INNOTEG VelaEvap-DC Rotary Disk Nitrogen Evaporator

Overview

The INNOTEG VelaEvap-DC Rotary Disk Nitrogen Evaporator is a manually operated, precision-engineered sample concentration system designed for reproducible solvent removal in analytical laboratories. It operates on the principle of gentle, directed nitrogen gas flow applied vertically onto the surface of liquid samples immersed in a thermostatically controlled water bath. Unlike manifold-based or automated evaporators, the VelaEvap-DC employs a fixed rotary disk platform with 24 independently adjustable stainless steel nitrogen delivery needles—each fitted with a disposable pipette tip—to ensure consistent, contamination-free evaporation without cross-sample interference. Its mechanical design prioritizes operational simplicity, thermal stability, and long-term reliability under routine QC/QA and research workflows.

Key Features

• Manual needle height adjustment per position: Each 6 mm stainless steel needle is individually raised or lowered to match tube geometry (5–50 mL), eliminating need for interchangeable tube holders.
• Integrated water bath with side-view transparent window: Enables real-time visual monitoring of sample volume reduction and meniscus behavior during evaporation.
• High-precision vertical alignment: Needle centering accuracy maintained within ±1 mm relative to tube well center—critical for uniform gas impingement and minimized splashing or tube wall contact.
• Disposable tip–stainless tube hybrid interface: Prevents residue buildup and eliminates cleaning cycles; ensures consistent flow profile and eliminates carryover risk between runs.
• Tight thermal control: Water bath temperature stability maintained at ±1 °C across all 24 positions, verified by calibrated immersion sensors and PID feedback regulation.
• Optimized gas economy: Each port delivers 0.3–0.4 L/min nitrogen with integrated flow-limiting orifices—reducing total consumption by up to 40% compared to non-restricted systems while preserving evaporation efficiency.
• Flow consistency: Inter-port nitrogen flow deviation ≤5%, ensuring parallel processing integrity essential for method validation and regulatory compliance.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The VelaEvap-DC accommodates standard conical-bottom and round-bottom centrifuge tubes (5–50 mL), including polypropylene and glass variants commonly used in EPA, AOAC, and ISO-compliant extraction protocols. Its open-bath architecture supports rapid tube insertion/removal and facilitates compatibility with downstream autosampler vials or derivatization vessels. While the unit itself does not carry CE or UL certification, its mechanical construction and thermal performance align with GLP-aligned laboratory practices. Users may document temperature uniformity, flow calibration, and needle positioning as part of instrument qualification (IQ/OQ) under ISO/IEC 17025 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned data governance frameworks—particularly when paired with external digital loggers or audit-trail-enabled LIMS integration.

Software & Data Management

The VelaEvap-DC is a standalone, analog-operated instrument with no embedded microprocessor or software interface. Temperature setpoint and monitoring rely on a calibrated mechanical thermostat and analog dial display. For traceable operation, laboratories are advised to pair the unit with external validated temperature data loggers (e.g., compliant with ASTM E2810 or ISO 17025 Annex A.3) and maintain manual logbooks or electronic records documenting batch numbers, run times, bath temperatures, and operator initials. This configuration supports full auditability in regulated environments where electronic signatures and automated data capture are not required—but where procedural rigor and repeatability remain mandatory.

Applications

The VelaEvap-DC serves as a core workhorse in multi-step sample preparation workflows across regulated and research-driven domains. It is routinely deployed in pesticide residue analysis (EPA Method 525.3), veterinary drug screening (EU Commission Decision 2002/657/EC), mycotoxin quantification (AOAC 2005.05), pharmaceutical impurity profiling (ICH Q2(R2)), forensic toxicology (SWGTOX guidelines), and environmental contaminant testing (e.g., PAHs, PCBs per EPA 8270). Its robustness, low maintenance burden, and adaptability to variable tube formats make it especially suitable for high-throughput labs performing LC-MS/MS or GC-MS sample cleanup prior to injection.

FAQ

Is the VelaEvap-DC compatible with 15-mL conical tubes?

Yes—it accepts standard 15-mL conical centrifuge tubes without adapter plates due to its adjustable needle height range and wide tube well diameter.
Can I use compressed air instead of nitrogen?

While technically possible, nitrogen is strongly recommended to prevent oxidation of labile analytes (e.g., lipids, catecholamines, unsaturated fatty acids); compressed air introduces moisture and oxygen that may compromise method accuracy.
Does the unit include a nitrogen regulator or supply hose?

No—the VelaEvap-DC requires an external nitrogen source with adjustable pressure regulation (typically 30–60 psi inlet) and user-supplied tubing rated for low-flow gas delivery.
How often should the disposable pipette tips be replaced?

Tips must be replaced before each new batch of samples to ensure zero carryover and maintain flow consistency—consistent with Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) requirements for sample integrity.
What maintenance is required beyond tip replacement?

Routine cleaning of the water bath chamber and periodic inspection of needle alignment and O-ring integrity (on inlet manifolds) are sufficient; no lubrication or calibration tools are needed for daily operation.