Raykol AutoEVA-60 Automated Parallel Evaporator

Overview

The Raykol AutoEVA-60 Automated Parallel Evaporator is an engineered solution for high-throughput, unattended sample concentration in analytical laboratories. It operates on the principle of parallel nitrogen gas sweeping combined with precise water-bath heating—leveraging controlled convective evaporation under inert atmosphere to accelerate solvent removal while minimizing analyte degradation or oxidation. Unlike single-sample evaporators, the AutoEVA-60 processes up to 60 samples simultaneously across a thermally uniform stainless-steel water bath platform, ensuring batch consistency and statistical reproducibility required for regulated environments such as environmental testing, food safety screening, and pharmaceutical QC/QA workflows. Its architecture integrates thermal regulation, gas dynamics, and mechanical actuation into a coordinated system where nitrogen flow, temperature ramping, and probe positioning are synchronized via embedded real-time control logic.

Key Features

• Parallel processing capacity of up to 60 samples per run—with optional configurations supporting up to 100 positions using modular rack expansion.
• Automated nitrogen needle descent mechanism: Each needle dynamically tracks liquid level during evaporation, maintaining optimal distance (typically 5–10 mm above meniscus) to maximize mass transfer efficiency without splashing or cross-contamination.
• Precision water-bath heating system with ±0.1 °C temperature stability across the full range (ambient to 100 °C), validated per ASTM E2251 for thermal uniformity in laboratory heating devices.
• Electronic mass flow controllers (MFCs) regulate nitrogen delivery per channel, enabling method-defined flow rates (e.g., 0.5–2.0 L/min per needle) with <±2% full-scale repeatability.
• Integrated “catch-up” evaporation logic: Automatically adjusts needle height and flow rate during final concentration phase to compensate for matrix effects and reduce residual solvent volume in conical-bottom vials—enabling direct final volume adjustment (e.g., 1.0 mL or 0.5 mL) without transfer.
• Motorized drawer ejection at end-of-run: Water bath tray automatically extends for safe, ergonomic access—eliminating manual handling during hot operation and preventing condensation ingress into electronics.
• Intelligent pause/resume function: Nitrogen needles retract to pre-stored position; system logs current state (time elapsed, remaining volume estimate, temperature setpoint) for seamless continuation after interruption.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AutoEVA-60 accommodates standard 12 × 75 mm, 15 × 100 mm, and 16 × 150 mm test tubes, as well as 4–20 mL conical vials (e.g., glass or polypropylene). Sample racks are tool-free interchangeable, allowing rapid reconfiguration between formats. All wetted components comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards. The instrument meets IEC 61010-1:2010 for laboratory electrical safety and incorporates dual independent thermal cutouts to prevent dry-run hazards. Exhaust ducting supports connection to facility fume hoods or centralized lab ventilation systems, satisfying OSHA 1910.1200 and EU REACH requirements for volatile organic compound (VOC) management. Audit trail functionality—including timestamped method execution logs, operator ID (via optional network login), and parameter change history—supports GLP/GMP compliance and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when deployed with validated networked software.

Software & Data Management

Control is executed via Raykol’s proprietary AutoEVA Control Suite—a Windows-based application supporting method creation, scheduling, remote monitoring, and data export. Methods define temperature profiles, nitrogen flow gradients, needle descent velocity, and endpoint criteria (e.g., time-based, volume-estimated, or sensor-assisted termination). Real-time status visualization includes individual channel pressure readings, bath temperature deviation, and estimated remaining solvent volume per vial. Mobile web interface enables secure HTTPS access from iOS/Android tablets or smartphones—displaying live progress bars, alarm notifications, and historical run summaries. All logs are stored in SQLite format with SHA-256 checksum integrity verification; export options include CSV, PDF reports, and XML for LIMS integration.

Applications

• Environmental analysis: Concentration of pesticide residues, PAHs, PCBs, and organochlorines from aqueous extracts prior to GC-MS or LC-MS/MS analysis.
• Food & beverage testing: Cleanup of QuEChERS extracts for multi-residue screening of veterinary drugs and mycotoxins.
• Clinical toxicology: Pre-concentration of urine or plasma samples for therapeutic drug monitoring and forensic screening.
• Pharmaceutical R&D: Solvent removal from reaction mixtures and purification fractions during synthetic route development.
• Regulatory labs: High-volume sample preparation compliant with EPA Method 525.3, ISO 17025 clause 7.7, and SANTE/11312/2021 guidelines.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended sample volume per tube?
The system is validated for up to 80 mL per tube when using 100 mm diameter wide-mouth vessels; however, optimal evaporation kinetics are achieved with initial volumes between 10–50 mL.
Does the AutoEVA-60 support integration with third-party nitrogen generators?
Yes—it accepts inlet pressure between 4–7 bar and features automatic pressure sensing; compatibility with Raykol AutoEVA-G series generators is pre-validated, but industrial-grade PSA or membrane-based units meeting ISO 8573-1 Class 1 purity specifications may also be used.
Can methods be exported and shared across multiple AutoEVA-60 units in a lab network?
Yes—method files (.aem) are portable and version-controlled; shared storage or centralized deployment via Group Policy ensures consistent protocol distribution across instruments.
Is dry-run protection active during both heating and cooling phases?
Yes—the system continuously monitors water level via capacitive sensors and halts heating if level falls below operational threshold, regardless of temperature ramp direction.
How is calibration traceability maintained for temperature and flow parameters?
Raykol provides NIST-traceable calibration certificates for bath temperature (at three points: 40 °C, 70 °C, 95 °C) and MFC linearity (at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 L/min); annual recalibration services are available through authorized service centers.