TAITEC VA-120 Peltier-Cooled Cold Trap for Centrifugal Concentrators
| Brand | TAITEC |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | VA-120 |
| Cooling Temperature | −35 °C (at 27 °C ambient) |
| Condensate Capacity | ~30 mL per cycle (with TB-115 trap bottle) |
| Cooling Method | Multi-stage thermoelectric (Peltier) module |
| Cold Trap Chamber Dimensions | Φ50 × 100 mm (~200 mL volume) |
| Power Supply | AC 100 V, 3 A |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | 244 × 330 × 285 mm |
| Weight | ~12 kg |
| Safety Features | Overcurrent fuse, thermal cut-off fuse |
| Additional Outlets | Two 3-pin sockets (5 A total) |
Overview
The TAITEC VA-120 is a compact, thermoelectrically cooled cold trap engineered for integration with benchtop centrifugal concentrators—specifically the VC-15S and VC-15SP series—and compatible with diaphragm vacuum pumps such as the VU-05. Unlike traditional compressor-based cold traps, the VA-120 employs a multi-stage Peltier cooling system to achieve a stable operating temperature of −35 °C under standard laboratory conditions (27 °C ambient). This solid-state refrigeration architecture eliminates reliance on fluorocarbon refrigerants, aligning with global environmental regulations including the Kigali Amendment and EU F-Gas Regulation. Its primary function is vapor phase condensation: during vacuum-assisted solvent removal, volatile compounds—including ethanol, acetonitrile, hexane, and water—are drawn from the sample chamber, transported through the vacuum line, and condensed upon contact with the chilled surface inside the VA-120’s stainless-steel cold trap chamber. The resulting liquid condensate is collected in an interchangeable TB-115 trap bottle, preventing solvent backstreaming into the vacuum pump and extending pump service life.
Key Features
- Thermoelectric (Peltier) cooling system delivering consistent −35 °C cold finger temperature without compressors or refrigerant gases
- Compact footprint (244 × 330 × 285 mm) optimized for space-constrained laboratories and modular vacuum setups
- Integrated safety architecture: dual protection via overcurrent fuse and high-temperature cutoff fuse
- Dual 3-pin auxiliary power outlets (5 A total) enabling synchronized operation with compatible vacuum pumps and concentrators
- Stainless-steel cold trap chamber with Φ50 × 100 mm internal dimensions (~200 mL volume), designed for rapid thermal equilibration and minimal thermal inertia
- Optimized for use with TAITEC TB-115 condensate collection bottle (Φ39 mm ID × 135 mm height, ~30 mL capacity per cycle)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The VA-120 is validated for use with low-to-medium volatility solvents commonly employed in molecular biology, analytical chemistry, and pharmaceutical sample preparation workflows—including aqueous buffers, ethanol, methanol, acetonitrile, acetone, and hexane. Its −35 °C operating point enables effective capture of solvents with vapor pressures above ~0.5 Torr at room temperature. For solvents requiring deeper cold trapping (e.g., chloroform, ether, or dichloromethane), supplementary cryogenic cooling is recommended. The device complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety in laboratory equipment and meets CE marking requirements for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC Directive 2014/30/EU). While not classified as a medical device, its design supports GLP-compliant sample concentration protocols when used in conjunction with traceable vacuum monitoring and documented maintenance logs.
Software & Data Management
The VA-120 operates as a standalone analog device with no embedded microprocessor or digital interface. It does not generate electronic data streams, nor does it support USB, RS-232, or Ethernet connectivity. Temperature stability is maintained passively via closed-loop thermal management within the Peltier stack; no user-adjustable setpoints or real-time readouts are provided. As such, it satisfies FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for “non-electronic record” instruments—no audit trail, electronic signature, or data archiving functionality is applicable. Laboratory users are advised to record operational parameters (e.g., start/stop time, ambient temperature, trap bottle replacement intervals) manually in bound logbooks or LIMS-integrated electronic notebooks to fulfill ISO/IEC 17025 documentation standards.
Applications
- Centrifugal vacuum concentration of DNA/RNA eluates, protein digests, and metabolite extracts prior to LC-MS or MALDI-TOF analysis
- Removal of volatile organic solvents following solid-phase extraction (SPE) or liquid–liquid extraction (LLE)
- Pre-concentration of environmental water samples containing semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs)
- Stabilization of thermolabile analytes during solvent exchange steps in oligonucleotide synthesis workflows
- Protection of diaphragm vacuum pumps (e.g., VU-05) against solvent-induced membrane swelling and lubricant degradation
FAQ
What is the maximum recommended solvent volume per cycle?
Do not exceed one-third of the TB-115 trap bottle’s internal volume (~10 mL) per condensation cycle to prevent overflow and ensure efficient vapor capture.
Can the VA-120 be used with non-TAITEC vacuum systems?
Yes—it is compatible with any vacuum source delivering ≤100 L/min flow rate and capable of maintaining ≥10 mbar ultimate pressure; however, optimal performance requires pairing with low-vibration, oil-free diaphragm pumps.
Does ambient temperature affect cooling performance?
Yes. Rated −35 °C performance assumes 27 °C ambient; at 35 °C ambient, achievable temperature rises to approximately −28 °C due to reduced Peltier efficiency.
Is the TB-115 trap bottle autoclavable?
No. The TB-115 is made of borosilicate glass with silicone O-rings; only the glass body may be autoclaved at 121 °C for 20 minutes—O-rings must be removed and replaced post-sterilization.
How often should the cold trap chamber be cleaned?
Clean after every 5–10 cycles using lint-free wipes and IPA; inspect for residue buildup at the chamber base, especially when processing high-boiling-point solvents like DMSO or glycerol.
