Aug. 04, 2025
Is it biological or non-biological? We generally break solutes into two categories–biological (DNA, RNA, enzymes, proteins, vaccines, etc.) and non-biological (products of organic synthesis, drug metabolites, pesticides).
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The sample concentration and drying technique of choice for non-biological materials is vacuum evaporation. These samples are generally in high concentrations of organic solvents and/or strong acids and bases. Vacuum concentration offers rapid concentration of non-biological materials. The main question with biologicals is whether to freeze dry (lyophilize) or vacuum concentrate. Freeze drying is generally recommended when the material is to be stored for long periods of time, must be easily and quickly reconstituted, and needs to retain biological activity (i.e., proteins/enzymes). Most molecular biology applications involving DNA/RNA, in aqueous or aqueous + low concentration organics, use vacuum concentration for sample prep. Consider systems such as the Thermo Scientific™ Savant™ SpeedVac™ DNA130 or SPD.
Freeze drying can be performed efficiently in a vacuum concentrator. However, freeze drying requires a deep vacuum (i.e., rotary vane oil pump) to keep the sample frozen during sublimation. Depending on the solute/ solvent and conditions, a properly configured SpeedVac system can be used for either freeze drying or vacuum concentration such as the SpeedVac SPD120P2.
If it is an organic solvent, is it an aggressive solvent (methylene chloride, toluene), or a non-aggressive solvent (ethanol, methanol, acetonitrile) or a high-boiling-point solvent (DMSO, DMF)?
This is one of the most important decision making factors in the proper choice of a SpeedVac system. Our goal is to give you the most cost-effective solution to your sample prep needs. Due to the need to withstand an increasingly harsh environment, the cost of a SpeedVac concentrator increases with the harshness of the solvent as follows:
Aqueous < Non-aggressive organics < Aggressive organics < Strong acids/bases
A SpeedVac system designed for use with strong acids/ bases would be suitable for use with other solvents such as non-aggressive organics, aggressive organics or aqueous. Consider systems such as the Thermo Scientific Savant SpeedVac SPD140DDA P1 or PSD300DDA P1. However, if you were only using aqueous or low concentration non-aggressive organics, you may not want to look at systems such as Thermo Scientific Savant SpeedVac SPD or SPD.
By considering your solvent(s) to be evaporated, you can select the SpeedVac that will meet your needs most cost effectively. (Be sure to consider your future needs; see also question 6.)
Thermo Scientific Savant offers SpeedVac systems and rotors capable of processing a wide variety of sample volumes and containers. Determine your format, working volume and number of tubes/plates or flasks, and this will help determine which size of system meets your needs; large capacity or small capacity.
Thermo Scientific Savant pioneered integrated technology for vacuum concentration. Our fully integrated SpeedVac systems feature all components integrated into one compact system, optimized for performance, and factory tested to ensure your system is free of vacuum leaks. You take it out of a box, plug it in and you’re done. Integrated systems include the DNA130 and SPD.
The only potential disadvantage of the integrated systems is flexibility to upgrade as your needs in the lab changes. Modular systems flexible design allows you to change components of the system should you need to add a secondary cold trap or different vacuum pump as the labs applications changes. A component system can be easily upgraded. Savant SpeedVac kits are available to make it easy to order a complete module system such as the SPD120P2, SPD210DXL, DNA140DDAP1 and SPD300DDAP1 include SpeedVac system, cold trap, vacuum pump and rotor.
Any component SpeedVac system can be configured with either an oil-free diaphragm pump or rotary vane oil pump. We generally recommend oil-free technology for all applications except freeze-drying (which requires the deeper vacuum achieved with an oil pump) and evaporation of high-boiling-point solvents such as DMSO. The benefits of oil-free technology are numerous including ease-of maintenance and elimination of the cost of oil, oil filters, disposal of contaminated oil and pump rebuilds due to poor maintenance (i.e., “Who forgot to check the oil?”).
The initial cost of an oil pump can be less than an oil-free pump…an important buying consideration. However, over the life of the pump, oil-free technology is the most cost effective, low maintenance choice.
Think about not only your current application needs but those needs that you may have in the future. For example, if you are currently using only aqueous solvents but foresee the need in the future to use aggressive solvents, purchase a system that will allow you to do both.
An oxygen concentrator is a medical device that gives you extra oxygen. Air is made up of about 20% oxygen. An oxygen concentrator uses the air in the atmosphere, filters it, and gives you air that is 90%-95% oxygen. Your doctor may prescribe one for you if you have a health condition that causes your oxygen level to drop too low, such as:
More than 1.5 million Americans use an oxygen concentrator for supplemental oxygen therapy. Oxygen concentrators can be rented or bought, depending on whether you are using it for short-term therapy or long-term treatment.
You need to get your doctor’s OK before you buy or use an oxygen concentrator. Using one without their guidance or a prescription can be dangerous and cause lung damage. If the doctor thinks a concentrator might be right for you, they’ll let you know how much oxygen to take, how long to use the device, and how to use it properly so it doesn't interfere with your daily activities like bathing, working, and sleeping.
Oxygen concentrator vs. oxygen tank
There are two main types of oxygen tanks used for supplemental therapy: compressed and liquid oxygen.
An oxygen concentrator isn’t the same thing as an oxygen tank, which delivers liquid or gas oxygen. Instead, the concentrator is a machine that uses the air around you to make oxygen. The machine pulls air in through a filter and into an air compressor. More filters trap nitrogen and let the oxygen through, where it is collected in a tank. A thin tube runs from the device to your face, giving you this oxygen through two open prongs below your nostrils or through a facemask.
There are two types of concentrators: a bigger model you can use at home, and a lighter, portable model you can use on the go. A typical single-battery oxygen concentrator can last from 2 to 6 hours. A double-battery model lasts from 5 to 13 hours. If your model has a plug instead of a battery, it will work as long as it's plugged in. You will usually need to use your oxygen concentrator for 15 to 24 hours a day.
A portable oxygen concentrator, also known as a travel oxygen concentrator, is smaller and lighter than the at-home version so you can use it running errands or while traveling. The device fits in a pack that you carry with a handle or with a sling that goes over your shoulder. Heavier devices may be on a cart with wheels that you pull. Portable oxygen machines run on a rechargeable battery and tend to weight between 2 and 20 pounds.
Because they are smaller, portable concentrators give you less oxygen than an at-home machine. It supplies oxygen by pulse dose, meaning the oxygen comes out in small bursts each time you inhale. Some models can also give you oxygen at a steady flow rate. Talk to your doctor to make sure that you’re getting the right amount of oxygen from either setting. A low-flow travel device usually provides 0.5-5 liters of oxygen per minute. A high-flow machine can produce as much as 10 liters per minute.
How do I use a portable oxygen concentrator?
Follow all of your doctor’s directions and the instructions that came with your device. You’ll also want to:
Your doctor might prescribe a stationary oxygen concentrator if you need constant oxygen while you’re in your house or sleeping. These are heavier than the travel oxygen concentrators, weighing about 22 pounds. You can lift the machine by its handles, but it also has wheels, so it can be rolled when you are walking around. These machines can generate up to 15 liters of oxygen per minute.
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It runs on electricity, so you need to keep it plugged in all the time for it to work properly. (If you find it drives up your electric bill, you could tell your power company that you’re running medical equipment and ask if they can give you a discount.) This machine may have a battery backup in case the electricity goes out.
How do I use an at-home unit?
Follow the device’s instructions on how to use and maintain it. The doctor will tell you what level to set the oxygen flow rate to -- that’s number of liters per minute. Don’t change the rate your doctor prescribed unless they tell you to.
These adjustments could help the concentrator work better for you:
You may like an oxygen concentrator because there is no need to refill the device (unlike an oxygen tank). Portable ones are light and good for use outside your house.
But there are a few drawbacks to oxygen concentrators. The main one is the need for a constant power supply. You'll need to have a battery backup or a power generator in case of an outage. Older models may be louder than an oxygen tank. And if you have a stationary oxygen concentrator, you'll need to change the filters weekly and have it serviced regularly.
As with oxygen tanks, oxygen concentrators can also cause side effects including a dry or bloody nose, morning headaches, and fatigue.
You’ll need to give your concentrator gear a regular cleaning.
The main safety issue with oxygen concentrators is the risk of fire. The oxygen can cause an explosion when it comes into contact with a flame, or it can make a fire burn faster. Because of this, remember to keep your oxygen concentrator at least 10 feet away from:
Other safety measures to remember when using an oxygen concentrator include:
Also, never buy an oxygen concentrator that’s being sold without a prescription. Those aren’t approved by the FDA. Using a concentrator without a prescription or your doctor’s guidance could lead to dangerous health problems, like getting too little oxygen -- or getting lung damage from too much oxygen. It could also delay you from getting treatment for conditions like COVID-19.
When using an oxygen concentrator, there is a risk of getting too much or too little oxygen. Your device may have an alarm that goes off if the oxygen level drops below 80%. If this happens, call your doctor. Your doctor should also be checking your oxygen concentrator regularly to make sure it's working properly. It may also be a good idea to buy a pulse oximeter, a small clip for your finger, that measures blood oxygen levels.
Signs that you may be getting too much oxygen include:
Signs that you may not be getting enough oxygen are:
Again, don’t change your device’s oxygen levels unless your doctor tells you to.
There are several things to consider when trying to decide on the best oxygen concentrator for your health needs.
The most important is to make sure the device has an oxygen capacity that is as much -- and ideally more -- than your daily needs. Ask your doctor if you can try the machine out while using a pulse oximeter to make sure it meets your needs as you sleep, walk around, and sit.
There are many oxygen concentrators on the market. Make sure yours is FDA-approved.
You should also consider cost. Portable oxygen concentrators are usually more expensive than stationary ones. If you only need oxygen for a short period of time or can't afford the upfront cost, you can also rent a device or purchase a used one.
Portability is another factor. You may want a travel oxygen concentrator if you are very active or spend a lot of time away from your home.
Weight is another thing to consider. Generally, the more oxygen a portable oxygen concentrator provides, the heavier it will be. Make sure you will be able to comfortably carry the one you get for the amount of time you'll need it.
Batteries will also last longer on some portable devices than others. Usually, the longer the battery life, the heavier the device.
An oxygen concentrator will help you get the oxygen you need if you have conditions like COPD, heart disease, or bronchitis. There are several kinds of oxygen concentrators on the market, and your doctor can help you determine which is best for you. A good oxygen concentrator should be FDA-approved, meet your daily oxygen needs and activity level, and fit your budget.
What is the difference between an oxygen generator and a concentrator? Oxygen concentrators and generators both filter the air to produce oxygen. The main difference between the two is size. An oxygen concentrator is made for individual use, while an oxygen generator is usually an industrial device. Generators are used in hospitals and businesses that need pure oxygen for operation, like a mining company.
Is it worth buying an oxygen concentrator? Oxygen concentrators can be rented or purchased. If you can't afford the upfront cost of a machine or will only need supplemental oxygen for a short period of time, renting or purchasing a used device may be good options.
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