HAC-I Automatic Nitrogen Evaporator

Overview

The HAC-I Automatic Nitrogen Evaporator is an engineered solution for high-throughput, reproducible solvent removal in analytical laboratories. It operates on the principle of inert gas-assisted evaporation—using precisely controlled, tangentially directed nitrogen streams to accelerate surface volatilization while minimizing sample oxidation, foaming, and cross-contamination. Unlike conventional open-tube or static-blow nitrogen concentrators, the HAC-I integrates closed-loop thermal regulation, optical endpoint sensing, and modular tube handling to support GLP-compliant workflows across environmental, food safety, clinical toxicology, and pharmaceutical residue analysis applications.

Key Features

• High-Throughput Parallel Processing: Accommodates up to 50 samples simultaneously in 1.5–15 mL tubes, with fully adjustable dual-layer rack geometry enabling rapid reconfiguration for varying tube dimensions.
• Independent Channel Control: Each of the 50 ports features a dedicated solenoid valve and physical valve plug, allowing selective activation and precise nitrogen routing without cross-flow interference.
• Real-Time Gas Monitoring: Digital flowmeter and pressure display provide continuous feedback on nitrogen delivery—critical for maintaining consistent evaporation kinetics and optimizing gas consumption.
• Optical Endpoint Detection: Immune to electromagnetic noise and thermal drift, the embedded optical fiber sensor detects liquid meniscus position with sub-milliliter resolution, triggering automatic shutdown at user-defined thresholds (0.5 mL or 1 mL).
• Vortex-Mode Gas Delivery: Nitrogen enters tangentially through angled nozzles, generating controlled surface turbulence without direct liquid impingement—reducing splashing, improving mass transfer efficiency, and conserving up to 30% nitrogen versus axial-blow systems.
• Thermal Uniformity & Safety: PTC ceramic heating elements ensure rapid warm-up, stable bath temperature (±1 °C), and intrinsic overtemperature cutoff. Water bath circulation is optimized for homogeneous thermal distribution across all 50 positions.
• Integrated Vapor Management: A dedicated exhaust ducting system evacuates condensable vapors—including water, solvents, and volatile analytes—preventing condensation buildup, cross-sample contamination, and ambient lab humidity spikes.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The HAC-I supports standard conical-bottom and flat-bottom tubes ranging from 1.5 mL microcentrifuge vials to 15 mL culture tubes. Its spring-loaded, self-centering tube holders accommodate dimensional variance without adapter kits. The instrument meets general electrical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1 and incorporates design elements aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 method validation expectations—including traceable temperature calibration points, audit-ready timer logs, and deterministic endpoint control essential for USP , EPA Method 525.3, and AOAC 2007.01 workflows. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified out-of-the-box, its digital timer and optical endpoint log can be integrated into validated LIMS environments with appropriate procedural controls.

Software & Data Management

The HAC-I operates via a front-panel LED interface with non-volatile timer memory and manual override capability. All operational parameters—including set temperature, elapsed time, and endpoint trigger status—are retained after power cycling. No proprietary software is required; however, the device’s timer output and endpoint signal can be interfaced via TTL-level GPIO (optional accessory) for integration into laboratory automation systems or ELN platforms supporting analog/digital I/O. Audit trails are maintained manually via lab notebook entries or exported via external data loggers synchronized to the unit’s real-time clock.

Applications

• Residue analysis in food and agricultural commodities (e.g., pesticide multiresidue methods per EN 15662)
• Pre-concentration of aqueous extracts prior to GC-MS or LC-MS/MS analysis
• Final volume adjustment in pharmacokinetic bioanalysis (plasma, urine, tissue homogenates)
• Environmental monitoring workflows requiring EPA SW-846 compliant evaporation steps
• Forensic toxicology sample prep where quantitative recovery and minimal carryover are mandatory
• Stability-indicating assays under ICH Q5C guidelines where oxidative degradation must be suppressed

FAQ

Does the HAC-I support programmable multi-step evaporation protocols?
No—the HAC-I implements single-stage timed evaporation with fixed temperature and endpoint logic. Multi-step gradients require external scheduling or manual intervention.

Can the optical sensor be recalibrated by the end user?
Calibration is factory-performed and sealed. Field verification is possible using certified volumetric standards (e.g., NIST-traceable 1 mL glass syringes), but adjustment requires authorized service personnel.

Is nitrogen supply pressure regulated internally?
The unit includes an inlet pressure gauge and fine-adjust needle valve, but upstream pressure regulation (recommended: 30–60 psi) must be provided by the lab’s central nitrogen manifold or portable regulator.

What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Monthly inspection of O-rings, quarterly cleaning of exhaust ducts and water bath chamber, and annual verification of temperature uniformity across all 50 positions using calibrated PT100 probes.

Are custom tube holders available for non-standard vessel geometries?
Yes—custom machined aluminum or PTFE-coated racks can be fabricated upon submission of dimensional drawings and minimum order quantity (MOQ: 5 units).