Revolutionary solvent evaporation complete laboratory workflow - Thermo Scientific Rocket Synergy Evaporator

Significance of the Topic

Sample preparation, particularly solvent evaporation, is central to analytical workflows and accounts for a majority of errors and time consumption in chromatographic analysis. Automating and optimizing this step improves laboratory efficiency, reproducibility, and data quality.

Objectives and Overview

This article presents a complete laboratory workflow combining the Thermo Scientific Rocket Synergy Evaporator with the Dionex ASE system and In-Cell Cleanup to streamline extraction, cleanup, and evaporation. The goal is to minimize manual intervention, reduce total processing time, and maintain high analyte recovery and reproducibility.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Rocket Synergy Evaporator features automated end-point detection, bumping protection, precise temperature control via low-pressure steam, and an integrated cold trap for solvent recovery
• Dionex ASE 350 Accelerated Solvent Extractor with In-Cell Cleanup for rapid, high-pressure extraction and inline cleanup
• Sample formats supported: up to 18 ASE vials, 6 × 450 mL flasks, GC autosampler vials, scintillation and dram vials
• Software control via USB upload/download of methods and real-time strobe viewing for each rotor position

Key Findings and Discussion

• Workflow time reduced from over 60 hours (traditional extraction, cleanup, evaporation) to approximately 5–6 hours per batch of 18 samples
• Rocket Evaporator delivers analyte recoveries of 80–99% for common solvents and PAHs, outperforming nitrogen blowdown
• Reproducibility improved with relative standard deviations of 1–2% vs. 3–11% for manual techniques
• True walk-away operation eliminates cross-contamination and sample bumping, while the built-in cold trap condenses and recycles solvents for eco-friendly disposal

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Minimizes hands-on time and frees analysts for other tasks
• Supports high-volume sample throughput for environmental, food, and pharmaceutical testing
• Enhances data quality through precise end-point detection and temperature regulation
• Offers flexibility across a range of solvents and sample formats without manual transfers

Future Trends and Opportunities

Continued integration of sample preparation with advanced chromatography and mass spectrometry platforms, expansion of remote monitoring and data connectivity, and further development of green technologies to reduce solvent waste and energy consumption.

Conclusion

The combination of the Rocket Synergy Evaporator with the Dionex ASE system and In-Cell Cleanup constitutes a revolutionary, fully automated sample preparation workflow. It markedly reduces processing time, improves recovery and reproducibility, and aligns with modern demands for high-throughput, eco-friendly analytical laboratories.