Automated Solid-Phase Extraction System

What is the Automated Solid-Phase Extraction System?

An automated solid-phase extraction system conditions, loads, washes and elutes SPE cartridges or plates under controlled flow. It isolates analytes from complex matrices reproducibly with minimal manual intervention across many samples cleanly.

Overview

The system automates the SPE sequence on individual cartridges, plates or pipette tips packed with sorbent. It controls the conditioning solvent, sample load volume and flow rate, wash steps and elution, applying positive pressure or vacuum on a manifold. Typical parameters are load volumes of 0.1–100 mL, flow rates of 0.5–10 mL/min and elution volumes of 0.1–5 mL, with recovery verified using spiked standards. Barcode identification and software methods record each step, and fractions are collected in vials or plates for analysis. Sequential or parallel processing raises throughput, and disposable flow paths reduce carry-over between samples. The system suits bioanalysis, food and environmental residue analysis and clinical toxicology, where clean extracts are essential for chromatographic methods.

How does it work?

An automated sample preparation system performs the steps that normally precede analysis, using robotic motion, precise liquid handling and sensors under software control. A robotic arm or a moving bed picks a sample container, identifies it by barcode, and presents it to modules that weigh, add solvent, mix, heat, centrifuge, filter or extract. Liquid volumes are measured by syringe pump or positive displacement and verified by gravimetric checks, while temperature, time and agitation are controlled by the method. Solid-phase extraction modules condition cartridges, load sample, wash and elute under controlled flow. Digestion modules add acid and apply a heating program. Each step is recorded for traceability, and error handling detects missing containers, low liquid levels and clogs. The result is a prepared sample or extract delivered to a vial for analysis, with a documented chain of actions.

What are the key features?

• Automated condition, load, wash and elute steps
• Load volumes 0.1–100 mL
• Flow control 0.5–10 mL/min
• Positive pressure or vacuum manifold
• Cartridge, plate or tip formats
• Barcode and method recording

What are the technical specifications?

A typical automated solid-phase extraction system configuration offers type of Automated solid-phase extraction, formats of Cartridge, plate, tip, load volume of 0.1–100 mL, flow rate of 0.5–10 mL/min, elution volume of 0.1–5 mL and pressure of Positive or vacuum. Values are indicative of the product class; the exact figures for each configuration are confirmed on the quotation and the calibration documents supplied with the instrument.

Which applications is it used for?

The Automated Solid-Phase Extraction System is used in bioanalytical sample clean-up, food residue analysis, environmental water and soil extracts and clinical toxicology. Across the wider Automated Sample Preparation class, laboratories also deploy it for sample preparation for elemental analysis, dissolution sample handling and bioanalytical extraction.

Which standards and certifications apply?

Relevant standards and methods include IEC 61010-1 (safety requirements for electrical equipment), ISO 8655 (piston-operated volumetric apparatus), ISO/IEC 17025 (testing and calibration laboratories), USP <1058> (analytical instrument qualification), 21 CFR Part 11 (electronic records and signatures) and ANSI/SLAS microplate standards. Certification candidates for this model are CE and ISO 9001 manufacturing; each is to be confirmed for the specific configuration before shipment, and certificates are supplied only where they have been issued.

Validate the system for the intended methods, covering accuracy, precision, carry-over and robustness, and repeat validation after major changes. Keep an inventory of consumables, calibrants and check standards, and run system suitability checks before critical batches. Clean and calibrate weighing, liquid handling and heating modules on schedule, and verify tip and probe alignment to avoid partial transfers. Control environmental conditions, since temperature and humidity affect small volumes. Back up methods and data, restrict software access by role, and retain audit trails. Train operators on error messages and recovery, and define what the system may do unattended. Review performance data to detect drift before it affects results.

How do I select the right Automated Solid-Phase Extraction System?

Choose SPE automation when clean extracts and reproducible recovery are needed at scale. Confirm sorbent formats, load volumes and flow control. RFQ: matrices, analytes, volumes, formats, throughput and recovery targets. Provide representative matrices and target analytes.

How does it compare with other Automated Sample Preparation variants?

Define the preparation steps and the range of sample types first, then choose a system that covers them without custom work. Confirm compatibility with your tubes, plates and vials, because format changes force method rewriting. Check volumetric accuracy and precision at the working volumes, and verify that the weighing module meets the readability your method needs. Review heating, mixing and extraction capabilities against the standard methods you follow, and confirm the software supports method editing, audit trails and LIMS import of sample lists and export of results. Consider throughput, walk-away time and the number of samples per run. Ask about validation packages, carry-over testing and service response, since sample preparation errors propagate into every downstream result.