ET Series Nitrogen Evaporator

Overview

The ET Series Nitrogen Evaporator is an engineered solution for parallel sample concentration in analytical laboratories requiring high throughput, reproducible solvent removal, and minimal analyte loss. Designed around the principle of controlled nitrogen gas purging combined with precise conductive heating via a solid aluminum block (metal bath), this system eliminates condensation-related interference commonly observed in water-bath-based evaporators. Unlike steam-saturated environments, the dry thermal mass ensures stable temperature distribution across all sample positions and avoids cross-contamination from water vapor ingress or bath water carryover. The instrument operates on the fundamental principle of lowering the partial pressure of volatile solvents above the liquid surface—accelerating evaporation kinetics while maintaining thermally labile compound integrity through adjustable gas flow and programmable thermal profiles.

Key Features

• Dry Metal Block Heating System: Aluminum heating block provides rapid thermal response, uniform temperature distribution (±0.5 °C typical across positions), and zero risk of water contamination or corrosion associated with traditional water baths.
• Independent Nitrogen Flow Control: Each of the six sample positions features a dedicated rotary flow regulator—enabling precise, independent adjustment of nitrogen gas flow rate (range: 0–15 L/min per channel) without cross-channel interference.
• Adjustable Height Nitrogen Delivery Needles: Stainless-steel needles are vertically positionable to maintain optimal distance (typically 5–10 mm) above sample surfaces—minimizing splashing, foaming, and analyte oxidation during final-stage concentration.
• Compact Benchtop Footprint: Engineered for space-constrained laboratory environments; occupies less than 0.12 m² of bench area while supporting simultaneous processing of up to six samples (e.g., 15 mL or 50 mL centrifuge tubes, GC vials, or culture tubes).
• Robust Mechanical Architecture: All structural components—including the heating block, needle support frame, and gas manifold—are constructed from corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum and 316 stainless steel, ensuring long-term reliability under routine solvent exposure.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ET Series accommodates standard laboratory vessels including 15 mL and 50 mL conical centrifuge tubes, 4–20 mL GC/MS vials, and microbiological culture tubes. Its design supports common extraction workflows used in environmental analysis (EPA Method 525.3), food safety testing (AOAC 2007.01), clinical toxicology, and pharmaceutical residue analysis. While the unit itself does not carry CE or UL certification by default, it is engineered to align with general electrical safety principles outlined in IEC 61010-1. When integrated into validated laboratory procedures, the system supports GLP-compliant documentation practices—particularly when paired with external temperature loggers and nitrogen supply monitoring systems meeting ISO/IEC 17025 traceability requirements.

Software & Data Management

The base ET Series model operates via manual controls (mechanical knobs for flow and analog temperature setting); however, optional digital upgrade kits are available for integration with LabTech’s proprietary PC-based control software. This software enables time-stamped parameter logging (temperature setpoint, elapsed run time, operator ID), export of CSV-formatted concentration logs, and basic audit trail functionality compatible with FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned validation packages (when deployed with appropriate electronic signature modules and system access controls). No onboard data storage is included in the standard configuration—data persistence relies on connected host systems or external recording devices.

Applications

• Pre-concentration of aqueous and organic extracts prior to GC, HPLC, or LC-MS analysis
• Residue analysis in food, soil, and water matrices per EPA, ISO, and AOAC protocols
• Pharmaceutical stability testing involving solvent removal from formulation intermediates
• Forensic toxicology sample preparation (e.g., blood, urine, tissue homogenates)
• Environmental monitoring of pesticides, PAHs, PCBs, and emerging contaminants
• Academic research requiring reproducible small-volume evaporation across multi-sample experimental designs

FAQ

Is the ET Series compatible with corrosive solvents such as chloroform or DCM?
Yes—the aluminum heating block is anodized and all wetted gas-path components are made of 316 stainless steel, providing resistance to common halogenated and polar aprotic solvents when used within recommended flow and temperature limits.
Can the instrument be operated under a fume hood?
Yes, and it is strongly recommended for volatile or hazardous solvents; the compact form factor allows seamless integration into standard 6-foot chemical fume hoods without airflow disruption.
Does LabTech provide IQ/OQ documentation support?
Yes—validated installation and operational qualification templates, along with calibration certificates for optional digital temperature sensors, are available upon request for GMP-regulated environments.
What nitrogen supply specifications are required?
A clean, oil-free nitrogen source delivering 5–10 bar inlet pressure is required; a built-in pressure regulator ensures consistent outlet pressure regardless of upstream fluctuations.
Is remote monitoring or Ethernet connectivity supported?
Not natively—but third-party analog signal outputs (0–10 V or 4–20 mA) can be added via optional interface modules for integration into centralized laboratory monitoring systems.