Method transfer to the EXTREVA ASE Accelerated Solvent Extractor

Method Transfer to the EXTREVA ASE Accelerated Solvent Extractor

Importance of the Topic

Accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) has become a cornerstone in modern analytical laboratories due to its ability to rapidly and efficiently isolate a broad range of analytes from complex matrices using elevated temperature, pressure, and minimal solvent. The integration of automated extraction and evaporation in a single platform enhances throughput, reduces manual intervention, and minimizes solvent consumption, making ASE an essential tool for environmental, food, and industrial quality control.

Objectives and Study Overview

This white paper describes the systematic transfer of ASE methods from the legacy Thermo Scientific™ Dionex™ ASE 350 system to the new EXTREVA™ ASE™ Accelerated Solvent Extractor. It outlines cell preparation, method parameter selection, and integrated extraction–evaporation workflows, with a specific focus on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in fortified soil samples.

Applied Methodology and Instrumentation

Instrument:

• EXTREVA ASE system with gas‐assisted, parallel extraction and automated evaporation.
• Key components: solvent pump, proportioning valve, backpressure and switching valves, liquid level sensor, vapor trap, vacuum pump.

Sample Preparation and Cell Loading:

1. Add filters and load homogenized sample mixed 1:1 to 1:2 with dispersant (e.g., diatomaceous earth) into stainless steel cells.
2. Tap and compact sample; top off with clean sand, add second filter, and close end caps.

Extraction Parameters (PAH Application):

• Solvent: 1:1 methylene chloride/acetone.
• Pressure: 200 psi; temperature: 100 °C.
• Dynamic flow: 1.1 mL/min (10 mL cell) or 0.50 mL/min (100 mL cell).
• Extraction time: 15 min for 10 mL cells, 20 min for 100 mL cells (parallel runs of four).
• Pre‐ and post‐run rinses optional; purge times 45 s (10 mL) to 180 s (100 mL).

Evaporation Parameters:

• Mode: fixed‐volume evaporation to 1 mL in 2 mL vials with AI‐driven liquid‐level sensing.
• Temperature: 40 °C; nitrogen flow: 50 mL/min per channel; vacuum: 8 psi.
• Optional rinse of flask walls with extraction solvent prior to final concentration.

Main Results and Discussion

Side‐by‐side comparison of Dionex ASE 350/Rocket Evaporator and EXTREVA ASE demonstrated:

• PAH recoveries between 78 % and 108 % across 16 target analytes (US EPA acceptance: 70–130 %).
• Relative standard deviations below 10 % for EXTREVA ASE, indicating superior reproducibility and channel‐to‐channel consistency.
• Comparable performance between legacy and new systems, validating method equivalence.

Benefits and Practical Applications

Implementation of the EXTREVA ASE delivers:

• Automated extraction and evaporation in one platform, freeing analyst time.
• Higher throughput with up to 16 samples per batch and parallel processing.
• Reduced solvent usage and waste through optimized dynamic flow and integrated rinse strategies.
• Enhanced flexibility to tailor solvent composition, temperature, and pressure for diverse matrices and analytes.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances likely to shape ASE applications include:

• Machine‐learning algorithms for automated method optimization and real‐time monitoring.
• Integration of in‐cell clean‐up modules to minimize offline sample handling.
• Expansion to greener solvent systems and solvent‐free extraction technologies.
• Coupling with high‐resolution mass spectrometry for trace‐level detection of emerging contaminants.

Conclusion

The method transfer from the Dionex ASE 350 to the EXTREVA ASE system demonstrates seamless adaptation, robust performance, and improved automation. Laboratories can adopt existing ASE protocols with minimal revalidation, while benefiting from enhanced throughput, solvent savings, and streamlined workflows.

References

• Ullah R., Gomez G. Sample preparation method transfer to EXTREVA ASE Accelerated Solvent Extractor. Thermo Fisher Scientific White Paper WP001751-EN, 2023.