Speeding your concentration, improving your drying

NEW

miVac Lyo

freeze drying option

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Introducingthe miVac

range

Contents Introduction 2

What is a centrifugal vacuum concentrator? 3

miVac Duo and Quattro Concentrators 4

Vacuum Pumps 5

SpeedTrap 6

Pressure Controller 7

DNA system 8

miVac makes the difference 9

Freeze Drying in the miVac 9

Performance improvement using miVac methods 9

Choosing your system 10

Sample holders 12

miVac accessories 12

Ordering information 12

miVac from Genevac is a range of centrifugalconcentrators capable of removing water and organicsolvents from a variety of sample formats includingtubes, microplates and vials. miVac can also be usedto freeze dry aqueous samples. There are threeconcentrators, three pumps and a novel refrigeratedtrap in the miVac range. miVac concentrators featurebuilt-in special methods for working with alcohols,water and water mixtures to improve performanceand optimise concentration times. The miVac PressureController helps to further optimise concentrationand provides the user with full control of theconcentration process. There are twosizes of system available; the largerQuattro concentrator and the smallerDuo. miVac systems are suitable for usewith a wide range of solvents, fromvolatile organic types through to waterand many medium boiling point solvents.There is a choice of medium orhigh vacuum pump and adedicated DNA systemwith built-in pump. Rotorsare chosen according tothe type of sample format

in use and can include both deep and shallow wellmicroplates, glass vials and tubes. Rotors are easilyinterchangeable. When using the high vacuum pump,samples may be freeze dried utilising the freezedrying accessory kit, either in theconcentratorrotor or pre-frozen flasks.

For a video demonstration, please visit www.Genevac.com/movie/miVac

The principle behind centrifugal vacuumconcentrators is very simple; as atmosphericpressure reduces, the boiling point of asolvent also reduces. When the pressure islow enough, the solvent will boil, enablingremoval of solvents at very lowtemperatures, depending upon solvents usedand the vacuum level applied. To prevent theevaporating sample boiling over or ejectingmaterial in an uncontrolled way, samples arespun in a centrifuge. The g-force generated issufficient to keep each sample in its owntube. When freeze drying water a very deepvacuum is used, boiling the sample below itsfreezing point.

What is acentrifugal

vacuumconcentrator?

Samples are placed in a rotor inside the vacuumchamber. The rotor is spun, the vacuum pumpswitched on, and if required, heat to speedconcentration is provided by electrical heaters inthe centrifuge wall. Solvent vapour boiling off thesamples is then pumped away by the vacuumpump. Unless a refrigerated condenser or cold trapis used, the flow rate of the vacuum pump limitsthe speed of concentration. A well designed coldtrap, such as the miVac SpeedTrap, is used torecover the waste solvent before the pump, whichfurther speeds the process by maintaining a goodvacuum in the system.

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miVac concentrators are extremely quiet when in useand typical results with water show that miVac systemsare up to 40% faster than comparable machines, dueto the very high displacement pumps. Performance can

be further enhanced through the use of themiVac SpeedTrap refrigerated condenser –

see page six for details. A large,clear acrylic lid allows you tomonitor the drying process andis specially treated with a novelcoating to resist the mostaggressive chemicals andsolvents.

These two precision-engineeredsystems allow you to safelyconcentrate your samples or

take them through to completedryness. The miVac Duo system has

been designed to accept a two-swing positionmicroplate holder or disc rotors for tubes and vials.

The miVac Quattro is abigger system

with a largercapacity bowl,enabling it touse a four-swing positionrotor andmuch highercapacity discrotors. In bothswing rotors,

each positionfor shallow well

microplates can acceptmultiple plates through the use of stackers, so that

a miVac Duo can hold six shallow plates.

In the larger miVac Quattro, up to twenty shallow-well microplates or eight deep-well plates can beused simultaneously, vastly increasing your throughputand slashing drying times.

With such a wide variety of available rotors, themiVac evaporators are suited to many different tasks.These include drying or concentration inmicrocentrifuge tubes, conical centrifuge or otherplastic tubes, glass vials and shallow or deep wellmicroplates. miVac concentrators can be used in awide range of application areas such as ADME /toxicology, polymer chemistry, DNA, RNA &peptides, oligosynthesis, forensics / drugs of abusetesting, food science and agrochemical research.

The compact size of the miVac concentrators savesvaluable bench space; even the busiest lab will haveroom for a miVac. Their simple, robust design willensure years of reliable service, even when usedintensively, such as in teaching or multi-userlaboratories. Intuitive controls allow inexperiencedusers to get first-class results first time with mostsamples, while allowing more sophisticatedprogramming for experienced workers.

The large display makes miVac very easy to use andcan show the actual temperature and elapsed time.Setting is simple, with just one ‘set and select’ knoband a minimum of keys. All status and programmeinformation is displayed alphanumerically on the largeLCD display, giving every user confidence in their runconditions and results.

miVac Duo andQuattro

Concentrators

Specifications Duo Quattro

Dimensions mm (in.) WxDxH 360x424x300 (14.2x16.7x11.8) 480x594x300 (18.9x23.4x11.8)

Max g-force 250 250

Vacuum connection 0.5 in. or 12.7 mm 0.5 in. or 12.7 mm

Weight 21 kg (46.3 lbs) 35 kg (77.2 lbs)

Temperature range Ambient, 30ºC - 80ºC Ambient, 30ºC - 80ºC

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There is a choice of three oil-free pumps tocomplement the miVac concentrators according toyour application. For most people, the high-displacement miVac Duo Pump will be quite sufficient

to give excellent results with either themiVac Duo or Quattro concentrator.This quiet and compact two-headdiaphragm pump will remove 38 l/min(2.3 m3 h) of solvent vapour and ishoused in a smart case to match theother miVac components. It is suitablefor removing solvents that boil below130ºC, including water, methanol, ethanoland their mixtures.

For more demanding applications, we recommendthe miVac Quattro Pump, as this four-head diaphragmpump can reach pressures of 2mbar or below, whichare needed for successful drying of medium boilingpoint solvents. Both pumps are controlledautomatically by the miVac evaporation chamber.

Exceptionally demanding uses will require a specialscroll-type vacuum pump, as used on larger Genevacsystems. This pump is capable of routinely removingsolvents at pressures down to 0.15 mbar and mustbe used if you wish to freeze dry samples.You shouldconsult your local sales person about the exact pumpconfiguration your application requires.

When using solvent mixtures and/or a wide range ofsolvents, a high vacuum pump and the miVacPressure Controller are recommended.

Vacuum Pumps

Specifications Duo Pump Quattro Pump Scroll Pump

Vacuum level (Maximum) 10 mbar <2 mbar 0.15 mbar

Flow rate 38 l/min (2.3 m3h) 33 l/min (2 m3h) 83 l/min (5 m3h)

Vacuum connection 0.5 in. or 12.7 mm 0.5 in. or 12.7 mm 0.5 in. or 12.7 mm

Outlet connection 3/8 in. or 9.5 mm 3/8 in. or 9.5 mm 3/8 in. or 9.5 mm

Dimensions mm (in.) WxDxH 215x394x300 (8.5x15.5x11.8) 215x394x300 (8.5x15.5x11.8) 249x427x288 (9.8x16.8x11.3)

Weight 13 kg (28.6 lbs) 18 kg (39.6 lbs) 23 kg (50.7 lbs)

Genevac scroll-typepumps are capableof routinelyremoving solventsat pressures downto 0.15 mbar.

The miVac SpeedTrap is a uniquely designed highpower cold trap used to condense solvent vapours.Cold traps can significantly improve the performanceof any vacuum concentration system. When a coldtrap condenses vapours back to liquid, there is acorresponding massive volume reduction helping topull a vacuum and speeding up the concentrationprocess considerably.

The miVac SpeedTrap is radicallydifferent. It is very small in size andrequires little bench space, beingonly 212 mm (8.3 in.) wide. TheSpeedTrap operates with the coldcondenser coils suspended in thevapour path, solvent vapourscondense directly on to the coilsand run off into the collection vesselbelow. There are many benefits ofthis method; it is highly efficient, withmore than twice the condensingpower of a similar system, the usercan quickly see the solvents in thetrap, and emptying the trap is easy.

The automatic defrost mode ensuresthat the user does not need to spend

time defrosting the system, even whenusing water. The collection vessel is removed

with a simple quarter turn, allowing safe disposalof the solvents.

The miVac SpeedTrap has three applications:

1. Automatic defrost – for collection ofsolvents liable to freezeIn automatic mode the system periodically defrosts fora few minutes without interrupting the concentrationprocess, ensuring that the coils are free from a buildup of ice. At the end of the process, the systemrequires no further defrosting.

SpeedTrap

Specifications

Minimum temperature -50°C

Cooling power 134 Watts

Refrigerant medium R404A

Glass vessel capacity 1 litre

Ice capacity when freeze drying 250ml

Vacuum connections 0.5 in. or 12.7 mm

Dimensions mm (in.) WxDxH 212x563x450 (8.3x22.2x17.7)

Weight 25 kg (55.1 lbs)

The SpeedTrap jar isextremely easy toremove and empty,requiring just a quarter-turn.

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2. Continuous chilling – for collection ofsolvents that do not freeze above -50°CSelect this mode for most organic solvents,ensuring the highest recovery of solvents. There isno need to defrost at the end of the process,switch off the system, or start another batch.

3. Freeze DryingContinuous chilling may also be use with water toenable up to 250ml of water to be freeze driedfrom the miVac concentrator, or from vials or flasks.During freeze drying, ice will accumulate on thecoils, therefore they must be defrosted afterwards.Switch the system into defrost mode to clear thisbuild up.

When selecting a cold trap, it is important to notethat condensing power is more important than lowtrap temperatures. Most traditional traps are verylarge and based on a stainless steel vessel withcooling coils attached to the outside. The vesselwalls are chilled to sub zero temperatures by a gascompressor system, similar to that used in arefrigerator. These older traps are inefficient, difficultto use, and if water is condensed it freezes – somust then be defrosted before the trap can beemptied. Some systems require the use of aninterchangeable glass flask and thermal transferfluid; however a flask covered in slippery, coldsilicone fluid at -40°C may become a dangerousliability when it needs to be emptied. Recentstudies performed on these older designs of coldtrap have shown that the actual temperature of theglass flask during concentration can be near to 0°C.

miVac SpeedTrap is supplied with a one litre glasscondensing vessel.

miVac modular concentrators are excellentlaboratory work horses! To enhance theirperformance further, a pressure display and controlleris recommended. A pressure controller is ideal forsystems which are to be used for many different

applications, e.g. concentration of organicsolvents and freeze drying.

The miVac pressure controller can beadded to any modular miVac system andallows the user full control over therunning pressure in the system. A vacuumramping mode is included so thatconcentration can be commenced gentlyand is used to help prevent bumping orspitting. For users who are uncertain of theappropriate pressures to choose, an

automatic mode can be used which controls thevacuum profile.

Correct use of pressure control with the miVacSpeedTrap will make concentration faster and willenable more solvents to be caught in the SpeedTrap,reducing volatile solvent emissions. Pressure controlenables the user to set the optimum boiling (andtherefore condensation) temperature for the solventwhich is being concentrated so that the cold trap cancondense it easily. It is not always true to say that acold trap with a very low temperature, say -104°C isbetter than a cold trap of -50°C – please ask for acopy of our paper comparing cold trap performance,or contact your local agent for a full explanation.

4 modes ofoperation:

Full vacuum

Control at oneset pressure

Programmable vacuum ramp followed by control at one set pressure

Automatic – sensing the optimum pressure

PressureController

The pressure controllerincludes a large, cleardisplay of currentpressure.

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Specifications

Voltage 90V - 250V

Frequency 50Hz - 60Hz

Display range 0 to 1100 mbar

Control 1mbar increments

Connections 3/8 in. or 9.5 mm

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2

3

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The miVac DNA integrated system is a centrifugalconcentrator capable of removing water and organicsolvents from a variety of sample formats includingtubes, microplates, and vials. It is designed specificallyfor working with nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) and

is supplied complete with everything the scientistrequires; built in high performance

vacuum pump, concentrationchamber with electro-magnetic drive for quiet,maintenance freeoperation, and a fixed anglealuminium rotor for 1.5 mlor 2 ml micro-centrifugetubes. Simply position thesystem on the bench,connect the power leadand exhaust tube and lookforward to faster, trouble

free concentration!

The miVac DNA system is very simple to use.Concentration time and temperature are readilymonitored on the large clear display. Parameterscan be easily set and selected using thefriendly dial. To improve performancethere are built-in special modes forworking with water andalcohols, which optimiseconcentration time. Concentrationusing the miVac DNA is faster than any other system

in its class, due to the high displacement vacuumpump. The clear acrylic lid allows you to monitorprogress and is specially treated with a novel coatingto resist the most aggressive chemicals and solvents.The miVac DNA system is everything you wouldexpect of a DNA concentrator, and more!

The miVac DNA is suitable for simple organicsolvents, e.g. methanol, ethanol, up to 100°C boilingpoint, and water in low sample numbers andvolumes. There is a range of possible rotors includingan option for microtitre plates. For a wider range ofsolvents and/or a larger range of sample formats,select miVac Duo or Quattro concentrator withmiVac SpeedTrap, Pressure Controller and pump.

DNA system

Specifications

Dimensions mm (in.) WxDxH 360x597x300 (14.2x23.5x11.8)

Max g-force 250

Pump details See Duo Pump on page 5

Weight 34 kg (75 lbs)

Temperature range Ambient, 30ºC - 80ºC

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miVac systems have many features to makeconcentration faster and safer. Taken together, thesemake miVac a very powerful concentration system.

● Concentration methods – speed up concentration of water and alcohols

● JetRotors – further speed concentration● miVac SpeedTrap – reduces solvent emissions and

speeds concentration● miVac Pressure Controller – enhances the

performance of the SpeedTrap and allows optimisation of concentration parameters for a wide range of solvents

● Freeze drying option for aqueous samples

Concentration methods are available on everyconcentrator and provide three options for control;full vacuum, a method for water and a method foralcohols. In a concentrator, the heat source is thechamber, as the heat is needed at the rotor, wherethe solvents are. Between these two there is avacuum, across which heat does not travel well. Toimprove the concentration speed, the methods allowsome air to enter the chamber at set intervals, the airacting as a heat transfer medium. Use of thesemethods makes a significant difference inconcentration speed, as the chart opposite shows.

JetRotors help to conduct the heat to the samples.Using a solid aluminium holder is the most efficientmethod for optimal heat transfer. The miVacSpeedTrap condenses the solvent vapours,returning them to the liquid state. The volumereduction of condensation helps to pull a vacuum,and prevents solvents being taken through the pump.If no cold trap is present, the pump must pump awayall the solvent vapours, which is a time consumingprocess.

The miVac Pressure Controller helps the userto optimise concentration conditions for everysolvent or solvent mixture that they are processing.Choosing the correct pressure setting for eachsolvent will further enhance recovery in the cold trapand help to keep concentration times as short aspossible.

miVac makesthe difference

Freeze Dryingwith a

SpeedTrap

Please noteThe miVac Duo pump and

Quattro pump are notsuitable for freeze drying.

The new miVac SpeedTrap has a continuous chillmode, which can be used to freeze dry up to 250mlof water or other suitable solvent, such as, 1,4-dioxane. Samples to be dried may be placed in asuitable rotor in the miVac concentrator, and dried atfull vacuum using the miVac scroll pump. The lowvacuum level boils the samples at below their freezingpoint, therefore, they freeze and the ice then sublimes

away, leaving a dry powder.

Alternatively, the miVac SpeedTrap maybe used as a stand alone freeze drier

when connected to the scroll pump.A range of accessories has been designed to

allow the SpeedTrap to directly accept pre-frozen samples in either flasks or vials.

Simply attach the freeze drying accessory jar in placeof the regular SpeedTrap collection vessel, and attachthe freeze drying valves. Flasks can be attached to thevalves, or vials may be placed directly in the accessoryjar, using the holders provided.

The freeze drying accessory kit comprises: freezedrying jar, 3 freeze drying valves, 3 vial holders andhandle, and a vacuum isolation valve. The vacuumvalve can be used to seal off the SpeedTrap from theconcentrator should you wish to configure yoursystem as a freeze drier and a concentrator. In suchsituations we recommend using the miVac pressurecontroller to allow selection of optimal vacuum levelsfor each process.

Performance improvement using miVacH2O method

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Choosing yoursystem

Choose yourconcentrator

Choose your pump

Choose yourcondenser and traps

Choose your rotor

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miVac pressure controllerIf you have a solvent mixture or a wide range of solvents the miVacPressure Controller will enableyou to select the optimumparameters for each solvent andfor mixtures.

miVac SpeedTrapThis will provide solventrecovery, speeding upconcentration and helpingprotect you and theenvironment. The new miVacSpeedTrap has a continuouschill mode, which can beused to freeze dry up to250ml of water, or othersuitable solvent. It can alsofunction as a stand alonefreeze drier when connectedto a scroll pump, using themiVac Lyo range ofaccessories.

miVac connection kitThe connection kit is required when choosing a modular concentrator

For small numbers of small samples containing simple alcohols and/or water the miVac DNA isrecommended. For larger numbers of samples and larger tube sizes the miVac modularconcentrators are recommended. Please consult our JetRotors brochure, available viawww.miVac.co.uk for up to date information on theavailable rotors.

If you have arange of solvents,you should choosethe highestspecification pumpbased on thehighest boilingpoint solvent.

miVac Quattro concentrator

miVac Duo pump Genevac scroll pump

miVac Quattro pump

miVac Duo concentrator

miVac DNA concentrator

Ammonia & acid trapThe trap can take either an acidor ammonia neutralising solution tohelp prevent emissions of noxiousvapours.

Genevac Ltd Farthing Road Ipswich UK IP1 5APTel +44 (0)1473 240000 Fax +44 (0)1473 742987

Genevac Inc. 815 Route 208 Gardiner NY 12525 USATel 1 (845) 267 2211 Fax 1 (845) 267 2212

www.miVac.co.ukGenevac is a brand of SP Industries Inc. Genevac technology is protected by patents and patent applications in the UK, USA and worldwide. Genevac has a continuous development program aimed at further improving its products and all specifications are,

therefore, subject to change. Genevac is a registered trade mark of Genevac Ltd. E&OE. All trade marks acknowledged.miVac Modular Concentrators rev E 10-1613. © 2011 Genevac Ltd, Genevac Inc. & SP Industries Inc.

Orderinginformation

Using the chart on page eleven, simply select theconcentration system components you require, notforgetting connection kit, accessories, and rotors. ThemiVac DNA system is supplied with a rotor whichaccepts 48 1.5ml or 2ml microcentrifuge tubes. Pleasenote miVac system part numbers vary by voltage andcountry and are therefore not shown here.

A full list is available from your local distributor.Information on the connection kit and accessories isfound on page nine. Genevac also manufactures anextensive range of high performance evaporatorssuitable for chemistry and high throughputapplications, for details visit www.Genevac.com.

A range of optional accessories is available for themiVac series.

All Duo or Quattro concentrators will need themiVac connection kit. Thiscontains all that is needed toturn the separate units of themiVac series into a fullyintegrated system. It includes

vacuum tubing, a tubecutter, catch pot, andpump control lead.

When working with chemicals that may be harmful,such as acids or ammonia, a range of vapourneutralising traps is recommended. A vapour washbottle with either acid or ammonia neutralisingsolution is available for use with these chemicals.Solutions change colour when exhausted, indicatingwhen they need to be changed. For neutralisingradioactive vapours an activated carbon trap isavailable. Traps are fitted after the pump and beforethe vapour is discharged to atmosphere or fumeextraction system. For details of freeze dryingaccessories see page 9.

miVacaccessories

MCK-00000-Y00 miVac connection kitVAP-TRAP0-100 Trap for neutralising acid or ammonia vapours,

requires neutralising solutionsNH3-REF00-100 Ammonia neutralising solution 4 x 500 mlACD-REF00-100 Acid neutralising solution 4 x 500 mlFDA-IMP00-000 Freeze drying accessory kitFDA-FL150-000 150ml freeze drying flaskFDA-FL300-000 300ml freeze drying flaskFDA-FL600-000 600ml freeze drying flask

miVac connection kit.

Sample Holders miVac are the only concentrators of their class to besupplied with rotors made from solid aluminium. The‘JetRotors’ range provides very high performanceconcentration compared to rotors made from plastic,or of an open construction. Speed increasescompared with polypropylene types range between40% and 200%, depending on sample format,providing a significant advantage when working withstubborn solvents, such as water. The precision solidaluminium rotors efficiently conduct the heat energyneeded for concentration to the samples, whereasin an open or plastic rotor the samples areeffectively insulated by the plastic and/or thevacuum in the chamber.

Rotors are available for all common tubes, vials,microtitre plates, centrifuge tubes and microcentrifugetubes. A full list of available rotors and capacities canbe found on the miVac website. A custom rotorservice is available to ensure that you gain best use ofyour system. If you are unsure of the rotor or systemyou require, or need further information, pleasecontact your local agent for assistance, or visitwww.miVac.co.uk for details.

JETROTORS