Chengmeng CM2001 Automated Nitrogen Evaporator

Overview

The Chengmeng CM2001 Automated Nitrogen Evaporator is an engineered solution for high-throughput solvent removal in analytical laboratories performing sample preparation for GC, HPLC, LC-MS, and environmental testing workflows. It operates on the principle of inert gas-assisted surface evaporation—using precisely regulated nitrogen flow directed through tapered stainless-steel nozzles onto the liquid surface of samples immersed in a thermostatically controlled water bath. This dual-mode approach (thermal energy + forced convection) accelerates solvent volatilization while minimizing analyte degradation, oxidation, or cross-contamination. Designed for reproducibility in regulated environments, the CM2001 supports method-defined endpoint control via programmable time-based termination and real-time monitoring of critical process parameters—including bath temperature, nitrogen pressure, and elapsed run duration.

Key Features

• PID-controlled water bath with ±0.1 °C thermal stability across the full operating range (ambient to 95 °C), ensuring consistent evaporation kinetics across all 60 sample positions.
• Modular 12-channel pneumatic architecture: each channel drives five independently positioned vortex-style nitrogen nozzles, enabling simultaneous processing of up to 60 samples in standardized 10–50 mL centrifuge tubes.
• Per-channel solenoid valve actuation allows selective activation/deactivation without affecting pressure balance across remaining active channels—a critical capability for heterogeneous batch processing.
• Patented pressure-equalizing manifold system maintains uniform gas flux (±3% variation) across all nozzles, regardless of the number of active channels, eliminating differential evaporation rates.
• Integrated lid interlock mechanism halts nitrogen flow and heating immediately upon lid opening; resumes operation automatically after closure, preserving method integrity without manual reinitialization.
• Real-time level sensing with auto-refill function prevents dry-heating events, extends heater service life, and ensures uninterrupted runs—particularly essential for unattended overnight protocols.
• Front-access illuminated viewport enables visual verification of sample meniscus recession without interrupting the concentration cycle or compromising laminar nitrogen sheathing.
• Comprehensive alarm suite includes audible and on-screen alerts for lid status, endpoint completion, low water level, insufficient inlet pressure, and abnormal temperature deviation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The CM2001 accommodates standard conical-bottom centrifuge vials (10 mL, 15 mL, and 50 mL) with optional adapters for alternative tube geometries. Its sealed water bath design and directional nitrogen curtain minimize ambient particulate ingress and condensate carryover, supporting ISO/IEC 17025-compliant sample handling practices. While not certified as GMP-grade hardware, its parameter logging, audit-ready alarms, and deterministic endpoint control align with GLP documentation requirements for method validation and routine QC sample prep. The instrument meets CE safety directives (2014/35/EU, 2014/30/EU) and complies with IEC 61010-1 for laboratory electrical equipment.

Software & Data Management

Operation is managed via a built-in 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface running a deterministic real-time OS. All user-defined methods—including temperature setpoint, gas pressure profile, duration, and channel enablement—are stored locally with timestamped execution logs. The system records and displays live values for bath temperature, system pressure, and elapsed time, with automatic annotation of alarm events (e.g., “Lid opened at 14:22:08”). Export functionality supports CSV-formatted log files via USB port for integration into LIMS or ELN platforms. Though lacking native network connectivity or 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures, its deterministic behavior and traceable event history support retrospective data review during regulatory audits.

Applications

• Pre-concentration of aqueous and organic extracts prior to chromatographic analysis (e.g., pesticide residues in food, PAHs in soil leachates).
• Routine cleanup of biological matrices—including plasma, urine, and tissue homogenates—for clinical toxicology and pharmacokinetic studies.
• Environmental monitoring workflows requiring parallel processing of large-volume water samples (e.g., EPA Methods 508.1, 525.3, 8081B).
• Pharmaceutical stability testing where controlled, oxygen-free solvent removal is required for residual solvent quantification (ICH Q3C).
• Academic research labs conducting metabolomics or lipidomics sample prep with strict throughput and reproducibility demands.

FAQ

What sample tube formats are supported out-of-the-box?
Standard 10 mL, 15 mL, and 50 mL conical-bottom centrifuge tubes. Custom adapter plates are available for 4–100 mL vials upon request.
Can the CM2001 be integrated into automated lab workflows?
It does not feature RS-232, Ethernet, or PLC-compatible I/O ports. Integration requires external relay-based triggering or manual method loading via USB.
Is nitrogen purity specification required for optimal performance?
Instrument performance is validated using ≥99.5% pure nitrogen. Higher purity (e.g., 99.999%) is recommended when processing ultra-trace analytes to prevent background interference.
How often does the water bath require maintenance?
Deionized water should be replaced weekly in high-utilization settings. The auto-refill system reduces manual intervention but does not eliminate periodic descaling based on local water hardness.
Does the CM2001 support gradient temperature programming?
No—it maintains a single user-defined setpoint throughout the run. Multi-step thermal profiles require manual intervention or external scheduling.