Concentration of Food & Beverage Samples Containing Volatile Analytes

16 Nov 2015
Lois Manton-O'Byrne, PhD
Executive Editor

Product news

Evaporator systems from Genevac are proven to safely prepare samples containing volatile analytes a wide array of food and beverage applications ranging from testing constituents of beverages and gluten levels in Whisky, to pesticide analysis of fruit and vegetables as well as determining vitamin levels in cereals.

Quality and safety testing of food and beverages is an area of considerable importance where accurate analytical results are critical. In common with many other applications, careful sample preparation is critical, especially when the analyte of interest is volatile.

Concentration technology in Genevac systems has been developed with leading analytical laboratories worldwide. This, with key technologies like DriPure, ensures that samples are concentrated safely and rapidly. Many leading food and beverage laboratories have standardized on the Genevac EZ-2 and Rocket evaporators, often in conjunction with Samplegenie™ technology, because this delivers automation of sample transfer and gives unparalleled sample recovery and inter-test reproducibility with very low standard deviations. Samplegenie™ is a great aid to concentration because samples can be concentrated directly into the analysis vial. The system detects when the solvent level enters the vial and, once validated, the method will then concentrate the sample to the required level. If a precise volume is required in the vial, then the sample can be over concentrated and then made up to the desired level with pure solvent.

Sample Genie

Genevac

SampleGenie technology, in conjunction with Genevac Rocket Synergy, HT and EZ-2 series evaporators, enables large sample volumes to be dried directly into vials, eliminating a number of time-consuming sample handling steps and the attendant risk of errors. Traditionally protocols for concentration of chromatographic fractions has involved drying multiple fractions in an evaporator, re-suspending and pooling fractions into a single vial and then re-drying before storage and analysis. Even with modern centrifugal evaporators such processes typically take 2-3 days to complete. Using SampleGenie pooled fractions can be dried directly into the final submission vial, reducing the process time by up to 66%.  Available for starting volumes of up to 60ml, 125ml and 250ml, SampleGenie is compatible with a wide range of HPLC, GC and storage vial sizes.

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Rocket Synergy Evaporator

Genevac

Rocket Evaporators use patented vacuum technology to evaporate solutions to dryness, or a concentrate, rapidly and safely. The latest Synergy series offers integrated, flexible solutions for processing a wide range of sample volumes. Interchangeable rotors will accommodate tubes, flasks and batch volumes of up to 100L. Rocket Synergy is designed primarily to quickly process larger volumes of solvent in parallel and without supervision. The Rocket Synergy Evaporator will accommodate six flasks, each containing up to 450ml of solvent, as well a variety of innovative Genevac sample holders such as the SampleGenie. The removable rotor may also be replaced with a 5L 316 stainless steel vessel for batch processing. Now you don't need to choose between flask or batch/feed evaporation. The Rocket and Rocket 4D Synergy evaporators will accommodate your process, whatever the volume. Each is capable of replacing several rotary evaporators and saving valuable bench space.

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EZ-2 Series

Genevac

Using the most advanced proven technology in evaporation science, the third generation of the EZ-2 Series has been designed specifically for solvent removal in life science research; be that concentration of samples or complete drying.  The innovative design of the EZ-2 Series presents many advantages for working in parallel within synthesis chemistry, analytical sample preparation and for general-purpose solvent removal needs in life science laboratories. At the heart of the evaporator is a solvent resistant, oil-free vacuum pump, and the high efficiency, defrost-free, SpeedTrap™, which traps all solvents as liquids, even water. Solvents collect in the insulated, plastic coated glass vessel, enabling the user to see the progress of evaporation and determine when the trap should be emptied. The EZ-2 Elite has a special auto-draining collection vessel fitted to the SpeedTrap, which uses the very powerful Scroll pump. The Elite can therefore evaporate the highest boiling solvents such as DMSO and perform the Genevac LyoSpeed fast lyophilisation method for HPLC fractions. There is a low-cost option available on the Standard, Plus and Elite that allows the routine use of hydrochloric acid and aggressive solvents. By building key elements in Hastelloy®, glass or PTFE, full protection against acid chlorides is achieved. New to the HCl Resistance option is the ability to evaporate concentrated nitric acid. This option must be specified when ordering, as it cannot be retrofitted. All EZ-2 models are resistant to routine use of high concentrations of TFA as standard. An additional option is available to allow safe operation for those wishing to use highly explosive solvents, such as pentane or diethyl ether - the inert gas purge system. This system can also be used to preserve oxygen or moisture sensitive samples under an inert gas blanket until the user returns to the evaporator. The EZ-2 Series can also accommodate a wide selection of sample holders, including round-bottom flasks up to 500ml, tubes up to 160mm long (including Dionex ASE® and Radleys Carousel tubes), custom reaction blocks, and shallow or deep-well microtitre plates. EZ-2 Series Models: The Standard (EZ-2) is suitable for water and volatile solvents The Envi (EZ-2 Envi) is recommended for concentration of volatile solvents The Plus (EZ-2 Plus) is recommended for solvents with boiling points upto 165°C The Elite (EZ-2 Elite) is recommended for solvents with boiling points upto 220°C

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Sample PreparationSample preparation can improve the quality and speed of separation techniques. Products to assist sample preparation include filtration equipment, evaporators, membranes and sieves.Environmental Monitoring and TestingEnvironmental monitoring and testing uses handheld portable analyzers, kits, spectrometers or chromatography systems for air, water, soil, food and other sample testing. Useful features of analyzers such as BOD and COD include portability, easy calibration, automation and sensitivity.  Environmental test kits for pH, water, moisture, etc, should be accurate, sensitive, reliable, fast and easy to use.Food and Beverage AnalyzersFood and Beverage Analyzers are commonly used to provide information about the chemical composition, structure and physical properties of food materials.Food and Beverage ProcessingFood and Beverage Processing involves the preparation of food products for further analysis. Typical instrumentation includes blanchers, color sorters, cookers, grinders, and refrigeration. These are used to replicate the processes commonly used in the commercial preparation of food and beverages.Evaporators and Freeze DryersCentrifugal evaporation is used for solvent removal from a sample. This is a useful technique for sample concentration or sample drying. Many centrifugal evaporators are modular with a central vacuum pump for generating low pressure. Useful features of evaporators or vacuum ovens include minimal solvent bumping, solvent resistance, computer control, temperature regulation and benchtop design.Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are chemicals that have a low boiling point. Some VOCs are harmful to human health, whereas others can be used to determine the shelf-life of foods samples. PesticidesPesticides are used to protect crops from diseases, pests and unwanted plants. They are classed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and can be harmful to humans. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently regulates the use of pesticides in the USA. Food TestingFood testing refers to a variety experiments including PCR, mass spectrometry, processing, QuEChERS, analyzing and Kjeldahl.VolatilesVolatiles are a group of compounds that have a low boiling point and evaporate at room temperature. Volatiles, such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), can be used to determine shelf-life of food samples. GC-MS is typically used to analyze volatiles.VitaminsChemical Residues in FoodBeverage AnalysisBeverage analysis involves testing and evaluating the composition, quality, and safety of drinks, from alcoholic beverages to soft drinks. Techniques like chromatography and spectroscopy are commonly used to analyze flavors, nutrients, contaminants, and additives. Browse our peer-reviewed product directory to find the best beverage analysis tools, compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.
Concentration of Food & Beverage Samples Containing Volatile Analytes