ZiQi DC-24W 24-Position Water Bath Nitrogen Evaporator

Overview

The ZiQi DC-24W is a precision-engineered 24-position water bath nitrogen evaporator designed for high-throughput, reproducible solvent removal in analytical and preparative laboratories. It operates on the principle of inert gas-assisted evaporation: dry, oil-free nitrogen is delivered via individually adjustable stainless steel needles positioned just above the liquid surface of each sample tube. Concurrently, a thermostatically controlled water bath maintains uniform thermal energy transfer to the sample vessels—enabling rapid, gentle, and oxygen-free concentration without thermal degradation or oxidation of analytes. Unlike rotary evaporation—which is limited to single or few-sample processing—the DC-24W supports parallel processing of up to 24 samples under identical thermal and gaseous conditions, significantly improving workflow efficiency in applications such as LC-MS sample preparation, environmental residue analysis, clinical toxicology workflows, and pharmaceutical stability studies.

Key Features

• Stable water bath heating system with PID-controlled temperature regulation, delivering ±0.1 °C uniformity across all 24 positions within a range of ambient to 100 °C.
• Individually height-adjustable nitrogen delivery needles (standard length: 150 mm), each mounted on a dedicated gas channel with independent on/off toggle—minimizing cross-contamination and enabling precise positioning over varying tube geometries.
• Modular aluminum alloy sample holder with quick-release mechanism for seamless insertion and extraction of the entire 24-tube rack from the water bath chamber.
• Dual-function LED display showing real-time setpoint and actual bath temperature, plus countdown timer for timed evaporation protocols.
• Integrated overtemperature protection circuitry with automatic shutdown and audible alarm upon thermal fault detection—ensuring instrument longevity and operator safety.
• Front-panel gas flow control with 12-channel manifold (two per row of 12 positions), allowing selective activation of nitrogen flow to subsets of samples to conserve gas consumption during partial-load operation.
• Compact footprint design compatible with standard laboratory fume hoods; fully enclosed gas path routing minimizes nitrogen dispersion and supports safe handling of volatile or toxic solvents (e.g., chloroform, hexane, acetonitrile).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The DC-24W accommodates standard 16 mm outer-diameter test tubes—including borosilicate glass, polypropylene, and screw-cap vials—with optional custom bore adapters available for 10–25 mm diameters. Its open-bath architecture allows direct visual monitoring of sample volume reduction and accommodates tubes up to 150 mm in height. The device meets general electrical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1 and incorporates grounding continuity, double insulation, and thermal cutoff safeguards consistent with Class II laboratory equipment standards. While not certified for specific regulatory frameworks (e.g., FDA 21 CFR Part 11), its stable thermal performance, traceable temperature calibration capability, and manual audit trail (via timer log and physical parameter recording) support GLP-compliant documentation practices when integrated into validated SOPs.

Software & Data Management

The DC-24W operates as a standalone analog-digital hybrid instrument with no embedded microprocessor-based data logging or network connectivity. All operational parameters—including temperature setpoint, elapsed time, and gas activation status—are monitored and adjusted manually via front-panel controls. For laboratories requiring electronic record retention, external USB data loggers or PLC-integrated temperature acquisition modules can be interfaced using the unit’s analog output signal (0–5 V proportional to bath temperature). Users are advised to document run conditions manually or via LIMS integration for full traceability in regulated environments.

Applications

• Routine concentration of extracts prior to GC-MS, LC-MS/MS, or HPLC analysis in environmental testing (e.g., pesticide residues in soil/water per EPA Method 525.3).
• High-throughput sample cleanup in clinical chemistry labs—particularly for steroid hormone quantification (e.g., cortisol, testosterone) using derivatization-free protocols.
• Preparative isolation of active compounds during natural product screening, where oxygen-sensitive terpenoids or polyphenols require inert atmosphere preservation.
• Residual solvent removal from synthetic intermediates in API development, compliant with ICH Q3C guidelines for Class 2 and 3 solvents.
• Standardized evaporation in reference material preparation, where inter-batch consistency depends on tightly controlled thermal and mass-transfer conditions.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended operating temperature for aqueous versus organic solvent systems?
The water bath is rated for continuous operation up to 100 °C; however, for solvents with low boiling points (e.g., dichloromethane, acetone), users should maintain bath temperatures ≤40 °C to prevent violent bumping or splashing.
Can the DC-24W be used with corrosive gases such as hydrogen chloride or sulfur dioxide?
No. The system is engineered exclusively for use with dry, oil-free nitrogen or compressed air. Introduction of reactive or acidic gases will damage internal components and void warranty.
Is calibration certificate included with shipment?
A factory calibration report (traceable to NIST standards) is provided upon request at time of order; on-site verification using a calibrated PT100 probe is recommended prior to first use.
How often should the water bath fluid be replaced?
Distilled or deionized water should be changed weekly under continuous operation; biocide additives are not recommended due to potential interference with downstream analytical methods.
Does the unit support programmable ramp-and-hold temperature profiles?
No. The DC-24W features fixed-setpoint temperature control only; multi-stage thermal protocols require external programmable controllers or manual adjustment.