Supelco Mini-Vap 22971 Six-Position Water-Bath Nitrogen Evaporator
| Brand | Supelco |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | 22971 |
| Heating Method | Water Bath |
| Temperature Stability | ±0.5 °C |
| Sample Capacity | 6 positions |
| Dimensions (L × W × H) | 19 cm × 4 cm × 2 cm |
| Compatibility | 1–250 mL containers |
| Packaging | 1 unit per package |
Overview
The Supelco Mini-Vap 22971 is a compact, six-position water-bath nitrogen evaporator engineered for precise, low-volume sample concentration and solvent removal in analytical laboratories. It operates on the principle of gentle inert-gas displacement—introducing a controlled stream of nitrogen or compressed air across the surface of liquid samples to accelerate solvent evaporation without thermal degradation. Unlike dry-block or infrared-based concentrators, the water-bath design ensures uniform, stable temperature distribution across all six sample positions, minimizing inter-vial variability and supporting reproducible concentration kinetics. Its footprint—just 19 cm × 4 cm—makes it ideal for benchtop use in QC labs, environmental testing facilities, and clinical research settings where space efficiency and operational simplicity are critical.
Key Features
- Six independently adjustable stainless-steel needle assemblies with precision micro-metering valves for individual gas-flow control per sample position
- Stable water-bath heating system with ±0.5 °C temperature regulation, eliminating hotspots and ensuring consistent thermal input across all vials
- Compact form factor (19 cm × 4 cm × 2 cm) designed for integration into crowded fume hoods or laminar flow workstations
- Compatible with a broad range of container formats—from 0.5 mL microcentrifuge tubes to 250 mL beakers—via height-adjustable needle support and flexible positioning
- Includes 0.9 m polyvinyl chloride (PVC) gas delivery tubing rated for inert gas service and chemical resistance to common organic solvents
- No external gas manifold required; each needle connects directly to standard lab nitrogen or compressed-air supply lines via standard 1/8″ NPT fittings
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Mini-Vap 22971 accommodates vessels from 1 mL to 250 mL, including 1.5 mL Eppendorf tubes, 4 mL GC vials, 15 mL conical tubes, and standard glass beakers. Its open-bath configuration allows direct visual monitoring of sample volume reduction and prevents cross-contamination between positions. While the instrument itself does not carry CE or UL certification as a standalone device, its construction and materials comply with general laboratory safety guidelines for Class I equipment used with inert gases. When integrated into validated workflows—for example, pesticide residue analysis per EPA Method 525.3 or pharmaceutical impurity profiling per USP —the Mini-Vap supports GLP-compliant documentation when paired with calibrated thermometers and traceable gas flow meters.
Software & Data Management
The Mini-Vap 22971 is a manually operated, analog instrument with no embedded firmware or digital interface. All operational parameters—including bath temperature setting, gas flow rate per needle, and run duration—are recorded externally by the user in laboratory notebooks or electronic lab notebooks (ELNs). This design aligns with regulatory expectations for instruments used in non-automated, operator-controlled steps within validated methods. For audit readiness, users may document calibration records for ancillary equipment (e.g., digital thermometers, rotameters) and retain batch-specific setup logs per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles when ELN systems are employed.
Applications
- Concentration of trace-level analytes prior to GC-MS or LC-MS analysis in environmental testing (e.g., PAHs, PCBs, organochlorine pesticides)
- Preparative cleanup in food safety labs—reducing extracts after QuEChERS or SPE elution
- Final solvent exchange steps in peptide synthesis and oligonucleotide purification workflows
- Routine evaporation of calibration standards and QC reference solutions in clinical toxicology labs
- Low-temperature concentration of thermolabile compounds, including prostaglandins and certain vitamins, where water-bath stability outperforms dry-block alternatives
FAQ
Is the Mini-Vap 22971 compatible with compressed air instead of nitrogen?
Yes—its needle valves and tubing are rated for both nitrogen and oil-free compressed air. However, nitrogen is preferred for oxidation-sensitive analytes.
Can the water bath be filled with alternative heat-transfer fluids?
No—the unit is engineered exclusively for deionized or distilled water. Use of glycols or oils may impair temperature uniformity and void warranty.
Does the device include a lid or condensation trap?
No—it operates open-bath for maximum accessibility and visual monitoring. A fume hood is recommended when evaporating volatile or hazardous solvents.
What maintenance is required?
Daily draining and drying of the bath chamber; periodic inspection of needle tips for clogging; annual verification of bath temperature accuracy using a NIST-traceable thermometer.
Is the Mini-Vap 22971 suitable for regulated GMP environments?
Yes—as a manual, non-critical ancillary device, it is routinely deployed in GMP-compliant labs when incorporated into documented SOPs with defined calibration and usage protocols.
