LCTech FREESTYLE XANA

Význam tématu

Water analysis often requires handling large volumes and particulate matter. Automated sample preparation ensures consistent, reproducible cleanup and concentration, reducing manual intervention and increasing laboratory throughput. Robust, unattended operation is crucial for environmental monitoring, drinking water quality control and industrial process water testing.

Cíle a přehled studie / článku

This article presents the FREESTYLE XANA robotic system designed for fully automated sample preparation of large-volume water samples. It describes the system’s workflow from raw sample intake to GC vial filling, highlights its parallel processing strategy and demonstrates its capacity for 24/7 operation and a throughput of up to 65 samples per day.

Použitá instrumentace

• FREESTYLE BASIC robotic platform as the core unit
• Solid phase extraction (SPE) module with gripper for column handling
• EVAporation module for precise solvent evaporation and exchange
• External processing station featuring pumps, valves and pressure sensors
• Sample rack accommodating 24 × 1 L bottles or optional 10 L reservoirs
• Software interface for method development and sequence control

Hlavní výsledky a diskuse

The system processes samples in parallel blocks: Block 1 performs conditioning, loading and washing simultaneously on up to three SPE columns, while Block 2 carries out drying. A robotic gripper shuttles columns between blocks and the SPE rack, maintaining continuous operation. Controlled pressurisation up to 4 bar allows samples with suspended solids to pass through SPE sorbents. Through parallelisation and continuous cycling, the platform achieves a throughput of approximately 65 samples in 24 h. Sample volumes from 1 L to 4 L are standard, with an option for 3 × 10 L processing. Following extraction, eluates are transferred via the EVAporation module to GC vials at defined end volumes, incorporating automatic solvent exchange when required.

Přínosy a praktické využití metody

• Unattended 24/7 operation frees personnel for other tasks
• High reproducibility and traceability due to software-controlled workflows
• Flexible method setup supports large and small volume extractions
• Robust pressure control ensures reliable handling of turbid samples
• Modular design allows use of SPE or evaporation modules independently

Budoucí trendy a možnosti využití

Future developments may include integration with laboratory information management systems, real-time data analysis and adaptive method optimisation using AI. Coupling the platform with mass spectrometry or other detectors could streamline end-to-end analysis. Expansion to other sample matrices and miniaturised sorbents may further enhance sustainability and throughput.

Závěr

The FREESTYLE XANA system delivers a robust, fully automated solution for high-volume water sample preparation, combining parallel processing, controlled pressure, and modular flexibility. It achieves a throughput of up to 65 samples per day with minimal supervision, supporting a wide range of environmental and industrial applications.

Reference

• LCTech GmbH, FREESTYLE XANA Product Brochure P/N 14845, March 2018