NanoSoft Ethane Condenser

The plastic ethane condenser interfaces with the FEI Vitrobot spider to enable one-handed ethane condensing, where the user can focus on liquid ethane level and handling the ethane flow rate valve.

Ethane condensing with the FEI/Thermo Fisher Vitrobot requires the user to manually place the tip of the nozzle from the ethane cylinder (e.g. pipette tip, bike pump needle, etc.) into the bottom corner of the brass ethane cup. The user handles the nozzle with one hand and must simultaneously control ethane flow rate with the other hand (e.g. with needle valve), while watching the liquid ethane level. The user will also often move the nozzle around the brass cup to avoid condensing ethane in a warmed position.

The custom designed ethane condenser tightly interfaces with the spider from the FEI/Thermo Fisher styrofoam dewar set. The user places the spider normally and inserts the condenser. The user does not need to handle an ethane nozzle and can instead focus solely on the liquid ethane level, using just one hand to control ethane flow rate, making the process much easier and ergonomic. Furthermore the condenser should reduce wasted ethane gas and the time required to fill the cup with liquid ethane.