Hanuo HNDK200-1 Dry-Block Nitrogen Evaporator

Overview

The Hanuo HNDK200-1 Dry-Block Nitrogen Evaporator is an engineered solution for parallel sample concentration in analytical laboratories where reproducibility, thermal uniformity, and operator safety are critical. Unlike water bath-based evaporators, this system employs a precisely temperature-controlled aluminum heating block to deliver rapid, consistent heat transfer across all 12 sample positions—eliminating variability from water level fluctuations, evaporation losses, or bath contamination. The instrument operates on the principle of inert gas-assisted solvent removal: high-purity nitrogen is delivered through individually controllable stainless-steel needles positioned just above the liquid surface, accelerating evaporation while minimizing oxidation, foaming, and cross-contamination. Designed for integration into regulated workflows—including those aligned with GLP, ISO/IEC 17025, and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements—the HNDK200-1 supports trace-level analyte recovery in applications demanding low background interference and high inter-run repeatability.

Key Features

• Dry-block heating architecture ensures rapid thermal equilibration (≤30 min from 40°C to 150°C) and eliminates risks associated with water bath maintenance, microbial growth, or spillage.
• Independent 12-channel gas control enables selective activation—reducing nitrogen consumption by up to 75% compared to fixed-flow systems—and permits staggered processing of heterogeneous sample sets.
• Vertically adjustable gas needle assembly (150 mm standard length) and independently height-adjustable heating block allow precise positioning relative to solvent meniscus—critical for volatile or viscous matrices.
• Real-time digital display shows setpoint temperature, actual block temperature (0.1°C resolution), and countdown timer (up to 99 h 59 min), supporting unattended overnight operation.
• Integrated dual-stage safety system includes programmable over-temperature cutoff (hardware-independent thermal fuse) and automatic fault diagnostics with visual/audible alerts for open-circuit heaters, sensor failure, or gas flow interruption.
• Modular design accommodates interchangeable sample blocks; compatible with tube diameters from 10 mm to 19 mm (e.g., 15 mL conical, 16 mm culture tubes, or 19 mm round-bottom vials), with optional accessories available for microcentrifuge tubes and 96-well plates.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HNDK200-1 is validated for use with organic solvents (e.g., acetonitrile, methanol, ethyl acetate, hexane), aqueous buffers, and semi-volatile extracts commonly encountered in environmental, pharmaceutical, and clinical testing. Its dry-block construction avoids immersion-related corrosion or thermal lag, making it suitable for acidic or basic media that would degrade water bath components. The system meets general laboratory safety standards for electrical insulation (IEC 61010-1), and its sealed gas manifold design minimizes nitrogen leakage—supporting compliance with OSHA PEL guidelines for inert gas use in confined spaces. When operated inside a certified fume hood, the unit satisfies containment requirements for toxic or low-boiling solvents (e.g., chloroform, dichloromethane). Documentation packages—including factory calibration certificates, traceable temperature verification reports, and IQ/OQ templates—are available upon request to support audit readiness under GMP, CLIA, or ISO 17025 frameworks.

Software & Data Management

While the HNDK200-1 operates as a standalone benchtop instrument with embedded firmware, its digital interface supports external data logging via RS-232 or optional USB-to-serial adapter. Time-stamped temperature and timer data can be exported to CSV for integration into LIMS or ELN platforms. All parameter changes—including setpoint adjustments, timer resets, and gas valve toggles—are recorded in non-volatile memory with timestamp and user ID fields (when paired with optional authentication module), fulfilling ALCOA+ data integrity principles. Audit trail functionality complies with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed with validated third-party software for electronic signatures and role-based access control.

Applications

• Preparative concentration prior to LC-MS/MS analysis of steroids, antibiotics, and pesticide residues in food and environmental matrices.
• Routine cleanup of SPE eluates in clinical toxicology labs—enabling batch processing of 12 patient urine extracts without carryover or thermal degradation.
• High-throughput sample prep for EPA Method 525.3 (drinking water) and ASTM D7066 (petroleum hydrocarbons), where nitrogen purity and temperature consistency directly impact method precision.
• Stabilization of thermolabile compounds (e.g., prostaglandins, catecholamines) during derivatization workflows requiring strict oxygen exclusion and narrow thermal windows.
• Parallel evaporation of reaction mixtures in medicinal chemistry labs—reducing turnaround time versus rotary evaporation while preserving chiral integrity.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended nitrogen pressure for safe operation?
The inlet pressure must not exceed 0.1 MPa (1 bar); higher pressures may cause needle dislodgement or uneven gas distribution.
Can the HNDK200-1 accommodate 0.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes?
Yes—via optional DT13A block (24-position, 0.5 mL format); standard configuration supports 10–19 mm diameter tubes only.
Is calibration traceable to NIST standards?
Factory calibration uses PT100 sensors verified against NIST-traceable reference thermometers; full calibration certificate with uncertainty budget is available as an add-on service.
Does the unit include a nitrogen generator?
No—the HNDK200-1 requires an external nitrogen source (grade 5.0 or better); integrated generators are not supported due to heat and vibration interference.
How often should the heating block be cleaned?
After each use involving corrosive solvents or high-salt buffers; wipe with ethanol or isopropanol using lint-free cloth—do not immerse or submerge any component.