BUCHI SyncorePlus R-12 Multi-Sample Parallel Evaporative Concentrator

Overview

The BUCHI SyncorePlus R-12 is an automated multi-sample parallel evaporative concentrator engineered for reproducible, solvent-efficient quantitative concentration under controlled vacuum and temperature conditions. Unlike nitrogen-based blow-down systems or single-vessel rotary evaporation, the SyncorePlus R-12 employs simultaneous vacuum-assisted evaporation across up to 12 sample vessels—each independently sealed and thermally isolated—enabling true parallel processing without cross-contamination. Its core principle relies on precise regulation of vapor pressure gradients, convective heat transfer via a heated aluminum block, and controlled rotational agitation to prevent bumping and promote uniform film formation on vessel walls. The system operates without inert gas, eliminating operational costs and safety hazards associated with high-pressure nitrogen lines. Solvent vapors are condensed and recovered in a dedicated cold trap integrated with the optional recirculating chiller (e.g., B-290), ensuring zero volatile organic compound (VOC) release into laboratory air—fully compliant with OSHA and EU Directive 2004/42/EC on VOC emissions.

Key Features

• Automated endpoint detection: Stops evaporation precisely at user-defined residual volumes (0.3 mL, 1 mL, or 3 mL) using optical level sensing in PFA-coated tail-tube vials.
• Modular sample handling: Supports 4-, 6-, or 12-position configurations; compatible with vial volumes from 5 mL to 500 mL depending on rack geometry.
• Active vortex agitation: Adjustable rotation speed (60–400 rpm) ensures homogeneous sample mixing and prevents localized overheating or foaming.
• Chemically inert vacuum architecture: PFA-coated vacuum lids, PEEK/PTFE/FEP fluid pathways, and borosilicate glass condensers resist corrosion from aggressive solvents including acetonitrile, DCM, THF, and concentrated acids.
• Intelligent vacuum control: Built-in pressure sensor and programmable vacuum ramping allow method optimization for heat-labile analytes—e.g., stepwise reduction from 200 mbar to 10 mbar during initial solvent removal, then stabilization at 5 mbar for final trace concentration.
• Integrated safety protocols: Automatic venting upon power loss; real-time overpressure monitoring; dry-run protection via temperature differential algorithms between heating block and condenser.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SyncorePlus R-12 accommodates standard 12 × 75 mm, 16 × 100 mm, and 18 × 150 mm test tubes, as well as BUCHI-specific tail-tube vials with calibrated endpoints. It supports aqueous, organic, and mixed-phase matrices—including post-SPE eluates, enzymatic digests, plasma extracts, and environmental water samples. All wetted materials comply with USP Class VI and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for material biocompatibility and data integrity. The system meets ISO/IEC 17025:2017 calibration traceability standards when used with certified reference thermometers and pressure transducers. Method validation documentation—including recovery studies, precision (RSD < 3.2% across n=6 replicates), and robustness testing under variable ambient humidity—is supported by BUCHI’s GLP-compliant IQ/OQ/PQ qualification kits.

Software & Data Management

Control is executed via the BUCHI VacMaster software (v4.2+), which provides full audit trail functionality per FDA 21 CFR Part 11: electronic signatures, user access levels (admin/operator/observer), immutable event logging (start/stop times, vacuum setpoints, temperature profiles), and automatic export of CSV/Excel reports. The vacuum controller features a backlit LCD interface with onboard storage for ≥1,000 method files and >40 preloaded solvent boiling point/vapor pressure curves (extendable via USB). Real-time data streaming (vacuum, block temp, condenser temp) is enabled through USB 2.0 or optional Ethernet module, allowing integration into LIMS environments or centralized lab automation platforms.

Applications

• Quantitative residue analysis: Pre-concentration of pesticide residues (EN 15662), PAHs (EPA 8270), and pharmaceutical impurities (ICH Q3B) prior to GC-MS or LC-MS/MS injection.
• Clinical bioanalysis: High-throughput concentration of plasma, urine, and CSF samples for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) and biomarker discovery workflows.
• Environmental testing: Processing of EPA Method 508.1, 525.3, and ISO 17993 extracts with full solvent recovery and minimal analyte degradation.
• Food & beverage QA/QC: Reduction of large-volume extractions (e.g., QuEChERS) to injection-ready volumes while preserving thermolabile vitamins (e.g., vitamin C, folate) and polyphenols.
• Method development support: Rapid screening of evaporation parameters (temperature ramp, vacuum slope, agitation rate) to optimize recovery of unstable compounds such as nitrosamines or epoxides.

FAQ

Does the SyncorePlus R-12 require compressed nitrogen or other inert gases?

No. It operates exclusively under vacuum, eliminating gas consumption, regulatory reporting obligations, and potential oxidation artifacts.
Can it be used for complete dry-down (lyophilization-equivalent) of samples?

Yes—when configured with the 96-position drying module (Syncore Polyvap), it achieves full desiccation of up to 96 samples simultaneously under optimized low-temperature vacuum conditions.
Is remote monitoring or integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) supported?

Yes. Via VacMaster software and USB/Ethernet connectivity, all process parameters and events are exportable in standardized formats compatible with major LIMS vendors (e.g., LabWare, STARLIMS, Thermo Fisher SampleManager).
What maintenance is required for the integrated vacuum pump?

The brushless DC motor and PTFE diaphragm design are maintenance-free for ≥10,000 operating hours. No oil changes, filter replacements, or valve servicing are needed under normal usage.
How is solvent recovery efficiency validated?

Recovery rates exceed 98.7% for common solvents (methanol, acetone, ethyl acetate) as verified by gravimetric analysis and GC-FID comparison against unevaporated controls—data available in BUCHI Application Note AN-R-028.