Ottesens MTN-5800/MTN-5800A Water Bath Circular Nitrogen Evaporator

Overview

The Ottesens MTN-5800 and MTN-5800A are precision-engineered water bath nitrogen evaporators designed for reproducible, low-temperature solvent removal in analytical laboratories. These instruments operate on the principle of gentle inert-gas displacement—using controlled nitrogen or compressed air flow directed tangentially across sample surfaces immersed in a thermostatically regulated water bath. This dual-mode thermal/gas-assisted evaporation minimizes analyte degradation, oxidation, and foaming commonly observed with open-vessel heating or vacuum-based concentration methods. The MTN-5800 implements manual vertical positioning of the gas manifold and sample tray, while the MTN-5800A integrates motorized lift mechanisms for both the entire needle array and the sample support platform—enabling rapid batch handling without manual repositioning. Both models conform to core laboratory safety and operational standards for unattended operation, including automatic dry-run prevention via float-switch water-level monitoring and overtemperature cut-off circuitry.

Key Features

• PID-controlled water bath with ±0.2 °C temperature stability across the full 20–96 °C operating range, ensuring consistent thermal input during multi-hour concentration protocols.
• Dual-diameter sample compatibility: standardized 12- or 24-position aluminum sample blocks accommodate tubes from 10–29 mm (e.g., 13 × 100 mm culture tubes, 15 mL conical centrifuge tubes) and optional inserts for larger vessels up to 55 mm diameter (e.g., 50 mL Falcon tubes).
• Individually adjustable stainless-steel吹针 (gas needles) with integrated needle valves—each needle permits independent flow regulation, shut-off, and rapid disassembly for cleaning or replacement.
• Front-access rotating sample tray design improves ergonomics and workflow efficiency during tube loading/unloading under laminar flow hoods or fume cabinets.
• Integrated drain valve and overflow-resistant bath geometry simplify routine maintenance, including full water exchange and descaling cycles required for long-term calibration integrity.
• MTN-5800A-specific motorized functions: programmable vertical lift of the entire gas manifold (±30 mm travel) and independent motorized elevation of the sample tray above bath level—reducing operator fatigue and cross-contamination risk during high-throughput workflows.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MTN-5800/5800A supports common labware including borosilicate glass test tubes, polypropylene centrifuge tubes, screw-cap vials, and conical-bottom flasks. Its non-corrosive stainless-steel gas delivery system and PTFE-coated needle guides ensure compatibility with organic solvents (e.g., acetonitrile, methanol, ethyl acetate), weak acids, and basic aqueous matrices. The instrument meets general electrical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1 and incorporates fail-safes aligned with GLP-compliant environmental monitoring practices—including real-time water-level verification, redundant thermal fuses, and audible/visual fault indicators. While not certified for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 environments out-of-the-box, its analog PID controller and mechanical gas regulation allow straightforward integration into validated SOPs where electronic audit trails are managed externally.

Software & Data Management

These models operate via standalone analog PID controllers with LED temperature display and tactile push-button interface—eliminating software dependencies, firmware updates, or network connectivity requirements. All operational parameters (setpoint, actual bath temperature, gas-on status) are directly observable and manually logged. For laboratories requiring traceability, optional external data loggers (e.g., Omega OM-DAQPRO-5300) may be connected to the analog temperature output signal (0–5 V or 4–20 mA). No proprietary drivers or cloud services are involved; configuration remains fully transparent and serviceable using standard multimeter diagnostics.

Applications

• Preparative cleanup prior to GC, HPLC, or LC-MS analysis—especially for pesticide residue testing (AOAC 2007.01), veterinary drug screening (EU Commission Decision 2002/657/EC), and environmental PFAS quantification.
• Concentration of enzymatic digests, immunoaffinity eluates, and SPE cartridge eluents in clinical toxicology and forensic bioanalysis.
• Standard preparation in pharmacopeial methods (USP , EP 2.2.46) where gentle, non-vacuum solvent removal is mandated for thermolabile compounds.
• High-throughput sample archiving in biobanking workflows requiring residual solvent elimination without cryo-induced precipitation.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended operating temperature for prolonged use?
Continuous operation at 96 °C is supported, but for optimal bath fluid longevity and seal integrity, sustained use above 85 °C should include weekly inspection of silicone gaskets and periodic deionized water replacement.
Can the MTN-5800 be upgraded to MTN-5800A functionality?
No—the motorized lift assemblies, control board, and structural reinforcements are factory-integrated and not field-retrofittable.
Is nitrogen gas purity critical for analytical applications?
Yes. For trace-level analyses, ≥99.998% N₂ (Grade 5.0) is recommended to avoid hydrocarbon or moisture contamination that may interfere with downstream detection sensitivity.
How often should the water bath be cleaned and refilled?
Daily visual inspection is advised; full replacement and citric acid descaling every 5–7 days prevents mineral buildup that compromises thermal uniformity and sensor accuracy.
Are replacement needle assemblies available as consumables?
Yes—Ottesens supplies OEM-compatible stainless-steel needle sets (PN: MTN-NK-12/24), disposable PTFE-tipped tips (PN: MTN-PTFE-TIP), and calibrated flow-meter modules (PN: MTN-FM-25L) through authorized distribution channels.