Shandong Luchuang NC-2012 Dry-Block Nitrogen Evaporator

Overview

The Shandong Luchuang NC-2012 Dry-Block Nitrogen Evaporator is a precision-engineered sample concentration system designed for high-throughput laboratories performing quantitative analysis in environmental testing, pharmaceutical QC, food safety, and clinical research. It operates on the principle of inert gas-assisted solvent evaporation—introducing controlled, heated nitrogen flow directly above liquid samples in open-tube formats to accelerate solvent removal while minimizing analyte degradation, oxidation, or thermal decomposition. Unlike rotary evaporation or vacuum centrifugation, this method enables parallel processing of multiple samples under reproducible thermal and gaseous conditions, making it especially suitable for preparing extracts prior to GC, HPLC, LC-MS, or ICP-MS analysis. The NC-2012 integrates a solid aluminum heating block with embedded Pt100 temperature sensors and PID-controlled feedback loops, ensuring stable thermal distribution across all 12 positions within ±0.1 °C at setpoints up to 160 °C.

Key Features

• Dry-block heating architecture with rapid thermal response and uniform heat transfer—no oil bath maintenance or contamination risk
• 12-position modular aluminum heating block, compatible with tubes ranging from 10 mm to 30 mm outer diameter (including standard 16 mm test tubes, 15 mL and 50 mL centrifuge tubes, and 2 mL vials)
• Independent digital temperature control with real-time display and programmable ramping profiles
• Adjustable nitrogen flow regulation (0–10 L/min) via integrated needle valve and pressure gauge, supporting both low-flow gentle concentration and high-flow rapid drying
• Stainless steel blow-down needles with height-adjustable vertical slider mechanism for precise positioning over each sample vessel
• Robust mechanical design with reinforced base plate, corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum housing, and CE-compliant electrical insulation
• Low-noise operation and energy-efficient 200 W heating element optimized for continuous duty cycles

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The NC-2012 accommodates a broad range of common laboratory consumables without adapter modification, including glass test tubes, polypropylene centrifuge tubes, and crimp-top autosampler vials. Its open architecture supports direct integration into existing sample preparation workflows involving solid-phase extraction (SPE), QuEChERS, or liquid–liquid extraction protocols. From a regulatory standpoint, the instrument meets general safety requirements per IEC 61010-1 for laboratory electrical equipment. While not certified for Class I Division 1 hazardous locations, its nitrogen-only purge design eliminates ignition hazards associated with flammable solvents—a key consideration for labs adhering to OSHA 1910.106 and NFPA 30 guidelines. For GLP/GMP environments, users may configure audit-ready documentation by pairing the NC-2012 with external data loggers compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements.

Software & Data Management

The NC-2012 operates as a standalone hardware platform with no embedded microprocessor or proprietary software interface. All controls are manual and analog—temperature setting via rotary encoder, flow adjustment via calibrated needle valve, and positional alignment via mechanical slider. This design prioritizes operational simplicity, long-term reliability, and compatibility with third-party environmental monitoring systems. Users requiring electronic recordkeeping can integrate the unit into lab-wide data acquisition networks using optional external PT100 probes connected to validated USB/RS-485 data loggers (e.g., Omega OM-DAQPRO or Testo 176 T4). Such configurations support traceable temperature history, time-stamped run logs, and exportable CSV reports—essential for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratories.

Applications

• Concentration of pesticide residues in QuEChERS extracts prior to GC-ECD or GC-MS/MS analysis
• Post-SPE cleanup of pharmaceutical actives in dissolution media for HPLC quantification
• Reduction of solvent volume in environmental water extracts containing PAHs, PCBs, or phthalates
• Pre-concentration of steroid hormones from serum or urine matrices before LC-MS/MS detection
• Routine drying of derivatized amino acid standards in clinical nutrition assays
• Removal of acetonitrile or methanol from ELISA plate wash buffers during assay development

FAQ

Can the NC-2012 be used with corrosive solvents such as hydrochloric acid or trifluoroacetic acid?

Yes—provided stainless steel blow-down needles and chemically resistant tubing (e.g., PTFE or PFA) are installed. Avoid aluminum block contact with strong acids; use glass-lined or fluoropolymer-coated sample vessels.
Is the heating block interchangeable between NC-2012 and NC-2024 models?

No—the blocks are mechanically keyed to their respective chassis and differ in mounting hole patterns and thermal mass calibration. Cross-model interchangeability is not supported.
Does the unit include pressure regulation for nitrogen supply?

It includes an inlet pressure gauge and needle valve for fine flow control but requires an external pressure regulator upstream if feed pressure exceeds 0.6 MPa.
What is the recommended maintenance interval for the heating block?

Inspect annually for surface oxidation or pitting; clean with isopropyl alcohol and lint-free cloth. No lubrication or recalibration is required under normal operating conditions.
Can the NC-2012 operate continuously for 24 hours?

Yes—its thermal management system and 600 W max power rating allow unattended overnight operation when paired with stable nitrogen supply and proper ventilation.