HEXING BIOCHEMICAL HXN-W20 Series Microwave-Assisted Alpha/Beta Radiochemical Sample Evaporator

Overview

The HEXING BIOCHEMICAL HXN-W20 Series is a purpose-built microwave-assisted evaporator engineered for the rapid, quantitative concentration of aqueous environmental samples prior to alpha/beta radioactivity analysis. Unlike conventional conductive heating methods—such as hot plates or sand baths—the HXN-W20 employs controlled 2450 MHz microwave energy to induce volumetric dielectric heating within the sample matrix. This enables precise maintenance of a gentle, sustained micro-boiling state (not vigorous boiling), minimizing isotopic volatilization loss and thermal degradation while maximizing evaporation kinetics. The system is explicitly designed to meet the rigorous sample preparation requirements outlined in Chinese national standards including GB 5749–2006 (Drinking Water Hygiene Standard), GB/T 5750.13–2006 (Standard Methods for Examination of Drinking Water – Radioactivity Parameters), and GB/T 14848–2017 (Groundwater Quality Standard). Its operational envelope supports full compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 quality management frameworks when integrated into accredited radiochemical laboratories.

Key Features

• Patented microwave liquid concentration technology, covered under four registered Chinese utility model and design patents (ZL201621207488.6, ZL201730679772.7, ZL201730679211.7, ZL201721881518.6)
• Sealed 24 L (or 91 L for W20P) resonant cavity constructed from fully welded 304 stainless steel with internal PTFE coating—resistant to HNO₃, HCl, and mixed acid vapors commonly used in radiochemical sample digestion
• Non-contact infrared temperature monitoring coupled with closed-loop power modulation ensures stable thermal control at ±0.1 °C across the 0–300 °C range
• Integrated low-noise (<60 dB[A]) centrifugal exhaust fan with corrosion-resistant impeller and directional vapor ducting—enabling rapid, contained removal of condensable steam without cross-contamination
• Modular evaporating dish platform: standard 2.9 L quartz-fused silica dish with automatic residue pooling geometry; optional custom dishes up to 10 L available for high-volume surveillance sampling
• Industrial-grade PLC controller with programmable multi-stage protocols (time/power/temperature ramps), onboard data logging (≥10,000 cycles), and USB-exportable CSV reports compliant with GLP audit trails
• Continuous 24/7 operational capability with dual-level safety architecture: hardware interlocks prevent cavity operation during door opening, and electromagnetic shielding (comb-type choke structure) maintains leakage <5 mW/cm² per GB 4706.21

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HXN-W20 Series accommodates a broad spectrum of aqueous matrices relevant to environmental radiation monitoring, including drinking water, surface water, groundwater, wastewater, atmospheric precipitation, and leachates. It is validated for use with acidified samples (up to 6 M HNO₃ or 4 M HCl), supporting EPA Method 900 series and ISO 10703 procedures for gross alpha/beta determination. The PTFE-lined cavity and chemically inert dish materials ensure compatibility with post-digestion residues containing radionuclides such as ²¹⁰Po, ²³⁴U, ⁹⁰Sr, and ¹³⁷Cs. All models conform to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) Class B limits (GB 4824) and electrical safety requirements per GB 4706.1 and GB 4706.21. When operated with documented SOPs and calibrated thermometry, the system supports 21 CFR Part 11–aligned electronic record integrity where required by QA/QC protocols.

Software & Data Management

The HXN-W20D and HXN-W20P variants feature an industrial color touchscreen HMI running embedded real-time OS firmware. Users configure multi-segment evaporation profiles—including ramp-hold-cool sequences—with independent setpoints for power (%), time (min), and target temperature (°C). Each run logs timestamped process data (actual cavity temp, forward/reflected power, elapsed time) to non-volatile memory. Export is supported via USB 2.0 to standard CSV format, preserving column headers compatible with LIMS ingestion (e.g., LabWare, Thermo Fisher SampleManager). Audit trail functionality records operator ID (via optional RFID badge integration), method version, and parameter changes—meeting minimum ALCOA+ principles for data integrity in regulated environments.

Applications

• Routine gross alpha/beta screening of municipal water supplies per GB/T 5750.13–2006
• Pre-concentration of large-volume (1–20 L) environmental samples for low-level radionuclide analysis (e.g., ²³⁸Pu, ²⁴¹Am) using alpha spectrometry
• Radiochemical separation support: concentration prior to ion exchange, co-precipitation, or electrodeposition steps
• Nuclear emergency response: compact footprint and low power draw (≤1.2 kVA for W20) enable deployment in mobile labs or vehicle-mounted configurations
• Research-scale evaporation of radioactive tracer solutions under inert atmosphere (optional N₂ purge kit available)
• Secondary application: non-radioactive trace metal preconcentration for ICP-MS, provided acid compatibility and contamination controls are maintained

FAQ

What regulatory standards does the HXN-W20 comply with for radiochemical laboratories?
It meets mechanical, electrical, and microwave safety requirements per GB 4706.1, GB 4706.21, and GB 4824. Its operational methodology aligns with GB/T 5750.13–2006 and supports ISO/IEC 17025 documentation practices.
Can the system handle hydrofluoric acid (HF)-containing samples?
No. HF is incompatible with both PTFE coatings and stainless steel components. Only nitric, hydrochloric, and sulfuric acid matrices are supported.
Is remote monitoring or Ethernet connectivity available?
Standard configuration includes USB data export only. RS-485 Modbus RTU interface is available as an optional module for SCADA integration.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for sustained performance?
Cavity cleaning after each batch; fan filter replacement every 6 months; annual verification of IR sensor calibration and door interlock function using certified test equipment.
Does the system support unattended overnight operation?
Yes—provided ambient temperature remains between 10–30 °C and relative humidity ≤70%, with uninterrupted power supply and proper ventilation clearance (≥10 cm on all sides).