Automated Filtration and Transfer System

What is the Automated Filtration and Transfer System?

An automated filtration and transfer system moves prepared samples through filters into analysis vials. It removes particulates and delivers consistent aliquots for chromatography or spectroscopy with minimal manual syringe work and consistent fill.

Overview

The system picks a sample container, draws liquid through a filter into a syringe or probe, and dispenses a set volume into a vial, plate or autosampler position. Filters may be syringe-tip, 96-well plate or inline, with pore sizes of 0.2–0.45 µm for chromatographic methods. Dispensed volumes are 0.1–10 mL with accuracy of about ± 1 %, and barcode reading matches each vial to its sample. Disposable flow paths and tips avoid carry-over, and clog detection triggers a warning rather than a failed transfer. The system reduces manual syringe work, which is slow and prone to inconsistent force, and it suits dissolution testing, particulate-sensitive HPLC and IC methods and any workflow where many filtered aliquots are needed. Results of the fill and the vial map can be exported to the LIMS.

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?

• Draws liquid through filters into vials
• Pore sizes 0.2–0.45 µm
• Dispense volume 0.1–10 mL
• Accuracy about ± 1 %
• Barcode vial-to-sample mapping
• Clog detection with warning

What are the technical specifications?

A typical automated filtration and transfer system configuration offers type of Automated filtration and transfer, filter format of Syringe tip, plate or inline, pore size of 0.2–0.45 µm, dispense volume of 0.1–10 mL, accuracy of ± 1 % and vial positions of 30–120 per rack. 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 Filtration and Transfer System is used in dissolution sample filtration, HPLC and IC sample prep, particulate-sensitive methods and QC vial filling. 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 Filtration and Transfer System?

Choose filtration automation where many filtered aliquots are needed and consistency of fill matters. Confirm filter formats, volumes and carry-over performance. RFQ: sample volumes, filters, vial types, throughput and LIMS mapping. Provide the vial types and required fill volumes.

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.