Genevac has announced the launch of the ROCKET 4D – a fully automated system for automatic drying or concentration of very large volumes (a few to 100 litres) in one operation with no user interaction. Simply load your sample, select a method, press start, and walk away – the system will do the rest.
Compact in size the ROCKET 4D allows you to dry or concentrate your samples with complete confidence as it uses proprietary vacuum technology to suppress solvent bumping and foaming – problems associated with sample loss when using large scale rotary evaporators.
Rocket 4D comes as standard with a single, 5 litre 316 stainless steel vessel for drying or concentrating product. This has detachable handles and is easily lifted into and out of the evaporator. Access to the dried or concentrated product in the vessel is very easy. Dried products can be scooped out, or where enhanced user protection is needed, re-dissolved while the vessel is still in the system. Liquid products can be easily drained via a drain port in the side of the rotor, using a dedicated pouring stand.
Users wishing to dry volumes larger than five litres require the ‘Autofeed’ option, which enables the Rocket 4D to draw in product from the user’s own external supply. The Rocket 4D controls product feed, drying and the discharge of condensed waste solvent without any external intervention. The autofeed system has an integrated rinse circuit which enables dried products to be automatically re-dissolved in a small volume of solvent at the end of the process. Alternatively, the same circuit can be used under manual control for solvent exchange, by selecting a different solvent for re-dissolve.
Cleaning the Rocket 4D between cycles is also very straightforward. The PTFE feed tubing is easily detached for cleaning or replacement and the vessel can be readily cleaned, wiped, inspected and even put in a dishwasher. It’s all so easy compared with handling large glass evaporator flasks!
The ROCKET 4D also includes powerful cold traps that maximise solvent recovery protecting the environment and improving drying of samples.