Supelco Mini-Vap 6-Position Nitrogen Evaporator (Model 22971)

Overview

The Supelco Mini-Vap 6-Position Nitrogen Evaporator (Model 22971) is a compact, benchtop solvent evaporation system engineered for controlled, gentle concentration of volatile analytes in analytical laboratories. It operates on the principle of nitrogen gas displacement—introducing a stream of inert, dry nitrogen across the surface of liquid samples to accelerate solvent removal via enhanced surface evaporation, without thermal degradation or oxidation. Designed specifically for compatibility with 1.5–2.0 mL microcentrifuge tubes and standard 12 × 32 mm GC vials, this evaporator delivers reproducible, parallel processing of up to six samples simultaneously. Its mechanical architecture emphasizes stability, minimal footprint, and operator safety—featuring a rigid aluminum base plate, vertically adjustable stainless-steel needle manifold, and integrated gas flow regulation at the source. Unlike heated block or vacuum-based concentrators, the Mini-Vap relies solely on regulated gas flow and ambient temperature operation, making it ideal for thermally labile compounds such as pesticides, pharmaceutical metabolites, fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs), and environmental contaminants analyzed by GC or LC-MS.

Key Features

• Six independently adjustable 304 stainless-steel evaporator needles with precision-machined tips for consistent gas dispersion and minimal cross-contamination risk
• Individual needle-height adjustment via knurled thumb screws—enabling optimal tip positioning 5–10 mm above sample surface for uniform gas shearing
• Integrated fine-control needle valves for independent flow regulation per channel (range: 0–15 L/min total, calibrated for low-flow precision down to 0.2 L/min)
• 0.9 m (3 ft) flexible, chemically resistant PVC-free plastic tubing supplied pre-attached—compatible with standard nitrogen supply manifolds and pressure regulators (max inlet pressure: 60 psi / 4.1 bar)
• Compact footprint (18 × 12 × 22 cm) suitable for fume hoods, laminar flow cabinets, or shared benchtop workspaces
• No electrical components, heating elements, or moving parts—ensuring intrinsic safety, zero electromagnetic interference, and compliance with Class I Division 2 hazardous location guidelines when used with certified gas sources

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Mini-Vap 22971 accommodates common small-volume containers including 1.5 mL and 2.0 mL conical-bottom microcentrifuge tubes, 12 × 32 mm screw-thread GC vials, and 13 mm culture tubes. Vial holders are not included but can be retrofitted using third-party universal tube racks (e.g., polypropylene or PTFE-coated aluminum inserts). The system supports method development aligned with EPA Method 505, ASTM D7067, and ISO 11339 for residual solvent analysis. While the unit itself carries no CE or UL certification (as it contains no powered components), its passive design meets GLP documentation requirements for manual sample preparation steps; full audit trails for nitrogen supply pressure, flow rate, and exposure duration must be maintained externally per 21 CFR Part 11-compliant SOPs.

Software & Data Management

This is a manually operated, non-digital instrument—no embedded firmware, touchscreen interface, or data logging capability is present. All operational parameters—including inlet pressure (monitored via external gauge), individual valve settings, and evaporation timing—are recorded manually in laboratory notebooks or LIMS-integrated electronic lab notebooks (ELNs). Users are advised to implement standardized operating procedures (SOPs) that define calibration intervals for upstream pressure regulators and flow meters (recommended every 6 months or per ISO/IEC 17025 internal audit schedule). The absence of software eliminates cybersecurity concerns and ensures long-term compatibility with evolving IT infrastructure.

Applications

• Routine cleanup and concentration of extracts prior to GC-ECD, GC-MS, or LC-MS/MS analysis in environmental testing (e.g., water, soil, sediment)
• Preparative concentration of derivatized amino acids, steroids, or bile acids in clinical toxicology workflows
• Final solvent exchange steps in solid-phase extraction (SPE) protocols for pesticide multiresidue methods (e.g., QuEChERS AOAC 2007.01)
• Low-temperature drying of standards and reference materials where thermal stress must be avoided
• Parallel evaporation in academic research labs conducting method optimization under variable gas flow and geometry conditions

FAQ

Does the Mini-Vap 22971 include a nitrogen gas source or regulator?
No—users must supply a clean, oil-free nitrogen source (≥99.998% purity) and an inline pressure regulator capable of stable output between 10–30 psi.
Can this unit be used with solvents other than ethyl acetate, hexane, or acetonitrile?
Yes, provided the solvent’s vapor pressure at room temperature exceeds 10 mmHg and it is compatible with stainless steel and PVC-free tubing (e.g., methanol, dichloromethane, and toluene are routinely used; avoid concentrated acids or halogenated solvents above 60°C surface contact).
Is replacement tubing available as a consumable part?
Yes—Supelco P/N 22971-TUBE (0.9 m, 4 mm OD, FDA-compliant polyurethane) is stocked globally through authorized distributors.
What maintenance is required?
Monthly visual inspection of needle tips for clogging or corrosion; annual replacement of tubing if exposed to aggressive solvents; no lubrication or recalibration needed.
Can the unit be mounted inside a fume hood?
Yes—its passive design and lack of heat generation make it fully compatible with standard laboratory fume hoods; ensure adequate hood face velocity (≥0.5 m/s) to disperse displaced vapors.