Extractions that normally take hours can be done in minutes using Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE®). Compared to techniques such as Soxhlet and sonication, ASE generates results in a fraction of the time. In addition to speed, ASE offers a lower cost per sample than other techniques by reducing solvent consumption by up to 90%.
Automated extractions in minutes
Dramatic solvent reduction
Wide range of applications
Approved for use by the U.S. EPA and CLP Program
Sample cell sizes up to 100 mL
Collection bottle 250 mL
Operating pressure 1500 PSI (100 Bar)
Footprint requires less than 59 cm (24 in.) of bench space
Time is of the essence in most analytical laboratories. By using conventional liquid solvents at elevated temperatures and pressures, ASE increases the efficiency of the extraction process. Increased temperature accelerates the extraction kinetics, and elevated pressure keeps the solvent below its boiling point, thus enabling safe and rapid extractions. When an extraction takes only 15 min to complete, you can get to the data faster than ever before.
Although ASE uses the same aqueous and organic solvents as traditional extraction methods, it uses them more efficiently. Therefore, you use less solvent volume per sample, an instant savings for your operation. A typical ASE extraction is done using only 50–150 mLs of solvent.
The following industries use ASE to improve their sample preparation process.
Environmental
Pharmaceutical and Natural Products
Foods
- Pesticide residues
- Fat
- Vitamins and antibiotics
Contaminants
Consumer Products
- Detergents
- Paper and pulp
Textiles and fibers
ASE meets all of the requirements for extraction under U.S. EPA SW-846 Method 3545A for Pressurized Fluid Extraction, and is accepted under CLP SOW OLMO4.2. ASE can be used to replace Soxhlet, sonication, wrist shaking, and other extraction techniques typically used.
Patented ASE technology is available in both automated and manual versions for all lab sizes and types. The ASE 300 offers automated extraction of 12 samples, with cell sizes of 34–100 mL. The ASE 300 system is compatible with the ASE Solvent Controller and AutoASE® software. The solvent controller allows for automatic mixing and delivery of up to four separate solvents, providing convenience and flexibility of routine or research applications. AutoASE software provides multisystem PC control and advanced sample tracking.
ASE operates by moving the extraction solvent through an extraction cell containing the sample. Direct contact with the oven heats the sample cell. The extraction is performed by direct contact of the sample with the hot solvent in both static and dynamic modes. When the extraction is complete, compressed nitrogen moves all of the solvent from the cell to the vial for analysis. The filtered extract is collected away from the sample matrix, ready for analysis.
By using elevated temperature and pressure, ASE makes more efficient use of extraction solvents, providing lower cost per extraction. When compared to other extraction techniques, ASE provides the most efficient use of costly solvents.
