Microwave enhanced laboratory systems speed up sample preparation

Sample preparation can account for up to 80% of the total time to complete an analysis. Reducing this bottleneck must be a first priority for the laboratory and can be achieved using microwave enhanced technology. Milestone systems from Analytix provide increased sample throughput, safer working conditions, reduced operating costs, reduced solvent usage, and improved reproducibility.

The Milestone ETHOS X extraction system offers extraction of environmental samples plus total fat determinations in food products, and extraction of natural products all in a single platform.

Extraction of 24 environmental samples up to 30g in weight can take place simultaneously within 40 minutes and the use of 100ml low-cost disposable glass vials eliminates memory effects and cleaning.

The Milestone microwave digestion systems are specifically designed for closed vessel acid digestion. With a choice of three different platforms coupled with a comprehensive choice of accessories, they additionally offer a complete first-class solution for microwave solvent extraction, organic and inorganic synthesis, protein hydrolysis, and vacuum evaporation.

The latest innovation in microwave digestion, the ultraWAVE3 with Single Reaction Chamber technology enables 20 samples to be digested in under 35 minutes. Any combination of sample types and weights with different acid chemistries can be digested at the same time so there is no need to batch samples of the same type into separate runs and minimal handling additionally speeds up the preparation stage.

The Milestone PYRO ashing system is suitable for conventional ashing, sulphated ashing, loss on ignition (LOI), residue on ignition (ROI), fusion and all high-temperature reactions under controlled conditions. With a choice of three muffle types, ashing times can be reduced by up to 95% from hours to minutes using standard crucibles.

An integral exhaust system ensures no loss of heat to the laboratory plus odours are removed eliminating operator exposure to fumes. Uniform distribution of temperature across the muffle eliminates cold spots and ensures reproducible ashing across all crucibles.

All Milestone microwave enhanced systems are controlled via a full-colour touchscreen interface and offer full data storage and transfer to laboratory LIMS systems.