HEXING BIOCHEMICAL HXN-W50 Microwave-Assisted Continuous Water Sample Concentrator

Overview

The HEXING BIOCHEMICAL HXN-W50 Microwave-Assisted Continuous Water Sample Concentrator is an engineered solution for high-throughput, thermally controlled evaporation of large-volume aqueous environmental and radiological samples. Designed specifically for laboratories performing gamma-spectrometric analysis of radionuclides—including ⁹⁰Sr, ¹³⁷Cs, and other gamma-emitting isotopes—the system leverages controlled microwave energy to accelerate solvent removal while preserving analyte integrity and minimizing volatile loss. Unlike batch-mode evaporators, the HXN-W50 integrates a dedicated continuous replenishment pump that enables unattended processing of up to 100 L of water sample across multiple cycles, reducing manual intervention and improving inter-run reproducibility. Its operational envelope (0–100 °C) and ±0.1 °C temperature regulation ensure compliance with thermal protocols defined in national standards for radiochemical separation workflows.

Key Features

• Continuous concentration capability: Processes 50–100 L of water sample automatically via integrated peristaltic补水 pump (not included in standard configuration; specified as OEM-compatible module)
• High-efficiency microwave heating: 3200 W magnetron output delivers rapid, uniform energy coupling into aqueous matrices without hot-spot formation
• Precision thermal management: Closed-loop PID or PLC-controlled temperature regulation with thermocouple feedback (±1 °C sensor accuracy, ±0.1 °C setpoint stability)
• Chemically resistant cavity architecture: Stainless steel resonant chamber coated with multi-layer PTFE to withstand acidic, alkaline, and saline aerosols generated during prolonged evaporation
• Corrosion-tolerant exhaust: Variable-frequency centrifugal blower (2.5 m³/min) ensures consistent vapor removal and prevents condensate backflow into the cavity
• Compliance-focused safety design: Dual-interlocked door mechanism interrupts microwave generation upon opening; RF shielding meets IEC 61000-4-3 immunity requirements
• Modular control options: Standard analog PID interface or optional industrial-grade touchscreen HMI with data logging and user-level access control

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HXN-W50 is validated for use with potable water, surface water, groundwater, and low-salinity wastewater matrices commonly encountered in environmental radiochemistry. Its 5 L evaporation vessel supports direct placement of pre-filtered or acidified samples without transfer steps—reducing contamination risk and procedural variability. The instrument fulfills methodological prerequisites outlined in GB/T 14883.1–2016 (“General Principles for Radioactivity Testing in Foods”), GB 16145–1995 (“Gamma Spectrometry Methods for Radionuclides in Biological Samples”), and GB/T 16140–1995 (“Gamma Spectrometry Methods for Radionuclides in Water”). While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, its PLC-based control option supports audit-trail-enabled operation when configured with time-stamped event logging and electronic signature modules per GLP/GMP-aligned laboratory practices.

Software & Data Management

The optional PLC touchscreen interface provides real-time visualization of temperature profile, cumulative run time, microwave duty cycle, and pump activation status. All operational parameters—including setpoints, alarm thresholds, and sequence logic—are stored in non-volatile memory with timestamped change history. Exportable CSV logs support integration with LIMS platforms via RS-485 or Ethernet (Modbus TCP). Firmware updates are performed offline using USB storage, ensuring data integrity during maintenance. No cloud connectivity or proprietary SaaS dependencies are implemented—data sovereignty and network isolation remain under full user control.

Applications

• Pre-concentration of environmental water samples prior to radiochemical separation of ⁹⁰Sr (via fuming nitric acid precipitation) and ¹³⁷Cs (via ammonium molybdophosphate coprecipitation)
• Routine preparation of drinking water and effluent samples for gamma spectrometry screening per IAEA Technical Reports Series No. 295
• Volume reduction of large-volume bioassay urine or seawater specimens where conventional hotplate evaporation would introduce unacceptable analyte volatility or cross-contamination
• Supporting QA/QC protocols requiring replicate concentration runs under identical thermal profiles for uncertainty budgeting
• Method development for accelerated evaporation of chelated metal complexes in regulatory compliance testing (e.g., EPA Method 900.0 adaptations)

FAQ

Is the HXN-W50 compatible with acidic digestion matrices (e.g., HNO₃/HCl mixtures)?
Yes—the PTFE-coated cavity and corrosion-resistant blower assembly are rated for continuous exposure to pH 1–2 solutions at temperatures ≤95 °C.
Can the system be integrated into an automated sample prep line?
It supports external TTL-level start/stop triggers and analog 4–20 mA temperature feedback; full robotic integration requires custom mechanical interface design.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the microwave magnetron and blower?
Magnetron service life exceeds 5000 hours under nominal load; blower bearings require lubrication every 12 months or 2000 operating hours, whichever occurs first.
Does the instrument include validation documentation per ISO/IEC 17025?
No—factory calibration certificates and IQ/OQ templates are available upon request but require on-site PQ execution by qualified personnel.
Is the 5 L evaporation dish autoclavable?
No—it is designed for microwave compatibility only; cleaning must be performed manually using dilute detergent and deionized water rinse.