Porvair Sciences MiniVap Nitrogen Evaporator (Refurbished)

Overview

The Porvair Sciences MiniVap Nitrogen Evaporator is a compact, benchtop solvent removal system engineered for reproducible, low-temperature concentration of samples in high-throughput laboratory environments. Operating on the principle of gentle nitrogen gas displacement—where controlled laminar flow displaces volatile solvents without thermal degradation—the MiniVap delivers precise, user-adjustable evaporation across multiple sample formats. Designed and manufactured in the United Kingdom, this refurbished unit has undergone full functional validation at SpectraLab Scientific’s certified refurbishment facility, including pressure integrity testing, flow calibration verification, and thermal stability assessment (where applicable). It conforms to fundamental requirements for analytical sample preparation workflows in regulated environments, supporting method consistency in applications ranging from LC-MS sample prep to ELISA plate processing.

Key Features

• Modular 24-needle manifold with independent vertical positioning control—enabling precise needle depth adjustment relative to well/tube geometry
• Side-blow and bottom-blow nozzle configurations available; side-blow orientation minimizes vortex formation and analyte loss during evaporation of low-volume aqueous or organic solutions
• Gas flow regulation via calibrated needle valves—supports fine-tuned optimization between evaporation speed and sample integrity
• Compatible with standard ANSI/SBS-format 96-well plates, as well as 1.5 mL, 2 mL, 15 mL, and 50 mL conical or round-bottom tubes
• Built-in gas distribution block with stainless steel fittings and PTFE-lined tubing—ensuring inert, low-particulate gas delivery
• Robust aluminum chassis with chemical-resistant anodized finish—designed for long-term stability in shared core facilities and QC labs

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MiniVap accommodates a broad range of sample containers without adapter modification, including polypropylene, glass, and PCR-grade plates and tubes. Its mechanical design avoids direct thermal input, eliminating risks associated with hot-block or centrifugal evaporators—making it suitable for thermolabile compounds such as peptides, nucleotides, and certain pharmaceutical intermediates. While not intrinsically 21 CFR Part 11 compliant (as it lacks embedded software audit trails), the system supports integration into validated workflows when used with documented SOPs and manual logbook entries. It meets general requirements referenced in ASTM D7217 (standard practice for solvent removal in environmental analysis) and aligns with GLP principles for sample handling traceability when paired with lab-specific documentation protocols.

Software & Data Management

The MiniVap is a manually operated, hardware-only platform with no onboard firmware, display interface, or digital connectivity. All operational parameters—including gas source pressure, flow rate (measured externally using calibrated rotameters), needle height, and dwell time—are set and recorded externally by the user. This architecture ensures zero software validation burden and simplifies qualification under GMP or ISO 17025 frameworks. Laboratories requiring electronic recordkeeping may integrate the MiniVap into broader LIMS or ELN systems via procedural documentation rather than instrument-level data capture—consistent with ICH Q7 Annex 13 guidance on ancillary equipment qualification.

Applications

• Pre-concentration of biological extracts prior to LC-MS/MS analysis
• Drying of derivatized amino acids in clinical toxicology workflows
• Removal of acetonitrile or methanol following solid-phase extraction (SPE)
• Parallel evaporation of standards and QC samples in environmental residue testing (e.g., EPA Method 525.3)
• High-throughput plate drying in immunoassay development and validation
• Stabilization of reference materials in metrology labs where thermal stress must be avoided

FAQ

Is this unit factory-refurbished or third-party refurbished?
This MiniVap has been fully refurbished and performance-validated by SpectraLab Scientific’s in-house engineering team, following Porvair Sciences’ published service specifications and ISO 9001-aligned procedures.
Does the system include a nitrogen generator or regulator?
No—this listing includes only the MiniVap evaporator unit, manifold, and standard accessories. A clean, oil-free nitrogen supply (≥30 psi, ≤5 µm particulate filtration) and external pressure regulator are required for operation.
Can the MiniVap be qualified for use in a GxP environment?
Yes—its mechanical simplicity, absence of embedded software, and consistent pneumatic performance make it highly suitable for IQ/OQ protocols. Full qualification documentation templates are available upon request.
What is the expected lifetime of consumables such as needles and O-rings?
With routine cleaning and proper gas filtration, stainless steel needles typically exceed 5 years of service life; Viton O-rings are recommended for replacement every 18–24 months under continuous use.
Is technical support available post-purchase?
Yes—SpectraLab Scientific provides remote troubleshooting, application consultation, and access to Porvair-certified service engineers for on-site maintenance within EEA and North America.