RapidVap Vertex Evaporator Users Manual

RapidVap Vertex Evaporator (Models 73200 Series) — Technical and Operational Summary

Significance of the topic

The RapidVap Vertex evaporator addresses a common laboratory need: fast, reproducible concentration of multiple liquid samples in parallel. Controlled, simultaneous evaporation with a combination of elevated surface area, applied heat and directed dry-gas flow increases throughput for sample preparation in analytical, QA/QC and research laboratories. The system is particularly relevant where reproducible solvent removal, minimized cross-contamination and flexible sample formats are required.

Objectives and overview of the device and manual

This document summarizes the design, operating principles, installation prerequisites, typical performance and maintenance of the Labconco RapidVap Vertex (73200 series). The instrument blends three effects—angled vial placement to increase surface area, precision block heating and a downward stream of dry gas (usually nitrogen)—to accelerate evaporation while preserving sample integrity. The onboard microprocessor controls heating and run programs for reproducible protocols. Models are available for 115 V and various 230 V configurations.

Used instrumentation (components and key specifications)

• Heater and thermal control: 900 W heater with microprocessor PID control; block temperature programmable up to 100 °C (heater element may reach ~135 °C); thermal fuse at 152 °C for over‑temperature protection.
• Temperature sensing: upper and lower tubular sensors; a distinct 0.21" temperature sensor port in the block for direct sample measurement.
• Nitrogen/dry gas system: rear 1/4" I.D. supply port; five row-specific control valves (each row = 10 nozzles); pressure regulator with digital readout. Manufacturer requires supply not to exceed 80 psi and recommends a supply capable of ~6.5 CFM. Typical measured flows: ~1 SCFM per active 10-nozzle row at ~24 psi; ~4.5–5.0 SCFM for all 50 nozzles at 20–24 psi (see Appendix C values).
• Gas distribution manifold and nozzle array: 50 nozzles arranged in 5 horizontal rows to direct gas over vial surfaces.
• Sample blocks: interchangeable blocks for a range of tube diameters/lengths (e.g., 10, 12, 13, 16, 17, 20, 28 mm options); blocks slide into chamber guides and must be seated with sensor port alignment.
• Exhaust: 2" diameter exhaust port and hose supplied; venting into a fume hood or lab ventilation is required when hazardous/flammable solvents are used.
• Controls and user interface: touchscreen LCD with programmable run profiles (up to 10 programs), pre-heat, run/pause/stop and program/time/temperature editing.
• Electrical: single-phase models — 115 V model nominal current 8 A; 230 V models nominal current 4 A; frequency 50/60 Hz. Plugs supplied per region; dedicated circuit recommended (15 A circuit breaker for 115 V models, 8 A for 230 V models).
• Blower and other mechanicals: blower/impeller and housing assist exhaust circulation; many internal components fabricated from stainless steel, aluminum and polymer parts—chemical compatibility varies by material.

Main methodology and operating guidance

• Operating principle: increase evaporation by enlarging liquid surface area (angled vials), apply regulated heat to the sample block and sweep the liquid surface with dry gas to lower vapor partial pressure and remove evaporated solvent.
• Preparation and installation: level sturdy bench or placement within a fume hood for flammable/hazardous solvents; connect regulated nitrogen supply and exhaust; ensure dedicated electrical supply and proper grounding.
• Setting gas and heat balance: open only the nozzle rows required for occupied sample positions to minimize gas use; set regulator pressure with the unit in RUN and intended rows open; higher pressure increases evaporation but risks splashing—perform trial runs without analyte to optimize settings for tube format and solvent.
• Programming and runs: touchscreen allows selection of program number, set temperature and time; pre-heat function available; pressing Run opens main gas valve and starts the timer; Pause stops gas and pauses timer while leaving heater on; Stop halts run entirely.
• Safety limits: do not exceed 80 psi supply pressure to the instrument; do not evaporate solvents with autoignition temperatures below 180 °C or solvents classified as NEC Groups A–C; device is not explosion‑proof and should be used with good laboratory practice and appropriate PPE.

Key performance summary and discussion (evaporation behavior and rates)

• Evaporation performance depends strongly on solvent volatility, set block temperature and nitrogen flow. Manufacturer data (representative examples):
• Methanol (2 mL in 12 × 75 mm tubes): time-to-dry ranges roughly from <19 min at 35 °C and moderate pressure down to <8 min at 80 °C (10-sample rows).
• Acetonitrile, toluene, ethyl acetate and hexane show analogous temperature- and flow-dependent reductions in drying time; dichloromethane dries rapidly (single-digit minutes under typical settings).
• Water and high-boiling or strongly bound solvents require substantially longer times (tens to >100 minutes at lower temperatures).
• Example throughput: instrument is optimized for parallel batches (commonly 10–50 samples per run depending on block); typical nitrogen consumption is ~1 SCFM per active 10-nozzle row at ~24 psi, scaling to ~4.5–5.0 SCFM with all 50 nozzles active (manufacturer recommends ensuring supply capability before full-population runs).
• Operational caveats: samples can splash at excessive gas pressure or improper block/tube fit; direct sample temperature measurement via probe in a representative vial is recommended when precision endpoint control is required.

Maintenance and troubleshooting highlights

• Routine maintenance: clean spills immediately after runs; wipe lid and viewing window with mild detergent; clean blocks regularly; inspect and replace rubber hoses/gaskets as needed.
• Monthly checks: verify integrity of rubber components and fittings; clean exterior and window; ensure nozzles are not clogged—clear with fine wire if needed.
• Troubleshooting: common issues include no gas flow (check supply and regulator), reduced evaporation rate (check gas supply, heater operation, clogged nozzles or sample positioning), continuous gas flow (valve or control fault), and electrical faults (check dedicated circuit and breakers).

Practical benefits and typical uses

• High-throughput sample concentration across a broad range of analytical applications—preparing samples for LC, GC, MS and other analyses.
• Reproducible, programmable runs improve inter-sample consistency and method transfer between analysts and labs.
• Interchangeable blocks allow flexible accommodation of tube sizes and volumes.
• Relatively fast evaporation for volatile solvents while maintaining gentle handling of analytes via controlled heating and directed dry-gas flow.

Safety and chemical compatibility considerations

• Not explosion-proof; vent flammable or hazardous vapors into a fume hood; follow NEC and local regulations for solvent classes.
• Some internal materials (nylon, certain polymers, aluminum, steel coatings) are susceptible to attack by aggressive solvents, strong acids/bases or halogenated reagents; manufacturer provides a compatibility overview—clean thoroughly after runs with aggressive reagents.
• Always confirm solvent autoignition and classification before use; heater elements can exceed set block temperature and thermal protection relies on fuse limits.

Future trends and potential enhancements

• Integration with laboratory information systems for digital run logging, protocol versioning and audit trails.
• Improved gas-efficiency designs or gas-recovery/condensation accessories to reduce consumables and solvent emissions.
• Automation-friendly modifications such as robotic-compatible lids, automated block exchange for continuous processing, or coordinated sample tracking.
• Advanced in-line sensing (real-time mass loss, headspace monitoring) to detect true endpoints and reduce over-drying or analyte loss.
• Materials and coatings with broader chemical resistance to expand solvent compatibility and reduce maintenance.

Conclusion

The RapidVap Vertex is a purpose-built parallel evaporator that delivers rapid, reproducible solvent removal by combining optimized sample geometry, controlled heating and directed dry-gas flow. Proper installation (electrical, nitrogen and exhaust), careful balancing of heat and gas flow, correct block selection and routine maintenance are key to achieving the instrument’s performance. Its programmable control and interchangeable blocks offer flexibility across many lab workflows while safety precautions (venting, solvent selection, pressure limits) must be observed to prevent hazards and protect instrument longevity.

Reference

• Labconco Corporation. RapidVap Vertex Evaporator User Manual, Models 73200 Series. Part #7324400, Rev. C, 2017.