TurboVap (Installation and Safety)

Significance of the Topic

Efficient solvent evaporation is a critical step in analytical chemistry workflows, impacting sample preparation, throughput, and safety. The TurboVap series from Biotage addresses these needs by combining controlled heating, inert gas circulation, and exhaust management to accelerate solvent removal while minimizing operator exposure to vapors.

Study Objectives and Overview

This application note presents the installation, site requirements, operational principles, and safety considerations for four TurboVap models (LV, II, EH, P+) designed for laboratories performing routine evaporation tasks. It aims to guide users through proper setup, configuration, and use to ensure performance and compliance with regional regulations.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The TurboVap systems integrate a heated water bath, adjustable gas-nozzle manifold, and built-in touchscreen control. Key steps include:

• Site preparation: bench or fume hood with ≥1 m³/min exhaust capacity, stable power and gas supplies.
• Unpacking and mechanical installation: weight handling, exhaust hose connection, and voltage selection.
• Water bath filling: deionized water to MIN level (~4.5 L) without exceeding cover clearance.
• Manifold adjustment: nozzle height set by engraved scales to accommodate various tube racks and generate optimal vortex shear.
• Gas and exhaust hookups: inert gas supply (4–9 bar) via 6 mm tubing; 3.8 m exhaust hose to ventilation.
• Software and electrical setup: fuse installation, grounding, and touchscreen initialization.

Main Results and Discussion

Correct installation ensures stable bath temperature (ambient–90 °C ±2 °C), accurate gas flow per nozzle (up to 7 L/min each), and consistent evaporative performance across rack formats. The interchangeable manifolds support 6 to 48 positions, with optional end-point sensors for automated shutdown. Technical specifications cover resistance to common solvents and mild acids, electrical safety (CE, CB, NRTL), and ergonomic design for maintenance.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The TurboVap series offers:

• Rapid, uniform evaporation for organic solvents, alcohols, and water-based samples.
• Flexible rack compatibility for vials, tubes, and dual-rack sample/collection workflows.
• Safety features: sealed exhaust, temperature limits, and inert gas environment to reduce fire and exposure risks.
• Modular manifold design enabling quick reconfiguration for different sample formats.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advancements may include enhanced automation through integrated end-point sensing, improved software controls for remote monitoring, and expanded solvent compatibility via novel materials. Coupling TurboVap systems with high-throughput liquid handlers and AI-driven process optimization could further streamline sample preparation in pharmaceutical, environmental, and food laboratories.

Conclusion

Proper installation and operation of TurboVap LV, II, EH, and P+ systems are essential to achieve safe, efficient, and reproducible solvent evaporation. Adherence to site, electrical, and safety requirements preserves instrument longevity and laboratory compliance while delivering significant time savings in sample processing.

Instrumentation Used

The TurboVap portfolio includes:

• TurboVap LV: 48-nozzle gas manifold for tubes or mini vials; multi-position racks with height adjustment.
• TurboVap II: 6-nozzle manifold with optional end-point sensors for 50–200 mL tubes.
• TurboVap EH: Dual 24-nozzle configuration for Extrahera sample/collection racks.
• TurboVap P+: 48-nozzle manifold compatible with 12–13 mm or 16 mm tubes.