Organomation N-EVAP-24 Nitrogen Evaporator

Overview

The Organomation N-EVAP-24 Nitrogen Evaporator is a precision-engineered, laboratory-grade sample concentration system designed for reproducible, low-temperature solvent removal under inert gas (typically nitrogen) flow. It operates on the principle of controlled gas-phase heat transfer: dry, regulated nitrogen is directed through individually adjustable stainless-steel needles positioned just above the liquid meniscus in each sample tube, accelerating evaporation while minimizing analyte oxidation, thermal degradation, or cross-contamination. Unlike vacuum-based concentrators, the N-EVAP-24 maintains ambient pressure and avoids foaming or bumping—critical for volatile, thermally labile, or viscous samples common in environmental analysis, clinical toxicology, pharmaceutical QC, and food safety testing. Its water bath heating architecture provides uniform, gentle thermal energy distribution across all 24 positions, with temperature stability maintained within ±0.5 °C over the full operating range (ambient to 99 °C), ensuring compliance with method requirements outlined in EPA Method 505, AOAC 991.23, and USP .

Key Features

• 24-position circular stainless-steel sample rack with engraved position numbering and spring-loaded, height-adjustable tube clamps—compatible with tubes ranging from 10 mm to 29 mm outer diameter (including centrifuge tubes, culture tubes, and conical vials).
• Independent needle height adjustment per position via precision-guided vertical sliders, enabling optimal gas jet placement regardless of tube geometry or solvent volume (1–50 mL).
• Dual-mode gas control: integrated needle valves at each port allow discrete flow regulation; upstream mass-flow adjustable meter supports total system flow from 0–15 L/min with calibrated scale.
• Robust water bath assembly constructed entirely from electropolished 304 stainless steel, UL/CUL certified, with integrated high-limit thermal cutoff and GFCI-compatible power supply.
• Stainless-steel 19-gauge evaporator needles (4″ standard; optional 6″ length available); TEFLON®-coated variants (N-EVAP-T option) enhance chemical resistance for acidic or halogenated solvent applications.
• Modular design permits seamless integration with optional dry-block heaters (N-EVAP-DA configuration), extending operational range to 130 °C using aluminum or glass bead media—ideal for higher-boiling-point solvents such as DMSO or ethylene glycol.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The N-EVAP-24 accommodates standard laboratory vessels—including 13 × 100 mm test tubes, 16 × 100 mm culture tubes, 15 mL and 50 mL conical centrifuge tubes—and supports both aqueous and organic solvent systems (e.g., acetonitrile, methanol, hexane, chloroform). All wetted surfaces are chemically resistant to common organics; optional acid-resistant coating (N-EVAP-CR) extends service life in aggressive matrices (e.g., HF-containing digests or concentrated HCl extractions). The system meets electrical safety standards per UL 61010-1 and CSA C22.2 No. 61010-1. When operated with validated SOPs and electronic logging (via optional software interface), it supports GLP/GMP workflows requiring audit trails, user access control, and data integrity per FDA 21 CFR Part 11.

Software & Data Management

While the base N-EVAP-24 operates via analog temperature control and manual gas regulation, it is fully compatible with Organomation’s optional N-EVAP Connect™ digital interface module. This add-on enables RS-232 or USB connectivity to LIMS or ELN platforms, permitting remote monitoring of bath temperature, elapsed run time, and gas pressure status. Logged parameters are timestamped and exportable in CSV format. For multi-step protocols, the N-EVAP-34/45 models include built-in programmable timers and dual-channel digital controllers—but the N-EVAP-24 may be retrofitted with external PID controllers for scheduled ramp-hold cycles in regulated environments.

Applications

• Residue analysis: Concentration of pesticide extracts (e.g., QuEChERS) prior to GC-MS or LC-MS/MS injection.
• Clinical toxicology: Preparation of urine or plasma samples for amphetamine, opioid, or benzodiazepine screening.
• Environmental testing: EPA SW-846 Methods 3510C (separatory funnel extraction) and 3550C (sonication) require post-extraction solvent reduction under inert atmosphere.
• Pharmaceutical impurity profiling: Gentle removal of volatile reaction solvents (THF, dichloromethane) without disturbing crystalline active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs).
• Fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) preparation: Final nitrogen sweep after transesterification to eliminate residual methanol before GC-FID analysis.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended nitrogen pressure input?
The N-EVAP-24 requires an inlet pressure between 30–150 psig; optimal performance is achieved at 50–80 psig with downstream regulation to ≤30 psig via the integrated manifold.
Can I use compressed air instead of nitrogen?
Yes—though nitrogen is strongly preferred for oxidation-sensitive analytes; compressed air may be used for robust, non-volatile samples where cost or infrastructure limits nitrogen supply.
Is the water bath fill level monitored automatically?
No—the unit lacks an auto-fill or level sensor; users must manually maintain water depth ≥1 cm above heater elements and inspect daily to prevent dry-firing.
Does the N-EVAP-24 support ISO/IEC 17025 method validation?
Yes—its documented temperature uniformity (±0.5 °C), traceable calibration certificates (available upon request), and mechanical repeatability make it suitable for inclusion in accredited laboratory validation protocols.
Are replacement needles and O-rings available as consumables?
Yes—Organomation supplies OEM-certified needle kits (P/N NE-24-NEEDLE), silicone O-ring sets (P/N NE-SEAL-KIT), and stainless-steel tube clamps (P/N NE-CLAMP-24) with full compatibility documentation.