ZLS-3 Vacuum Centrifugal Concentrator

Overview

The ZLS-3 Vacuum Centrifugal Concentrator is an engineered solution for gentle, efficient solvent removal from heat-sensitive biological, pharmaceutical, and analytical samples. It operates on the principle of simultaneous centrifugal force, vacuum-assisted evaporation, and optional low-temperature heating—enabling rapid concentration without thermal degradation or sample loss due to splashing or foaming. Unlike conventional rotary evaporators or nitrogen blow-down systems, the ZLS-3 maintains sample integrity by rotating samples under reduced pressure while applying controlled thermal energy only when required. Its design conforms to standard laboratory workflows in molecular biology, proteomics, metabolomics, and small-molecule purification, where recovery of trace analytes, nucleic acids, peptides, or volatile organic compounds is critical.

Key Features

• True-color TFT touchscreen interface with intuitive menu navigation and real-time parameter monitoring—including speed, temperature, vacuum status, and remaining time.
• Corrosion-resistant anodized aluminum drying chamber with internal anti-chemical coating, ensuring long-term durability against acidic, basic, or organic solvent vapors.
• Contactless magnetic drive system eliminates mechanical wear, shaft seals, and lubrication requirements—supporting continuous operation with zero maintenance over extended service life.
• Modular rotor compatibility: accepts multiple configurations including 50 mL × 6 tubes, 250 mL × 2 bottles, or adapter sets for 1.5 mL, 10 mL, and 20 mL formats—enabling flexible throughput scaling across research and QC applications.
• Transparent polycarbonate lid with safety interlock allows unobstructed visual monitoring of sample evaporation progress while maintaining vacuum integrity and operator protection.
• Precise timer control ranging from 1 minute to 99 hours and 59 minutes, supporting both short-duration desalting and overnight lyophilization-like concentration protocols.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZLS-3 accommodates a broad range of sample matrices, including aqueous buffers, ethanol/water mixtures, acetonitrile, methanol, and other common HPLC-grade solvents. Its non-heated mode (ambient temperature operation) is suitable for thermolabile biomolecules such as RNA, enzymes, and post-translationally modified proteins. When paired with an external cold trap (e.g., −50 °C condenser), it achieves effective capture of volatile solvents—reducing pump oil contamination and extending vacuum pump service intervals. While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025 or GLP-specific validation frameworks out-of-the-box, the instrument’s programmable parameters, audit-ready timer logs, and consistent operational repeatability support compliance with internal SOPs aligned with USP , FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (when integrated with compliant LIMS or ELN software), and ISO 15189 pre-analytical processing guidelines.

Software & Data Management

The ZLS-3 operates via embedded firmware with no external PC dependency. All run parameters—including setpoints, actual values, and elapsed time—are stored in non-volatile memory and can be exported manually via USB flash drive (not included). The system supports user-defined method storage for up to 10 protocols, facilitating reproducible execution across shifts or operators. Although native network connectivity or remote monitoring is not provided, its deterministic behavior and stable PID-controlled heating (when enabled) ensure high inter-run reproducibility—a prerequisite for regulated environments requiring documented process consistency. For laboratories implementing electronic record retention, integration with third-party lab information management systems (LIMS) is achievable through serial output (RS-232) or analog signal logging interfaces.

Applications

• Concentration of DNA/RNA eluates prior to sequencing library preparation or qPCR analysis.
• Desalting and buffer exchange of purified antibodies, recombinant proteins, or synthetic peptides.
• Preparative-scale solvent removal in natural product isolation and synthetic organic chemistry workflows.
• High-throughput sample preparation for LC-MS, GC-MS, and NMR analysis—particularly where residual solvent interferes with detection sensitivity.
• Stabilization of unstable intermediates during pharmaceutical development, including prodrug formulations and crystallization precursors.

FAQ

Does the ZLS-3 include a built-in vacuum pump?

No—the ZLS-3 requires connection to an external vacuum source. A two-stage oil-sealed or diaphragm pump capable of achieving ≤10 mbar absolute pressure is recommended.
Can the ZLS-3 operate without heating?

Yes. Heating is optional and fully decoupled from centrifugation and vacuum functions. Ambient-temperature operation is standard and preferred for heat-labile samples.
Is cold trap integration mandatory?

Not mandatory, but strongly advised when concentrating volatile solvents (e.g., chloroform, ethyl acetate, or acetone) to protect vacuum pump longevity and maintain stable chamber pressure.
What safety certifications does the ZLS-3 hold?

The unit complies with GB 4793.1–2019 (Chinese national standard equivalent to IEC 61010-1 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment) and includes over-temperature cutoff, lid interlock, and rotor imbalance detection.
Are rotors and adapters supplied with the base configuration?

The standard configuration includes one fixed-angle rotor (50 mL × 6). Additional rotors and tube adapters are available as optional accessories and must be specified at time of order.