TAITEC VC-15S/SP Compact Vacuum Centrifugal Concentrator

Overview

The TAITEC VC-15S/SP is a compact, benchtop vacuum centrifugal concentrator engineered for precise, low-volume sample concentration and solvent removal under controlled thermal and vacuum conditions. Designed around the principle of simultaneous centrifugal force, reduced pressure, and gentle conductive heating, it enables rapid yet gentle evaporation of volatile solvents—including ethanol, acetone, ethyl acetate, and acetonitrile—without thermal degradation of labile biomolecules. Its ultra-compact footprint (under 175 mm in height) allows seamless integration into fume hoods, biosafety cabinets, or standard laboratory workstations—making it ideal for space-constrained environments such as teaching labs, peptide synthesis suites, and nucleic acid core facilities. Unlike larger floor-standing systems, the VC-15S/SP delivers reproducible concentration performance for volumes ranging from 0.2 mL to 5.0 mL across diverse container formats, while maintaining strict temperature stability (±0.1 °C) and vacuum integrity critical for quantitative recovery.

Key Features

• Ultra-compact design (171 × 236 × 175 mm; ~3 kg) optimized for benchtop or fume hood deployment
• PTFE-coated SUS304 chamber and tempered glass lid ensure exceptional resistance to organic solvents and corrosive vapors
• Dual-mode operation: VC-15S accepts external vacuum sources via interchangeable Φ8 mm / Φ14 mm nozzles; VC-15SP integrates a quiet, oil-free diaphragm vacuum pump (~−80 kPa, ~4 L/min)
• Independent, illuminated toggle switches for heater, rotor, and vacuum pump—enabling granular process control and visual status confirmation
• Analog 60-minute timer with manual extension capability supports flexible run-length management without software dependency
• Magnetic drive rotor system eliminates mechanical seals and shaft penetration, minimizing maintenance and contamination risk
• Comprehensive safety architecture: thermal fuse, overheat cutoff, and automatic rotor/heat shutdown upon lid opening

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The VC-15S/SP accommodates a broad range of microscale containers via interchangeable rotors—including 0.2 mL PCR tubes, 1.5/2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes, 2.0 mL vials (≤12 mm diameter), and specialized 5.0 mL tubes (Japanese standard or Eppendorf-compatible). Optional chemical filtration (CT-series cartridges) can be installed to protect the integrated pump from solvent-induced corrosion—supporting compliance with long-term operational reliability requirements per ISO 9001 quality management frameworks. While not certified to GLP or 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, its analog controls, non-volatile timer, and mechanical safety interlocks provide auditable, deterministic operation suitable for QC/QA workflows where electronic data integrity is managed externally. All materials contacting samples conform to USP Class VI biocompatibility standards for polymeric components and ASTM F899 for stainless steel surfaces.

Software & Data Management

The VC-15S/SP operates without embedded firmware or digital interfaces—relying instead on fully deterministic analog electronics. This architecture eliminates software validation burdens and ensures uninterrupted functionality across laboratory IT policy changes or cybersecurity updates. Process parameters (time, temperature, vacuum state) are monitored via direct-read analog gauges and illuminated switches, enabling unambiguous operator verification. For laboratories requiring traceability, optional external data loggers (e.g., calibrated thermocouple + pressure transducer + timer relay) may be connected via the VC-15S’s dedicated pump联动 socket (rated ≤7 A). No proprietary drivers, cloud dependencies, or license keys are involved—aligning with ISO/IEC 17025 Clause 6.4.10 on equipment independence from software-controlled uncertainty.

Applications

• Routine desiccation of DNA/RNA pellets post-ethanol precipitation—minimizing salt carryover and preserving integrity for downstream qPCR or sequencing
• Concentration of synthetic peptides during solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) cleavage and deprotection steps
• Preparative drying of small-molecule intermediates in medicinal chemistry workflows
• Removal of residual solvents from HPLC fractions prior to NMR analysis
• Teaching laboratory demonstrations of vacuum-phase transition kinetics and mass-transfer principles
• Stabilization of enzyme preparations or antibody fragments in low-humidity environments

FAQ

Can the VC-15SP operate without its built-in vacuum pump?
Yes—the VC-15SP can be configured to use an external vacuum source by removing the internal pump module and connecting via the Φ8 mm or Φ14 mm nozzle ports.
What vacuum pump is recommended for the VC-15S model?
A dry diaphragm pump with maximum exhaust capacity of 50 L/min is recommended to achieve optimal concentration rates and solvent recovery efficiency.
Is the PTFE coating FDA-compliant for pharmaceutical use?
The PTFE layer meets USP Class VI requirements for extractables and biocompatibility but is not individually FDA-listed; end-user validation per ICH Q5C is advised for GMP applications.
How often should the chemical filter (e.g., CT-10313X) be replaced?
Replacement frequency depends on solvent load and exposure duration; typical service life ranges from 50–200 hours of cumulative pump runtime under standard lab conditions.
Does the device support continuous operation beyond 60 minutes?
Yes—the analog timer can be manually reset or extended mid-run without interrupting heating, rotation, or vacuum functions.