ZiQi DC-24A 24-Position Dry-Block Nitrogen Evaporator

Overview

The ZiQi DC-24A is a precision-engineered 24-position dry-block nitrogen evaporator designed for high-throughput, reproducible solvent removal in analytical laboratories. It operates on the principle of inert gas-assisted evaporation: nitrogen gas—delivered via individually controllable, height-adjustable stainless steel needles—is directed tangentially across the surface of heated samples, accelerating solvent volatilization while minimizing oxidation and analyte degradation. Unlike water-bath nitrogen evaporators, the DC-24A employs a dual anodized aluminum heating block architecture, ensuring rapid thermal response, uniform heat distribution (±0.5°C stability at 100°C), and precise control across the full operating range (ambient +5°C to 150°C). Its dry-block design eliminates water contamination risks, simplifies maintenance, and supports operation in controlled environments such as fume hoods—critical when handling volatile organic solvents, cytotoxic compounds, or regulated pharmaceutical intermediates.

Key Features

• Independent gas flow control per position with 24 individual on/off valves—eliminates nitrogen waste during partial-use protocols.
• Height-adjustable gas manifold accommodates tubes from 0.2 mL microcentrifuge vials to 19 mm OD test tubes; standard configuration includes 16 mm modules (12 positions per block × 2 blocks = 24 total).
• Dual modular aluminum blocks with optimized thermal mass and surface emissivity enable consistent heating and fast ramp rates (≤30 min from 40°C to 150°C).
• Programmable temperature-time profiles: five customizable sequences support multi-stage evaporation protocols—e.g., gentle pre-concentration at 40°C followed by final drying at 85°C.
• Integrated safety architecture: real-time internal temperature monitoring triggers an auxiliary cooling fan when chassis temperature exceeds safe thresholds; automatic cut-off activates upon block overtemperature (>155°C).
• LED interface displays setpoint, actual block temperature, and countdown timer (0–99 h 59 min) with simultaneous readout—designed for unambiguous operation under PPE and in shared lab environments.
• Compliant with general laboratory electrical safety standards (IEC 61010-1); housing rated IP20 for indoor use in non-hazardous locations.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DC-24A accepts a broad spectrum of sample containers through interchangeable aluminum modules—including conical-bottom microcentrifuge tubes (0.2–2.0 mL), round-bottom culture tubes, and standard glass test tubes (7–19 mm OD). Its modular design supports method transfer across workflows involving LC-MS, GC-MS, ELISA, hormone profiling, pesticide residue analysis, and forensic toxicology. While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025 calibration requirements out-of-box, the instrument’s temperature accuracy (±0.5°C in the 40–100°C range) aligns with common QC validation criteria for sample preparation steps under GLP and GMP frameworks. When operated inside a certified fume hood with appropriate nitrogen supply pressure regulation (≤0.1 MPa), it meets OSHA and EU Directive 2004/40/EC requirements for occupational exposure control during solvent evaporation.

Software & Data Management

The DC-24A operates as a standalone benchtop instrument without proprietary software dependency. All parameters—including setpoint temperature, timer duration, and active program selection—are configured directly via front-panel controls and retained in non-volatile memory. The LED display provides traceable, real-time operational data suitable for manual logbook entry or integration into electronic lab notebooks (ELN) via observer-based documentation. For labs requiring audit trails compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11, external validation protocols (e.g., IQ/OQ/PQ) may be performed using calibrated reference thermometers and flow meters; the unit’s deterministic behavior and lack of embedded data storage simplify qualification against Annex 11 expectations.

Applications

• Routine concentration of extracts prior to HPLC or UPLC injection in environmental testing (e.g., EPA Method 525.3, 8270).
• Parallel processing of biological matrices—plasma, urine, tissue homogenates—in clinical research and pharmacokinetic studies.
• Preparative clean-up steps in food safety labs performing mycotoxin or veterinary drug residue analysis (AOAC 2007.01, EN 15662).
• High-efficiency solvent exchange in synthetic chemistry workflows where low-boiling solvents (e.g., dichloromethane, ethyl acetate) must be removed without thermal stress to sensitive intermediates.
• Automated sample prep integration: compatible with robotic liquid handlers via discrete I/O trigger signals (optional accessory kit available).

FAQ

What tube sizes are supported out-of-the-box?
The standard delivery includes two 12-position 16 mm modules. Optional modules accommodate 0.2–19 mm diameters—including 0.2 mL, 0.5 mL, 1.5 mL, and 2.0 mL centrifuge tubes—as listed in the technical specifications.
Is nitrogen pressure regulation required upstream?
Yes. A dedicated nitrogen regulator with fine metering capability (0–10 L/min range) and pressure relief set to ≤0.1 MPa is mandatory for safe and repeatable operation.
Can the DC-24A be used for vacuum-assisted evaporation?
No. This instrument is engineered exclusively for positive-pressure nitrogen purging. Vacuum compatibility is not supported.
How is temperature uniformity validated across the block?
ZiQi specifies ±0.5°C stability at 100°C (measured at center and corner positions per ASTM E220–21 practice for thermal calibration); users should perform periodic verification using NIST-traceable probe thermometers.
Does the unit support remote monitoring or network connectivity?
Not natively. However, analog voltage outputs (0–5 V) for temperature and timer status can be integrated into building management systems or SCADA platforms via third-party signal converters.