Thermo Fisher Rocket Evaporator System
| Brand | Thermo Fisher |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | Rocket |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The Thermo Fisher Rocket Evaporator System is a high-throughput, programmable centrifugal evaporation platform engineered for rapid, reproducible solvent removal from extracts generated by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE®) and other sample preparation workflows. Operating on the principle of centrifugal rotary evaporation under controlled vacuum and low-temperature gas heating, the Rocket system enables gentle yet efficient concentration or lyophilization-equivalent drying of thermally labile analytes. Its core architecture integrates precise pressure regulation, dynamic temperature ramping, and rotational speed control to maintain sample integrity across diverse solvent classes—including chlorinated, polar, and low-boiling organics—while delivering up to 5× faster processing than conventional rotary evaporators. Designed specifically to interface with Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ ASE™ 150 and ASE™ 350 systems, the Rocket eliminates manual transfer steps and supports end-to-end automation in regulated and research-grade laboratories.
Key Features
- Dri-Pure™ anti-bumping technology: Patented vapor-path geometry and controlled gas injection prevent solvent bumping, foaming, and cross-contamination between samples.
- AutoStop™ endpoint detection: Real-time monitoring of pressure differentials and condensate accumulation triggers automatic shutdown upon complete solvent removal—no user intervention required.
- SampleGenie™ workflow integration: Direct transfer and concentration of ASE vials into storage vials or autosampler-ready containers without intermediate handling; compatible with 18 × 34 mL ASE tubes or 6 × 450 mL large-volume bottles per run.
- Two-stage cold trap system: Dual-stage cryogenic condensation achieves >95% solvent recovery efficiency, reducing hazardous waste generation and supporting green laboratory compliance objectives.
- Intuitive touchscreen interface with preloaded ASE method templates: Enables rapid method selection, parameter validation, and audit-trail–capable operation aligned with GLP/GMP documentation requirements.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Rocket Evaporator accommodates a broad range of extract matrices—including environmental soil extracts, pharmaceutical formulations, food lipids, and botanical concentrates—without degradation or analyte loss. It complies with key regulatory frameworks governing analytical instrumentation, including ISO/IEC 17025:2017 (for calibration traceability), ASTM D5291 (for petroleum product analysis), and USP (chromatographic system suitability). When operated with validated methods and integrated into a documented ASE-to-LC/GC workflow, the system supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant data integrity practices through secure user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable audit logs.
Software & Data Management
The Rocket Control Software provides method-based operation with full parameter logging (vacuum setpoint, bath temperature, rotor speed, runtime, endpoint timestamp). All runs generate .csv and .pdf reports containing metadata, operator ID, instrument serial number, and environmental conditions. Data export is compatible with LIMS platforms via standard OPC UA and FTP protocols. Optional software modules support IQ/OQ/PQ documentation packages and automated report generation for quality assurance teams conducting internal audits or external inspections.
Applications
- Routine concentration of ASE extracts prior to GC-MS or LC-MS/MS analysis in environmental testing labs (e.g., EPA Method 3545A, 8270, 8082).
- High-throughput cleanup and drying of natural product isolates for pharmacokinetic or stability studies.
- Automated parallel processing of pesticide residue extracts in food safety laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025.
- Preparative-scale solvent removal in method development labs optimizing extraction and chromatographic conditions.
- Integration into automated sample prep lines where ASE instruments feed directly into Rocket units followed by Thermo Scientific Vanquish UHPLC or TRACE 1300 GC systems.
FAQ
Is the Rocket Evaporator compatible with non-ASE sample formats?
Yes—adapters are available for standard 15–50 mL conical tubes, HPLC vials, and custom glassware; however, optimal performance and AutoStop reliability are validated for ASE-format vessels.
Does the system require external cooling water or refrigerant?
No—the integrated two-stage cold trap uses Peltier-based thermoelectric cooling; no external chillers or coolant loops are needed.
Can the Rocket be validated for use in GMP environments?
Yes—Thermo Fisher provides IQ/OQ documentation kits, and the system’s firmware supports 21 CFR Part 11–compliant user access controls and electronic record retention.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Daily visual inspection of O-rings and cold trap surfaces; quarterly verification of vacuum integrity and temperature calibration using NIST-traceable standards.
How does Dri-Pure™ differ from traditional anti-bumping devices?
Unlike mechanical boiling chips or vortex-inducing stir bars, Dri-Pure™ modulates vapor-phase nucleation kinetics via laminar gas flow distribution and asymmetric chamber geometry—eliminating physical contact with samples while maintaining consistent evaporation kinetics across heterogeneous matrices.
