Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided relating to evaporation of solvents from samples and to prolonging the time taken to carry out an evaporation procedure. A cap for engaging with an open end of a sample container comprises an engaging surface for engaging with the open end, and a body portion which extends over the open end. The body portion is preformed to define an opening which provides a fluid pathway between the open end of the container and the surroundings of the container, such that the cap impedes vapor flow from a sample in the container to the surroundings of the container. A holder for receiving a plurality of such caps is also provided and a method of evaporating a solvent from a sample in a sample container is described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided relating to evaporation of solvents from samples and to prolonging the time taken to carry out an evaporation procedure. A cap for engaging with an open end of a sample container comprises an engaging surface for engaging with the open end, and a body portion which extends over the open end. The body portion is preformed to define an opening which provides a fluid pathway between the open end of the container and the surroundings of the container, such that the cap impedes vapour flow from a sample in the container to the surroundings of the container. A holder for receiving a plurality of such caps is also provided and a method of evaporating a solvent from a sample in a sample container is described.

Abstract: An evaporator is provided for evaporation of liquid from a solution or liquid mixtures, together with methods of operation of the evaporator. The evaporator comprises a chamber (1); a liquid reservoir (3) for holding a heat transfer liquid exposed to the interior of the chamber; a support (6) for supporting a container (8) in the chamber, such that the liquid sample in the container is exposed to a fluid path (15) for connection to a condenser (16), the fluid path being separated from the chamber interior, and at least a portion of the container is closely thermally coupled to the chamber interior; and means (4) for heating the heat transfer liquid in the reservoir to create heat transfer liquid vapor, which in use condenses and releases latent heat of vaporization to the liquid sample in the container. As the temperature of the sample is dependent on the saturated vapor temperature of the liquid in the reservoir, the temperature of the samples is reliably limited, thereby avoiding overheating.

Abstract: An evaporator is provided for evaporation of liquid from a solution or liquid mixtures, together with methods of operation of the evaporator. The evaporator comprises a chamber (1); a liquid reservoir (3) for holding a heat transfer liquid exposed to the interior of the chamber; a support (6) for supporting a container (8) in the chamber, such that the liquid sample in the container is exposed to a fluid path (15) for connection to a condenser (16), the fluid path being separated from the chamber interior, and at least a portion of the container is closely thermally coupled to the chamber interior; and means (4) for heating the heat transfer liquid in the reservoir to create heat transfer liquid vapour, which in use condenses and releases latent heat of vaporisation to the liquid sample in the container. As the temperature of the sample is dependent on the saturated vapour temperature of the liquid in the reservoir, the temperature of the samples is reliably limited, thereby avoiding overheating.