Saprete SPT-A Automated Multi-Position Parallel Concentrator (Nitrogen Evaporator)

Overview

The Saprete SPT-A Automated Multi-Position Parallel Concentrator is an engineered solution for high-throughput, reproducible solvent evaporation in analytical laboratories. Based on controlled nitrogen gas stream impingement over sample surfaces within a precisely regulated water bath environment, the system enables parallel concentration of up to 45 samples under identical thermal and gaseous conditions. Unlike manual or semi-automated nitrogen blow-down devices, the SPT-A integrates dynamic liquid-level tracking—its vertically actuated gas nozzles descend synchronously with solvent volume reduction, maintaining optimal standoff distance (typically 5–10 mm above meniscus) throughout the evaporation cycle. This principle ensures consistent heat and mass transfer coefficients across all positions, minimizing inter-sample variability and improving method robustness—particularly critical in regulated environments where data traceability and process repeatability are mandated.

Key Features

• Two configurable sample capacity options: 12-position and 45-position modular racks, supporting standard 18 mm OD test tubes and compatible with common autosampler vials.
• Motorized, programmable vertical nozzle movement synchronized with real-time liquid level detection—eliminates manual height adjustment and prevents tube overflow or nozzle submersion.
• Dual independent gas circuits: one for nitrogen, one for compressed air; each channel features individual solenoid-valve control and digital flow regulation (0–12 L/min, adjustable per position group).
• Intelligent water bath management: auto-fill and drain function triggered by ultrasonic water level sensing; dry-run protection disables heating when water volume falls below safe threshold.
• 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface with intuitive icon-based navigation; supports storage of up to eight user-defined evaporation protocols (four preloaded, four customizable).
• Optical sample monitoring window and LED status indicators allow visual verification of active channels and gas flow without interrupting operation.
• Optional closed-loop exhaust configuration: integrated ducting port enables direct venting of displaced vapors to fume hood exhaust or external scrubber systems—compliant with OSHA and local VOC emission guidelines.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SPT-A accommodates a broad range of sample matrices requiring gentle, non-oxidative concentration—including aqueous extracts, organic solvent eluates (e.g., hexane, ethyl acetate, acetonitrile), and thermally labile analytes. Its water bath design limits maximum temperature to 40 °C, preserving integrity of volatile compounds such as pesticides, PCBs, PAHs, and certain pharmaceutical actives. The instrument meets general electrical safety requirements per GB 4793.1 (equivalent to IEC 61010-1) and incorporates grounding, overtemperature cutoff, and current leakage protection. While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, its audit-ready operational logs (time-stamped start/stop, temperature setpoint history, gas flow profiles) support GLP/GMP-aligned documentation workflows when paired with laboratory information management systems (LIMS).

Software & Data Management

All operational parameters—including target temperature, ramp rate, gas flow setpoints per group, nozzle descent speed, and hold times—are configured and stored via the onboard HMI. Each run generates a timestamped metadata record containing method ID, operator tag (optional), start/end time, average bath temperature deviation, and total gas consumption estimate. Export is supported via USB flash drive in CSV format for integration into validated data review pipelines. No cloud connectivity or remote access capability is provided, aligning with institutional cybersecurity policies restricting internet-facing instrumentation interfaces.

Applications

The SPT-A serves core concentration needs across environmental, food safety, and pharmaceutical quality control laboratories. In environmental analysis, it accelerates preparation of extracts from water, soil, sediment, and solid waste prior to GC-MS or LC-MS/MS analysis per EPA Methods 508.1, 8081B, and 8270. For food testing, it supports residue analysis in cereals, tea, meat, and seafood under SANTE/2023/2021 and EU Commission Regulation (EU) No 2022/2501 workflows. In pharma QC, it enables batch-wise concentration of dissolution media, stability samples, and herbal extract fractions—fully compatible with USP , , and ICH Q5C guidance on analytical method consistency.

FAQ

What tube sizes does the SPT-A support?
Standard configuration accepts 18 mm outer diameter tubes; custom rack inserts for 13 mm and 16 mm tubes are available upon request.
Can the system operate unattended overnight?
Yes—equipped with automatic shutdown, dry-run prevention, and stable temperature maintenance, it is designed for extended无人值守 operation under supervised laboratory conditions.
Is nitrogen purity specification required for optimal performance?
Instrument performance is validated using ≥99.998% pure nitrogen; lower grades may introduce moisture or oxygen contamination affecting analyte stability in sensitive applications.
Does the SPT-A comply with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements?
It provides electronic records with timestamps and operator identification fields, but full Part 11 compliance (e.g., electronic signatures, audit trail encryption) requires integration with validated third-party LIMS or ELN platforms.
How is gas flow calibrated and verified?
Each gas channel includes a factory-calibrated mass flow sensor; users may perform field verification using a NIST-traceable rotameter or bubble flowmeter at the outlet port.