Saprete INC-8A Intelligent Quantitative Concentrator (Fully Automated Nitrogen Evaporator)

Overview

The Saprete INC-8A Intelligent Quantitative Concentrator is an engineered solution for high-precision, parallel solvent evaporation in analytical laboratories. Based on controlled nitrogen gas displacement under thermally regulated dry-block heating, the system implements real-time liquid-level tracking via proprietary Leel-Tracing optical sensing—enabling dynamic adjustment of gas nozzle height and volumetric flow rate relative to meniscus position. Unlike conventional fixed-height or time-based nitrogen blowdown systems, the INC-8A maintains optimal gas velocity at the liquid surface throughout concentration, minimizing aerosol formation, cross-contamination risk, and analyte loss due to over-evaporation or splashing. Designed for compliance-critical workflows—including residue analysis, method validation, and regulatory sample preparation—the instrument operates as a closed-loop evaporation platform compatible with GLP/GMP-aligned documentation practices.

Key Features

• Leel-Tracing Liquid-Level Tracking: Patented optical feedback loop continuously monitors meniscus height per sample position; adjusts gas needle vertical position and flow rate in real time to maintain consistent laminar gas impingement.
• Quantitative Endpoint Control: Supports three termination modes—dry-down, near-dry (residual solvent film), and precise volumetric stop (0.2–10 mL, user-defined in 0.1 mL increments); includes pre-run calibration routine to compensate for tube wall thickness and optical path deviation.
• Independent Channel Programming: Each of up to 32 positions supports discrete settings for temperature (ambient–99 °C, ±0.1 °C stability), gas flow profile (0–15 L/min, digitally regulated), and target volume—enabling heterogeneous sample sets within a single run.
• Automated Drawer-Based Sample Handling: Motorized drawer extends/retracts under software command; individual positions can be manually accessed mid-run without interrupting active channels or thermal equilibrium.
• Closed Pneumatic Architecture: Fully sealed gas distribution manifold with integrated pressure regulation, flow sensors, and leak-tested fittings eliminates ambient air ingress and ensures stoichiometric nitrogen delivery per channel.
• Dry-Block Thermal System: Aluminum heating block with PID-controlled uniformity (<±0.3 °C across block surface); no water bath condensation, no vapor interference, and full compatibility with moisture-sensitive analytes.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The INC-8A accommodates standard conical-bottom vials (12–16 mm OD, 10–15 mL nominal volume) with geometry-specific optical calibration. It meets ISO/IEC 17025 requirements for equipment suitability in accredited testing labs when operated within validated parameter ranges. The closed-system design satisfies OSHA and local EH&S guidelines for reduced nitrogen exposure risk, eliminating mandatory fume hood installation. Data integrity features—including audit-trail-enabled software logging, electronic signatures, and exportable run reports—support alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 where electronic records are subject to regulatory review.

Software & Data Management

Controlled via Windows-based Saprete Concentration Workstation (SCW) software, the INC-8A provides full remote configuration, real-time monitoring of temperature, pressure, flow, and optical signal intensity per channel. All method parameters, calibration logs, and run metadata are stored in encrypted SQLite databases with automatic timestamping and user-access controls. Export formats include CSV, PDF summary reports, and XML-compatible structured data for LIMS integration. Software validation packages (IQ/OQ documentation templates) are available upon request for regulated environments.

Applications

The INC-8A serves laboratories performing multi-analyte residue quantification across environmental, food safety, pharmaceutical, forensic, and petrochemical sectors. Typical use cases include: post-extraction concentration of pesticide residues in soil/water matrices (per EPA Method 525.3 and ISO 17070); cleanup-concentration steps in mycotoxin analysis of cereals and nuts (AOAC 2005.02); residual solvent removal prior to GC-MS analysis in pharmaceutical stability studies (ICH Q3C); and trace-level PAH recovery from sediment extracts (ASTM D7678). Its reproducible endpoint control enables direct substitution for manual nitrogen evaporation in SOPs requiring volumetric accuracy beyond ±5 % RSD.

FAQ

Does the INC-8A support non-standard vial geometries?
Yes—custom calibration routines can be developed for alternative tube dimensions, provided optical transparency and consistent meniscus formation are maintained.
Is nitrogen supply pressure regulated internally?
Yes—the system integrates a dual-stage pressure regulator and mass-flow controllers calibrated to inlet pressures between 0.2–0.6 MPa.
Can the instrument be integrated into a robotic sample-handling workflow?
It features RS-485 and Ethernet interfaces with Modbus TCP protocol support for third-party automation orchestration.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Optical sensor cleaning every 200 runs; gas filter replacement every 6 months or 1,000 operating hours; annual thermal calibration verification using NIST-traceable reference standards.
Is method transfer support available for validated protocols?
Saprete provides application notes, comparative recovery studies, and on-site method adaptation assistance for laboratories migrating from rotary evaporation or legacy nitrogen concentrators.