test tubes. Additionally, the smaller well volumes reduce reagent consumption, lowering costs for expensive chemicals. Many modern analytical instruments and liquid handling systems are designed for microplate formats, enabling automation and minimizing manual labor. This shift also accelerates processing times, as multiple samples can be evaporated, mixed, or analyzed at once. Furthermore, 96-well plates provide a standardized format that enhances reproducibility and facilitates integration with high-throughput screening systems.
The MICROVAP's ability to handle heat-sensitive compounds while maintaining efficiency garnered praise from early adopters, including prestigious institutions like Clemson University.
As the foremost leader in nitrogen evaporation, the 2010s saw Organomation embrace the need to supply laboratories with on-site generation of nitrogen gas. While some laboratories continued to rely on nitrogen gas cylinders which needed constant replacement, there was a clear opportunity for laboratories to save money by investing in their own nitrogen generators. Organomation’s NITRO-GEN N2 generator was introduced and received praise as a convenient, cost-effective way to supply nitrogen to blowdown evaporators. The company also worked with partners to begin supplying nitrogen generation for LC-MS analysis.
International Expansion and Long-Lasting Partnerships
The company's global footprint expanded significantly during this period. Coinciding with the 2008 Olympics, the demand for nitrogen evaporators grew both in China and throughout Asia. Organomation earned a reputation of producing the most durable, longest lasting sample preparation solutions in the international marketplace.
As the company looked for representatives in new international markets, strong bonds were formed with partners such as PM Separations in Australia which continue to this day. A major development in 2019 was improving European distribution through Green Leaf Scientific. This close partnership helped introduce Europe to the Organomation brand through presence at exhibitions such as ANALYTICA and conferences like the HPLC symposium.
Demand for PFAS Water Analysis
The 2020s marked Organomation's growth in the rapidly evolving field of PFAS testing. The company's blowdown evaporators became critical components in EPA methods devoted to PFAS water testing. Notably, the N-EVAP was specifically cited in EPA methods 533 and 537 for drinking water analysis and the EPA 1633 standard covering several sample matrices. N-EVAP and MULTIVAPs were also adopted by those utilizing global ISO 21675 standard, further solidifying the company’s international influence.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in various consumer products and industrial applications since the 1940s. These "forever chemicals" are highly persistent in the environment and have been linked to numerous health concerns, including cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, and developmental issues in children. PFAS water testing has become increasingly crucial as these compounds have been detected in drinking water sources across the United States. In response, regulatory bodies like the EPA have taken unprecedented steps, working to establish stricter drinking water standards. This regulatory action, coupled with ongoing research revealing the extent of PFAS contamination in groundwater affecting millions of Americans, has fueled a surge in demand for advanced PFAS testing methods. As public concern mounts and regulations tighten, the global PFAS testing market is poised for substantial growth, driven by the need to protect public health and ensure environmental safety.
Recognition of Excellence
Over the last 10 years, Organomation's excellence has been consistently recognized through prestigious awards. This recognition largely focused on the company’s workplace, branding and customer service. In 2019, the company received the Worcester Business Journal's Manufacturing Excellence Award as the best small manufacturer in central Massachusetts.
This was followed by the SAMPS Company of the Year award in 2023. The organization Sales and Marketing Professionals in Science recognized Organomation’s outstanding contributions to the life science industry and their commitment to fostering an exceptional workplace environment. The firm’s dedication to creating an inclusive work culture and maintaining high product quality impressed the judges.
Finally, the company was recognized for Supplier Excellence at the 2024 Lab Awards, a fitting accolade to cap off the company's 65th anniversary year. Organomation’s exemplary customer satisfaction helped set the manufacturer apart from other suppliers. Additionally, a key highlight was the company’s work with Microbac Laboratories, customer since the early 2000s who relies on Organomation solutions for PFAS sample preparation. The team at Microbac adopted the MULTIVAP sample concentrator and saw a dramatic increase in their sample concentration efficiency.
Browse Organomation's current nitrogen blowdown evaporator offerings and try our sample evaporator product finder to know which one is best for your application.