When working with highly explosive solvents, those with a low flash point, very low auto-ignition temperature and a wide range over which the solvent will flash there is potential for an explosion to occur inside the evaporator. To eliminate this risk, Genevac offer the Inert Gas Purge (IGP) option which purges the air from the evaporator using an inert gas prior to commencing the evaporation process. It is at the beginning of the evaporation process where most risk of explosion exists, i.e. when there is a mixture of solvent vapour and oxygen in the evaporation chamber. The IGP may be locked on by the Laboratory Supervisor forcing all users to use the facility.
The IGP is available with the
EZ-2 Series, the
Rocket, and all
HT Series evaporators. IGP must be used whenever using highly explosive solvents, such as:
Carbon disulfide
Diethyl ether
1,2-dimethoxyethane
2-ethoxyethanol
Hydrogen cyanide
Pentane
Triethylsilane
The IGP option can also be useful where an inert atmosphere is required to help protect dry samples from moisture and/or oxygen exposure at the end of the evaporation process. The IGP module controls gasses entering the evaporator, therefore at the end of the evaporation process, instead of releasing the vacuum by letting air into the chamber, inert gas is introduced instead. The inert gas atmosphere is then maintained until the user opens the system to claim their dry samples.
The IGP unit does not control the atmosphere outside of the vapour path of the evaporator. Genevac evaporators must be used in a safe, inert atmosphere. For further details please review the
Genevac Atex Statement. As with any laboratory proceedure, the user must complete their own full risk assesment before proceeding with the work.