Fully automated open access platform for rapid, combined serial evaporation and sample reformatting.
This paper reports a novel evaporator and its integration with an automated sample handling system to create a high throughput evaporation platform. The Vaportec V-10 evaporator uses a high speed rotation motor ( approximately 6000 rpm) to spin the vial containing a sample, creating a thin film of solvent which can be readily evaporated by the application of heat to the vial, while the consequent centrifugal force prevents "bumping". An intelligent algorithm controls pressure and temperature for optimum solvent removal conditions and end of run detection, critical for automation. The system allows the option of evaporation directly from a sample source vial, or alternatively, integrated liquid handling facilities provide the capability of transferring samples portionwise from a (large) source vial or bottle to a (small) daughter container, enabling efficient sample reformatting, with minimum user intervention. The open access system makes significant advances over current vacuum centrifugal evaporators in terms of evaporation rate and ease of automation. The evaporator's main features, the integration of robotics to provide automation, and examples of evaporation rates of a wide range of solvents from a variety of containers are described.
Benali
Otman
O
GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals, Technology Development, New Frontiers Science Park (North), Third Avenue, Harlow, Essex, CM19 5AW, UK. otman.benali@uniqsis.com
Davies
Gary
G
Deal
Martyn
M
Farrant
Elizabeth
E
Guthrie
Duncan
D
Holden
John
J
Wheeler
Rob
R
D001331:Automation; D020650:Combinatorial Chemistry Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D012984:Software; D013997:Time Factors; D014835:Volatilization