EXTREVA ASE Accelerated Solvent Extractor

Importance of Modern Sample Preparation

Accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) is crucial because manual extraction consumes up to 60% of analysts’ time, incurs high solvent and labor costs, and introduces variability. Automation of this step enhances throughput, reproducibility, sustainability, and overall laboratory efficiency.

Objectives and Overview

This application note introduces the Thermo Scientific EXTREVA ASE system, the first true walkaway, sample-to-vial automated ASE solution. It aims to demonstrate how integrated extraction, in-cell cleanup, and evaporation of up to four samples in parallel reduces hands-on time, minimizes errors, and meets sustainability goals by cutting solvent use dramatically.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The EXTREVA ASE system employs elevated temperature and pressure for gas-assisted dynamic extraction using familiar Dionex ASE 350 cells.

• Parallel extraction: Four independent ovens enabling simultaneous processing.
• In-cell cleanup: Integrated removal of matrix interferences.
• Automated evaporation: Nitrogen and vacuum-assisted concentration to target vial volumes with smart endpoint detection using an image sensor and machine learning.
• Solvent flexibility: Up to six solvents for extraction and rinsing with precise flow control.
• Data tracking: 2-D barcode reader and Chromeleon CDS integration for full parameter logging and compliance.

Main Results and Discussion

The system achieves:

• Productivity: Up to 48 samples in 24 hours with four parallel channels versus 36 by other automated methods and only 12 manually.
• Solvent reduction: Consumption between 5–100 mL per sample.
• Reproducibility: Organochlorine pesticide recoveries within 80–120% of U.S. EPA limits and PAH recoveries consistently meeting certified values with low RSD (<7%).

Contributions and Practical Applications

• Reduced hands-on time by up to threefold, freeing analysts for critical tasks.
• Improved accuracy and consistency through full automation.
• Enhanced sustainability via significant solvent savings.
• Applicable fields: Environmental monitoring (POPs, PAHs, PCBs), food safety (pesticides, packaging leachables, lipids), pharmaceutical QA/QC (extractables and leachables).

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances may include expanded multi-solvent protocols, deeper integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), improved machine learning for endpoint detection, and adaptation to novel sample matrices. Increased focus on green extraction technologies will drive further solvent and energy reductions.

Conclusion

The EXTREVA ASE system transforms ASE workflows by delivering fully automated, parallel sample-to-vial preparation with robust data management. It significantly enhances laboratory productivity, reproducibility, and sustainability, meeting the evolving demands of analytical laboratories.

Reference

No literature references were cited in the source material.