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: A centrifugal evaporator is described having internally of a chamber a source of IR radiation which directs energy towards a sample support platform on which a microtitre plate is mounted in use, for rotation within the chamber. The wells of the microtitre plate will normally contain liquid samples which are to be evaporated whilst subjected to heat from the IR source and centrifugal force from the rotation of the platform. The swing characteristic of the latter allows the plate to be mounted and demounted with the plate generally horizontal, but as the support platform is rotated, it swings up through approximately 90° so that the wells are now substantially horizontal and the plate is now substantially vertical, so that centrifugal force pins the liquid at the bottom of the wells.

Abstract: A centrifugal evaporator is described having internally of a chamber a source of IR radiation which directs energy towards a sample support platform on which a microtitre plate is mounted in use, for rotation within the chamber. The wells of the microtitre plate will normally contain liquid samples which are to be evaporated whilst subjected to heat from the IR source and centrifugal force from the rotation of the platform. The swing characteristic of the latter allows the plate to be mounted and demounted with the plate generally horizontal, but as the support platform is rotated, it swings up through approximately 90° so that the wells are now substantially horizontal and the plate is now substantially vertical, so that centrifugal force pins the liquid at the bottom of the wells.

Abstract: A method of controlling a centrifugal evaporator in which materials in solution are to be evaporated by rotation in an evacuated evaporation chamber. The method prevents bumping and therefore cross contamination as between one solvent and another in the chamber. Thus prior to centrifuging and reducing the chamber pressure, temperature within the chamber is sensed and a first warning signal is generated if the sensed temperature is greater than a stored temperature value associated with the most volatile solvent component present in the chamber. The first warning signal provides a warning to an operator, and typically inhibits operation of the evaporator. Cooling of the chamber can follow a first warning signal. Data entry means is provided for entering data identifying the solvents in use, and a computer is programmed to compare the entered data with data in a look-up table defining the safe temperatures for different solvents, to identify the safe temperature at which evacuation can begin.