Behr KOSTA 2 Nitrogen Evaporation Station

Overview

The Behr KOSTA 2 Nitrogen Evaporation Station is a precision-engineered, dual-channel dry-block evaporation system designed for controlled, solvent-free concentration of organic extracts in environmental, food safety, and regulatory testing laboratories. It operates on the principle of gentle nitrogen gas sweeping across the surface of liquid samples contained in Kuderna-Danish (K-D) concentrators, accelerating solvent removal while minimizing thermal degradation and analyte loss. Unlike water-bath or open-air evaporation methods, the KOSTA 2 delivers consistent heat transfer via a calibrated aluminum heating block and regulated inert gas flow—ensuring reproducible endpoint volumes below 1 mL per sample. Its design aligns with the thermodynamic and procedural requirements of ISO 9377-2:2000 (“Water quality — Determination of hydrocarbon oil and grease — Part 2: Method using extraction and gravimetric determination”), where simultaneous, parallel concentration of two independent samples under identical thermal and gaseous conditions is mandatory for method compliance and inter-laboratory comparability.

Key Features

• Dual independent evaporation channels with individual nitrogen flow control valves—enabling true parallel processing without cross-contamination or flow interference.
• High-stability dry-block heating system with PID-controlled temperature regulation (ambient to 99 °C) and ±0.5 °C uniformity across both positions—verified per ASTM E220 calibration guidelines.
• Modular aluminum heating block accommodating standard K-D tubes and round-bottom flasks with diameters from 10 mm to 29 mm—compatible with common EPA, ISO, and DIN glassware formats.
• Integrated flow metering and adjustable needle valves permitting precise nitrogen delivery from 0 to 15 L/min per channel—critical for optimizing evaporation kinetics without foaming or splashing.
• Compact footprint (23 × 27 × 50 cm) and lightweight construction (~4 kg)—designed for benchtop integration in GLP-compliant analytical workflows and limited-space fume hoods.
• Low-power 150 W operation with automatic overtemperature cutoff—supporting energy-efficient, unattended overnight runs when paired with external nitrogen supply systems.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The KOSTA 2 supports standard 100–500 mL Kuderna-Danish concentrators and compatible borosilicate glassware used in hydrocarbon, pesticide residue, and PAH analysis. Its dual-channel architecture satisfies the “two-sample parallelism” requirement of ISO 9377-2, as well as analogous provisions in EPA Method 1664B (n-Hexane Extractable Material) and EN ISO 18238 (soil and sediment hydrocarbon determination). The system does not require software validation but is fully compatible with laboratory quality management systems (QMS) that mandate documented instrument qualification. While the unit itself is not CE-marked for medical device use, it conforms to IEC 61010-1:2010 safety standards for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use—making it suitable for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing environments.

Software & Data Management

The Behr KOSTA 2 is a stand-alone hardware platform with no embedded microprocessor or digital interface; therefore, it does not include proprietary software, firmware updates, or electronic data capture capabilities. All operational parameters—including setpoint temperature, nitrogen flow rate, and run duration—are manually configured and recorded by the analyst in hard-copy or LIMS-integrated electronic lab notebooks (ELN). This analog design ensures long-term reliability, eliminates cybersecurity concerns associated with connected instruments, and simplifies audit readiness under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (when paired with appropriate procedural controls for manual data entry and signature verification). Calibration records, maintenance logs, and temperature mapping reports are maintained externally in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 6.4.10.

Applications

• Concentration of hexane, dichloromethane, or acetone extracts prior to GC-FID, GC-MS, or HPLC analysis in environmental monitoring labs.
• Preparative cleanup steps in multiresidue pesticide analysis (e.g., QuEChERS extract concentration) per EN 15662:2018.
• Final volume adjustment in lipid and grease quantification workflows compliant with ISO 9377-2 and ASTM D7622.
• Sample preparation for PFAS analysis where nitrogen purging minimizes background contamination versus air-drying.
• Teaching laboratories requiring robust, low-maintenance evaporation tools aligned with standardized test methods.

FAQ

Does the KOSTA 2 support programmable temperature ramps or timed shutdown?
No—the KOSTA 2 features fixed-point temperature control only. Users must manually initiate and terminate runs.

Is an external nitrogen source required?
Yes. The unit requires connection to a regulated nitrogen supply (pressure range: 2–6 bar) via standard 6 mm OD tubing and push-to-connect fittings.

Can the heating block be replaced or customized for non-standard tube geometries?
The block is factory-installed and not user-replaceable; however, Behr offers optional custom-machined inserts upon request for specialized glassware (lead time and NRE fees apply).

What calibration documentation is provided with shipment?
Each unit ships with a factory-issued conformity statement and a traceable temperature verification report (at 40 °C and 80 °C), performed using a NIST-traceable Pt100 probe.

Is the KOSTA 2 suitable for use with chlorinated solvents such as chloroform or carbon tetrachloride?
Yes—provided appropriate fume hood ventilation and chemical compatibility of tubing/seals (standard Buna-N seals are rated for short-term exposure; Viton alternatives available on request).