Abstract: This invention is a device for increasing the rate of evaporation from tubes, usually test tubes, by the introduction of a partial vacuum or by using a stream of gas through needles which extend into the tubes. This invention is an improvement on U.S. Pat. No. 4,003,713. The improvement is to divide the device into two separate units which may either be used together or independently of each other. This allows the operator to run two different samples at one time or he may run one smaller sample without waste resulting from unused needles. Furthermore, the improvement provides for variations in the height of the needles above the substance to be evaporated. This increases the speed and efficiency of the evaporation. Finally the improvement allows the operator to use the device as a drying rack for small glassware.

Abstract: An apparatus for effecting evaporation of the contents of a multitude of containers, such as test tubes, including a rack and a manifold having multiple paths of open communication with a plurality of containers positioned within the rack, through which evaporation of the contents of the containers by vacuum or positive gas flow is achieved.