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SpeedVacs

A SpeedVac is a centrifugal vacuum concentrator that removes solvents from small sample volumes by combining centrifugal force, vacuum and controlled heat. During this process, the solvent evaporates while DNA, RNA, proteins or metabolites remain intact. Our SpeedVacs from Thermo Scientific cover the complete Savant SpeedVac range: from compact integrated models for DNA/RNA work to modular high capacity systems for aggressive solvents, plus refrigerated vapor traps and Universal Vacuum Systems.


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What is a SpeedVac?

A SpeedVac is a centrifugal vacuum concentrator that evaporates solvents from samples by combining centrifugal force, vacuum and controlled heat. During this process, the solvent disappears while the dissolved substance (DNA, RNA, protein, peptide or metabolite) remains intact. As a result, you concentrate your sample or dry it down completely without degrading heat-sensitive biomolecules. Moreover, centrifugal force prevents the “bumping” (boiling over) of samples that occurs during conventional evaporation. Therefore, the SpeedVac is the standard tool for sample preparation in molecular biology, proteomics, drug discovery and analytical chemistry. Incidentally, the name SpeedVac comes from Thermo Scientific Savant and has become a generic term worldwide for this type of laboratory instrument.

When do you choose a SpeedVac?

You choose a SpeedVac when you need to remove solvents from small sample volumes without damaging the contents. Typical applications include DNA and RNA precipitates after ethanol precipitation, proteins and peptides after HPLC fractionation, oligonucleotides after synthesis, or metabolites after solid-phase extraction. For aggressive organic solvents such as DMSO, methylene chloride or TFA, you use a modular system with external cold traps and oil pumps. Conversely, for standard DNA/RNA work a compact integrated model is sufficient. For heat-sensitive samples such as proteins and enzymes, a refrigerated SpeedVac provides protection against thermal degradation.

Which types of SpeedVacs do we supply?

Our SpeedVacs are available in three main types, depending on your application and solvents.

Integrated SpeedVacs: a compact, ready-to-use system in which the concentrator, cold trap, vacuum pump and controls are housed in a single unit. You place the instrument on the bench, plug it in and start immediately. Therefore, integrated systems are ideal for laboratories with limited bench space and standard DNA/RNA applications. Moreover, the smallest model is only 29 cm wide.

Modular SpeedVacs: a flexible system where you choose the concentrator, cold trap and vacuum pump separately. As a result, you combine components based on your solvents, capacity and budget. In addition, you can upgrade individual parts later as your application changes. For that reason, modular systems are the standard for aggressive organic solvents, strong acids and bases.

Refrigerated SpeedVacs: a refrigerated SpeedVac keeps the chamber temperature between -4°C and 100°C, adjustable before and after the run. Thanks to active cooling, the instrument protects heat-sensitive proteins, enzymes and biomolecules against thermal degradation. As a result, a refrigerated SpeedVac is the logical choice for proteomics and sample preparation for mass spectrometry.

Refrigerated Vapor Traps and Universal Vacuum Systems in our range

A Refrigerated Vapor Trap condenses evaporated solvent before it reaches the vacuum pump. In this way, the cold trap prevents pump contamination and protects sensitive pump components against aggressive vapors. We supply two versions: a -50°C vapor trap for aqueous and mild organic solvents, and an ultra-low temperature -105°C vapor trap for high and low boiling point solvents such as DMSO and DMF.

A Universal Vacuum System combines a refrigerated vapor trap with an integrated oil-free vacuum pump in a single housing. Consequently, the maintenance of a traditional oil pump is eliminated and you save bench space. Furthermore, the system uses Thermo Scientific VaporNet technology to extend the vapor dwell time in the cold trap. In this way, the system also safely captures aggressive solvents.

Which SpeedVac models does Poly Temp supply?

Poly Temp Scientific supplies SpeedVacs exclusively from Thermo Scientific, specifically the Savant SpeedVac range. This family has more than 50 years of expertise and is the worldwide standard for centrifugal vacuum concentration.

Savant SpeedVac DNA130: the most compact integrated model, designed for DNA and RNA applications. Furthermore, the 29 cm wide unit fits on any bench and includes an oil-free diaphragm pump.

Savant SpeedVac SPD1030 and SPD2030: integrated systems for medium (120 tubes) and high capacity (200 tubes). Therefore, these models are suitable for laboratories processing larger sample series.

Savant SpeedVac SPD120, SPD130DLX and SPD140DDA: modular medium capacity concentrators. For example, you use the SPD120 for standard DNA/RNA work, the SPD130DLX for combinatorial chemistry and the SPD140DDA for aggressive organic solvents, strong acids and bases.

Savant SpeedVac SPD210 and SPD300DDA: modular high capacity concentrators for 200 samples or large volumes up to 250 ml bottles. In addition, the SPD300DDA is equipped with IR heat lamps and Viton sealing for aggressive solvent applications.

Savant SpeedVac SRF110: a modular refrigerated SpeedVac with a temperature range of -4°C to 100°C. Accordingly, active cooling protects heat-sensitive proteins and enzymes against degradation.

Savant Refrigerated Vapor Traps: the RVT450 (-50°C) and RVT5105 (-105°C) refrigerated vapor traps for modular SpeedVac configurations.

Savant Universal Vacuum Systems: the UVS450A (-55°C) and UVS850DDA all-in-one combinations of cold trap and oil-free vacuum pump for low-maintenance use.

Integrated versus modular SpeedVac: which suits your lab?

The choice between an integrated and a modular SpeedVac depends on your solvents, capacity and need for flexibility. An integrated SpeedVac such as the DNA130, SPD1030 or SPD2030 is plug-and-play, takes up less bench space and is factory-tested for vacuum leaks. By contrast, a modular system such as the SPD120, SPD140DDA or SPD210 offers maximum flexibility. For example, you can upgrade the cold trap from -50°C to -105°C, or replace the oil pump with an oil-free version as your application evolves. For aggressive solvents such as DMSO, methylene chloride and TFA, a modular system with a -105°C cold trap is the recommended choice. Conversely, for standard DNA/RNA work an integrated model is sufficient.

Applications by sector

Pharmaceutical industry and biotech: sample preparation for drug discovery, oligonucleotide synthesis, combinatorial chemistry and compound management within pharmaceutical production processes.

Molecular biology and life sciences: DNA and RNA precipitation, PCR sample preparation, synthetic oligos and nucleic acid concentration.

Proteomics and protein chemistry: concentration of proteins, peptides and HPLC fractions for mass spectrometry analysis. Notably, a refrigerated SpeedVac is essential to protect heat-sensitive proteins.

Clinical and analytical laboratories: metabolite research, drug testing, forensic analysis and sample preparation for medical diagnostic applications.

Food industry and agricultural research: residue analysis, pesticide research and concentration of extracts for food analysis and agricultural and horticultural research.

Research and universities: sample preparation for a wide range of biological, chemical and pharmaceutical experiments.

Safety and ease of use

Our SpeedVacs include safety features that protect both your samples and your personnel. For example, a safety lock on the lid visually confirms that the instrument is securely closed before the run starts. In addition, the lid-stay mechanism holds the lid open so you can load samples with both hands free. Subsequently, an audible alarm signals the end of the cycle. Furthermore, an external post-trap protects your work environment against ammonium hydroxide vapors during oligo work. For radioactive samples, optional chemical trap kits are also available. Finally, all SpeedVac models support live data export via USB for traceability, quality reporting and GMP-compliant documentation.

Service and support for SpeedVacs

Poly Temp Scientific supports you from initial advice through installation and maintenance. Specifically, our certified engineers provide periodic maintenance, calibration and breakdown service for your SpeedVac equipment. For integrated models, we check vacuum integrity, pump diaphragms and chamber seals. In addition, for modular systems we also service separate cold traps, oil pumps and condensation flasks. For advice on the right SpeedVac for your application, please contact our specialists. Alternatively, you can request a quote directly for the model of your choice. Finally, the complete range of our laboratory equipment is available in our product overview.

Frequently asked questions about SpeedVacs

What is a SpeedVac?

A SpeedVac is a centrifugal vacuum concentrator that evaporates solvents from samples by combining centrifugal force, vacuum and controlled heat. During this process, the solvent disappears while the dissolved substance remains intact. As a result, you concentrate your sample or dry it down completely without degrading heat-sensitive biomolecules. Incidentally, the name SpeedVac comes from Thermo Scientific Savant and has become a generic term worldwide for this type of instrument.

When do I use a SpeedVac?

You use a SpeedVac to remove solvents from small sample volumes while preserving the dissolved substance. Typical applications include DNA/RNA precipitation, PCR sample preparation, oligonucleotide synthesis, protein and peptide concentration after HPLC, and metabolite research. For samples in aqueous solvents, a standard SpeedVac is sufficient. Conversely, for aggressive organic solvents you choose a modular system.

What is the difference between an integrated and a modular SpeedVac?

An integrated SpeedVac contains the concentrator, cold trap and vacuum pump in a single housing. As a result, the system is plug-and-play and factory-tested for vacuum leaks. By contrast, a modular system combines separate components that you choose based on your solvents and application. Therefore, you can upgrade individual parts later. For standard DNA/RNA work an integrated model is sufficient. For aggressive solvents, however, you choose modular.

Which solvents can I use in a SpeedVac?

That depends on the model. For example, standard models such as the DNA130 handle ethanol, water and buffers. By contrast, modular systems with a -105°C cold trap and Viton sealing handle aggressive solvents such as DMSO, methylene chloride, TFA, strong acids and strong bases. In this case, the right combination of concentrator, cold trap and pump is essential. Therefore, our specialists advise you on the right configuration for your solvent.

What is a Refrigerated Vapor Trap?

A Refrigerated Vapor Trap is a cooled vapor trap that condenses evaporated solvent before it reaches the vacuum pump. In this way, the cold trap prevents pump contamination and protects sensitive pump components against aggressive vapors. We supply two versions: the RVT450 at -50°C for aqueous solvents and the RVT5105 at -105°C for aggressive and high boiling point solvents.

What is a Universal Vacuum System?

A Universal Vacuum System combines a refrigerated vapor trap and an oil-free vacuum pump in a single housing. As a result, the maintenance of a traditional oil pump is eliminated. Furthermore, the system uses VaporNet technology to extend the vapor dwell time in the cold trap, so aggressive solvents are also safely captured. For example, our UVS450A operates at -55°C for standard applications, while the UVS850DDA operates at -50°C for aggressive solvents.

Which SpeedVac models does Poly Temp supply?

Poly Temp Scientific supplies SpeedVacs exclusively from Thermo Scientific, specifically the Savant SpeedVac range. This family has more than 50 years of expertise in centrifugal vacuum concentration. Our available models are the DNA130 (compact integrated), SPD1030/SPD2030 (integrated medium/high capacity), SPD120/SPD130DLX/SPD140DDA (modular medium capacity), SPD210/SPD300DDA (modular high capacity) and SRF110 (refrigerated modular concentrator).

How many samples can a SpeedVac process per run?

That depends on the model. For example, the DNA130 processes 36 microtubes of 1.5-2.0 mL per run. Medium capacity models such as the SPD120, SPD130DLX, SPD140DDA and SPD1030 process 120 microtubes. By contrast, high capacity models such as the SPD2030, SPD210 and SPD300DDA process 200 microtubes or large volumes up to 250 mL centrifuge bottles. Furthermore, all models are suitable for microplates, vials and flasks via interchangeable rotors.

Does a SpeedVac need maintenance?

Yes, periodic maintenance extends the service life and ensures reliable performance. For example, oil-free diaphragm pumps require diaphragm replacement after many operating hours. By contrast, oil pumps require oil changes, oil filters and vacuum performance checks. In addition, chamber seals, lid sensors and cold traps need periodic inspection. Therefore, our engineers provide periodic maintenance, validation and breakdown service for your SpeedVac.

What is the difference between vacuum concentration and freeze drying?

In vacuum concentration, the sample remains liquid while the solvent evaporates under vacuum and gentle heat. In freeze drying (lyophilization), by contrast, the sample is first frozen and the ice sublimates directly from solid to vapor under deep vacuum. As a result, freeze drying is suitable for material that needs to be stored for a long time, must be quickly reconstituted and must retain biological activity. Conversely, vacuum concentration is the faster choice for DNA, RNA and routine sample preparation. Incidentally, some SpeedVac configurations such as the SPD120P2 support both processes.

What is included as standard with a SpeedVac?

Integrated models such as the DNA130 and SPD1030 are supplied with concentrator, built-in pump and standard rotor. For example, the DNA130 includes the RD36 rotor for 36 microtubes. By contrast, modular models such as the SPD120, SPD140DDA and SPD210 are available standalone or as P1/P2 kits. Therefore, you choose the cold trap, pump and rotor that suit your application. P1 kits typically include an oil pump; P2 kits, by contrast, include an oil-free Universal Vacuum System.

Is a SpeedVac the same as a vacuum concentrator?

Yes and no. SpeedVac is the brand name of Thermo Scientific Savant for centrifugal vacuum concentrators. However, “SpeedVac” has become a generic term through worldwide use, comparable to Hoover, Aspirin or Kärcher. Technically, every SpeedVac is a vacuum concentrator, but not every vacuum concentrator is a SpeedVac (other manufacturers also supply centrifugal vacuum concentrators under their own brand names).

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