Biotage® Extrahera (Site Requirements)

Significance of the Topic

The preparation of laboratory sites for automated solid phase extraction systems is critical to ensure operational safety, analytical accuracy, and long-term instrument reliability. Proper site setup minimizes exposure to hazardous vapors, ensures stable environmental conditions, and supports consistent high-quality results in diverse analytical chemistry applications.

Objectives and Overview

This document provides comprehensive guidelines for the installation of the Biotage Extrahera system. It details site requirements relating to ventilation, space allocation, environmental conditions, power supply, gas and vacuum connections, and safety provisions to facilitate a seamless setup and commissioning process.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The approach involves specifying quantitative criteria for each aspect of the laboratory environment to match the operational demands of the Biotage Extrahera. Instrumentation covered:

• Automated solid phase extraction system: Biotage Extrahera
• Associated components: ventilation fan with air duct adapter, gas regulators, vacuum fittings

Main Findings and Discussion

Key site requirements are summarized below:

• Ventilation: Enclosure or fume hood capacity of at least 6 cubic meters per minute; air duct adapter with 159 mm outer diameter.
• Space and Weight: System footprint without touchscreen: 610×510×730 mm; with touchscreen: 860×570×730 mm; total shipping weight 120 kg; bench load 75 kg.
• Environmental Conditions: Temperature range 18°C–32°C; relative humidity 10%–90% RH; low particulate and smoke levels.
• Electrical Supply: 100–240 V~, 50/60 Hz, 300 VA; properly grounded outlet.
• Gas Supply: Filtered air (ISO 8573-1 Class 1-x-1) at 5 L/min, 6 bar; nitrogen for positive pressure at 1 L/min (processing) and 70 L/min (dry), 6 bar; tubing 6 mm outer, 4 mm inner diameter.
• Vacuum Supply: Partial pressure <500 mbar, flow ≥8.3 L/min; same tubing dimensions as gas connections.
• Fire Protection: External measures per local regulations for unattended equipment.
• Configuration Options: Split gas supply lines for air and nitrogen or single-line use with dual regulators; customer-provided ventilation tubing and BSPT fittings.
• System Test: Installation checkout using a four-decimal-place balance to verify performance.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Adhering to these guidelines ensures safe handling of solvents and gases, optimal instrument performance, reproducible extraction results, and reduced downtime. Laboratories in pharmaceutical, environmental, food safety, and clinical analysis will benefit from reliable automation and streamlined sample preparation workflows.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances may include integrated remote monitoring of environmental and operational parameters, adaptive ventilation control, enhanced solvent-resistant materials for broader application scopes, and fully automated self-diagnostic routines to further reduce maintenance demands.

Conclusion

A detailed site readiness assessment is essential for the successful deployment of the Biotage Extrahera. By following the specified requirements, laboratories can achieve safe installation, maintain analytical integrity, and maximize system uptime.

Reference

Biotage UI326.v5 Site Requirements for Biotage Extrahera, 2019