SPD120 modular vacuum concentrator from Thermo Scientific

The Savant SpeedVac SPD120 modular vacuum concentrator from Thermo Scientific is a compact benchtop concentrator for drying non-aggressive organic solvents. Unlike the integrated SpeedVac models, you combine the SPD120 with a separate refrigerated cold trap and vacuum pump of your choice. As a result, you build a system that exactly matches your application and existing lab infrastructure.

Why choose the SpeedVac SPD120?

• Firstly, modular setup with free choice of cold trap and vacuum pump
• Secondly, medium capacity up to 120 × 1.5-2.0 mL microtubes per run with the RH120-11 rotor
• In addition, compact design of 36 × 46 × 36 cm and 28 kg
• Moreover, TEFLON-coated aluminum chamber for good chemical resistance
• Also, glass cover with safety interlock
• Furthermore, temperature range from 35°C to 80°C in 5°C increments, or no heating (“no”)
• Additionally, 3 modifiable programs (Water, Low Boiling ACN/MEOH, HPLC)
• Also, automatic bleeder valve for unattended start/stop
• Furthermore, USB data export for traceability and quality reporting
• In addition, pre-heat function up to 45°C for faster warm-up
• Finally, lid-stay mechanism for hands-free operation

Modular design for maximum flexibility

Firstly, the SPD120 is deliberately designed as a standalone concentrator unit. As a result, you choose which cold trap and which vacuum pump best matches your lab. Furthermore, you combine the SPD120 with a Universal Vacuum System (such as the UVS450DDA) for a Semi-Integrated setup. Alternatively, you pair it with a standalone RVT450 or RVT5105 cold trap plus a VLP vacuum pump for a Component High Vacuum System. Moreover, this flexibility is especially useful when you already own a vacuum pump or when specific solvents require a specific cold trap.

Medium capacity for diverse sample formats

Firstly, the SPD120 processes a wide range of sample formats depending on the rotor used. For example, you fit 120 × 1.5-2.0 mL microtubes (RH120-11), 40 × 1.5-2.0 mL microtubes (RH40-11, included as standard with the P1 and P2 kits), 72 × 12 × 75 mm tubes, or 32 × 13 × 100 mm tubes. In addition, the system handles 10 × 15 mL conical tubes (RH10-15) and 6 × 50 mL conical tubes (RH6-50). Furthermore, the system also accepts glass vials, scintillation vials, shallow well microplates and 100 mL pear-shaped flasks through separate rotors.

TEFLON-coated chamber for chemical resistance

Firstly, the chamber is made of TEFLON-coated chemical resistant aluminum casting. Moreover, all components in the vapor path are made of Polypropylene and Teflon. As a result, the SPD120 withstands a wide range of solvents. For example, ethanol, methanol, water, acetonitrile, isopropanol, ammonium hydroxide and low concentrations of acid (1% formic acid, 0.1% TFA, 0.1% acetic acid). However, for aggressive solvents such as DMSO, methylene chloride or strong acids and bases, you choose the SPD140DDA or SPD300DDA instead.

3 modifiable programs plus separate timers

Firstly, the control panel offers three factory programs that you customize and save. By default, these are set to Water (45°C, 2 hour heat time, 2 hour run time), Low Boiling ACN/MEOH (65°C, 2 hour heat time, 2 hour run time) and HPLC (no heating, 2 hour run time). In addition, you set the chamber temperature per program between 35°C and 80°C in 5°C increments. Alternatively, you select “no” for no heating at all. Furthermore, the SPD120 works with two independent timers (heat time and run time). Each timer can be set from 1 minute to 9 hours 59 minutes, or to continuous (CCC) for the heat time.

USB data export for traceability

Firstly, the SPD120 features a USB type A/B port at the rear of the unit. As a result, you export live run data to an external computer. Subsequently, the system sends the live chamber temperature, the remaining heat time and the remaining or elapsed run time every minute. Moreover, the data arrives in CSV format at a fixed baud rate of 115200. Therefore, the data is suitable for processing in spreadsheets or LIMS systems. In addition, you easily meet GMP and GLP reporting requirements.

Safety and ease of use

Firstly, the glass cover with safety interlock automatically locks during a run. Consequently, the cover opens only when the rotor has fully stopped and the vacuum has been released. Furthermore, the SPD120 features a lid-stay mechanism that holds the cover in the open position. As a result, you load and unload samples with both hands free. In addition, an emergency cover release allows sample removal during a power failure.

Two recommended system setups

Firstly, Thermo Scientific recommends two system configurations for the SPD120. The first is the Semi-Integrated System with SPD120 + UVS450DDA + ANT100, suitable for oligonucleotide applications. Secondly, the Component High Vacuum System with SPD120 + RVT450 or RVT5105 + VLP120 + SCT120 + DVG50 is ideal for labs requiring maximum flexibility and high vacuum. In addition, we are happy to help you compose the right configuration.

What’s in the box?

Firstly, the SPD120 is available in three configurations. The first is the standalone concentrator unit. Secondly, the P1 kit for the Semi-Integrated System (with UVS450A vacuum source, TFK100 tubing, SCC1 CryoCool, GCF400 condensation flask and RH40-11 rotor). Thirdly, the complete P2 kit for the Component High Vacuum System (with RVT5105 cold trap, VLP120 pump, DVG50 vacuum gauge, RH40-11 rotor, SCT120 chemical trap, DC120A cartridge, SCC1 CryoCool, GCF400 flask, SPO1-B pump oil and UTP-TYG tubing). Furthermore, the P2 kit also supports lyophilization and freeze drying.

Which laboratories use the SPD120?

Firstly, the SPD120 is used in life sciences, biotech, molecular biology, proteomics, drug discovery and the pharmaceutical industry. Typical applications include DNA/RNA precipitation and PCR sample preparation. In addition, the system handles oligonucleotide synthesis, protein and peptide concentration after HPLC, and metabolite research. Would you like advice on the right SpeedVac for your application? Contact us and our product specialists will be glad to help.