TurboVap (User Manual)

Importance of the Topic

The efficient and reproducible removal of solvents is a fundamental step in many analytical and preparative workflows in pharmaceutical, environmental and chemical research. Automated solvent evaporation systems reduce manual handling, minimize sample loss and cross-contamination, and support high throughput operation under controlled thermal and pneumatic conditions.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document describes the TurboVap® solvent evaporation system, outlining its four configurable instrument versions (LV, II, EH, P+), a range of sample racks and manifold designs, and the operational modes supporting manual, timed, end-point, gradient, and combined evaporation protocols. The manual aims to guide users through system setup, optimization of evaporation conditions, method definition, routine operation, maintenance and troubleshooting.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

Instrumentation:

• TurboVap® LV, II, EH, P+ configurations with interchangeable manifolds and racks
• Heated water bath (ambient to 90 °C, 60 °C limit with end-point sensors)
• Gas vortex shearing nozzles delivering individual flow control to each tube
• End-point optical sensors for automated liquid-level detection down to 0.2/0.7 mL
• Touch-screen control interface with sleep/wake programming and audible/visual alarms
• Exhaust ventilation port compatible with fume-hood or dedicated extraction

Key Method Development Steps:

• Select water bath temperature below solvent boiling point, optimizing recovery versus evaporation rate
• Adjust gas flow to generate a stable vortex shear without splashing; convert legacy pressure-based settings to L/min per nozzle
• Choose evaporation mode: manual, timed, end-point, end-point plus time, or gradient (step/ramp); define up to three gradient segments
• Calibrate water-bath temperature sensor at two points across typical operating range
• Configure manifold and rack setup in software, plug unused nozzles, adjust nozzle positions relative to tube geometry

Main Results and Discussion

TurboVap delivers rapid and uniform solvent removal across a variety of tube formats (mini vials, 50 mL and 200 mL conical tubes, Extrahera racks, 12–16 mm OD tubes). The vortex shearing action ensures homogeneous sample mixing and continuous wall rinsing, significantly enhancing analyte recovery compared to static heating. End-point sensors enable individual tube monitoring and automatic shutdown upon reaching target concentrate volume, eliminating over-drying risks. The automated gradient mode allows gentle initial evaporation followed by increased flow for speed, optimizing throughput and preserving labile analytes.

Benefits and Practical Application

• High throughput capacity: up to 48 samples in one run using LV or P+ configurations
• Automated end-point detection for precise concentration to <0.2 mL or <0.7 mL
• Flexible method programming: time-, gradient- and sensor-based protocols
• Enhanced sample integrity: controlled temperature bath reduces thermal degradation and hot spots
• Minimal cross-contamination via dedicated nozzle control and exhaust ventilation
• Reduced operator intervention through sleep/wake scheduling and audible/visual alarms

Future Trends and Applications

Emerging opportunities include integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for automated data logging, remote instrument control via networked interfaces, and the application of real-time mass spectrometric monitoring during evaporation. Development of green evaporation workflows incorporating non-flammable inert gases, further miniaturization for micro-scale sample volumes, and AI-driven optimization of evaporation profiles will expand utility in proteomics, metabolomics and other high-value analytical fields.

Conclusion

The TurboVap system offers a comprehensive, modular approach to solvent evaporation that addresses key requirements for speed, reproducibility and sample integrity in modern analytical laboratories. Its combination of controlled thermal management, gas-vortex shearing, end-point sensing and programmable methods empowers users to develop optimized evaporation protocols for a wide range of applications, driving efficiency and data quality.