Extract more efficiently and confidently with walkaway automation from sample to vial

Importance of the topic

The preparation of solid and semi-solid samples for chromatographic analysis is a major bottleneck in many analytical laboratories. Manual extraction workflows are time-consuming, error-prone, solvent-intensive, and can introduce variability and background contamination (particularly for trace-level targets such as PFAS). Automated, integrated sample-to-vial solutions that reduce hands-on time, lower solvent consumption, and minimize system background are therefore highly valuable for environmental monitoring, food safety, and pharmaceutical quality control.

Goals and study overview

This application note and product summary present the Thermo Scientific EXTREVA ASE Accelerated Solvent Extractor as a fully automated, walkaway system that performs extraction, in-cell cleanup, and evaporation for parallel sample processing. The document emphasizes performance equivalence to EPA Method 1633 for PFAS, reduced PFAS system background, solvent savings, throughput metrics, and workflow automation features intended to increase productivity and reproducibility while lowering operational costs and environmental footprint.

Methodology and instrumentation

The EXTREVA ASE uses accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) principles at elevated temperature and pressure to enhance analyte desorption and diffusion into solvent while keeping the solvent in the liquid phase. A patented gas-assisted dynamic extraction (GA-dASE) is used to reduce solvent volumes and improve mass transfer. The system integrates four parallel extraction/evaporation channels with independent flow paths so extracted solvent is concentrated directly into autosampler vials without manual transfer. Evaporation employs combined nitrogen, vacuum and gentle heating with machine‑vision endpoint detection driven by machine learning to stop concentration at target volumes for each channel independently. Traceability and data integrity are supported via 2-D barcode tracking of sample cells and onboard recording of extraction parameters.

Used instrumentation

• Thermo Scientific EXTREVA ASE Accelerated Solvent Extractor (four parallel ovens, gas-assisted dynamic extraction).
• Thermo Scientific Dionex ASE 350 extraction cells (compatible and interchangeable).
• Integrated 2-D barcode reader and instrument control touchscreen.
• Machine-vision sensor and light source for smart end-point detection during evaporation.

Main results and discussion

• Throughput: Extraction-only throughput is quoted as up to 128 samples per 8 h (384 per 24 h) for generic applications; integrated extract+evaporate workflows yield 48–60 samples per 8 h depending on application (PAH or OCP examples were provided).
• Solvent economy: The gas-assisted extraction mode typically reduces solvent consumption to the tens of milliliters range per sample (reported 5–100 mL/sample depending on method), lowering consumable costs and environmental impact.
• PFAS performance: Data summarized in the brochure indicate that modified GA-dASE background concentrations for a panel of PFAS are well below the US EPA Method 1633 MDL, and recoveries in spiked soil IPR studies fall within EPA 1633A acceptance limits for the evaluated analytes and isotopically labeled surrogates. This supports use for trace-level PFAS extraction with minimized system background from PFAS-containing components.
• Automation benefits: Full walkaway operation, independent channel control, and onboard data logging reduce operator errors, improve reproducibility, and eliminate manual transfers that can cause sample loss or contamination.

Benefits and practical applications

The EXTREVA ASE is positioned to deliver several practical advantages:

• Labor productivity: Substantial reduction in hands-on preparation time allows staff to focus on analysis and interpretation rather than manual extraction.
• Reproducibility: Automated, repeatable protocols reduce inter- and intra-operator variability and improve data quality for compliance testing.
• Workflow integration: Direct concentration into autosampler vials simplifies downstream chromatography and mass spectrometry workflows.
• Applicability: Well suited to environmental matrices (soils, biosolids) for PFAS, PAHs, PCBs and other persistent organic pollutants; food safety testing (pesticides, contaminants, packaging extractables); and pharmaceutical extractables/leachables testing.
• Sustainability and cost reduction: Lower solvent use and consolidation of extraction and evaporation into a single instrument reduce consumable costs and laboratory footprint.

Future trends and potential uses

• Deeper integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) and autosamplers to create fully continuous analytical workflows from sample receipt to data reporting.
• Expanded use of machine learning for adaptive extraction and evaporation control to optimize recovery for diverse matrices and volatile/semi-volatile targets.
• Method libraries and validated eWorkflows for a wider set of regulated analytes, further easing method transfer and compliance (e.g., additional EPA or international methods).
• Continued reduction of system background for ultra-trace analyses through alternative materials and component design focused on PFAS-free construction.

Conclusion

The EXTREVA ASE offers an integrated, automated approach to accelerated solvent extraction that addresses common pain points in solid and semi-solid sample preparation: high labor burden, solvent consumption, potential contamination, and variability. Its parallel extraction design, gas-assisted solvent economy, PFAS‑aware component choices, and smart evaporation controls position it as a practical solution for laboratories seeking higher throughput, better reproducibility, and lower total cost of ownership for environmental, food, and pharmaceutical analyses.

References

• US EPA Method 1633 (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in Aqueous, Solid, and Tissue Matrices) — cited as the regulatory benchmark for PFAS extraction performance.
• Thermo Fisher Scientific product literature for EXTREVA ASE (manufacturer technical brochure and application notes summarizing throughput, solvent use, and PFAS performance).