Fully automated single reaction chamber microwave digestion system
The patented Milestone ultraCLAVE achieves extraordinary performance capabilities by combining SRC patented technology with the highest throughput available in the market.
The technology that revolutionized sample preparation
The ultraCLAVE's utilization of SRC technology allows for the processing of mixed matrices in the same run with different chemistries and to use vials/racks instead of vessels/rotors, which essentially removes the handling step in sample preparation. The ultraCLAVE completely changes the rules in microwave sample preparation and sets new standards in digestion, enhancing the overall efficiency in elemental analysis. The ultraCLAVE is capable of running as many as 77 samples simultaneously at high temperature up to 300 °C and pressure up to 200 bar, thus enhancing lab efficiency.
● Market-leading innovation
● Fully automated
● Enhanced performance
● Unsurprised throughput
● Great return on investment
Product Specialist
Mikael Alfredsson
"Our expert in Digestion, Extraction, Syntesis and Evaporation with more than 20 years experience in the field of sales and service. Contact me for if you have questions or need a quotation"
The patented Milestone ultraCLAVE achieves extraordinary performance capabilities by combining direct microwave heating in a high pressure reactor, which acts simultaneously as microwave cavity and vessel. Microwave energy is introduced into the reactor through a unique microwave port. This focused-multimode cavity design ensures maximum sample heating efficiency. Heat generated in the reactor is removed by a re-circulating cooling system, and the stainless steel vessel remains at approximately room temperature throughout the entire heating cycle. The ultraCLAVE is designed for simplicity of use. Loading a rack of samples into the chamber is the only manual operation required. The reaction chamber is sealed, pressurized, heated, cooled, vented, and opened all under computer control. The system dramatically reduces the labor compared to conventional microwave systems.
The operating sequence with SRC technology
Sample preparation is the most labor-intensive step in elemental analysis, as it requires assembling, closing, opening and disassembling of the vessels. These operations involve a lot of handling, which is directly affected by the number of vessels used. The ultraCLAVE with SRC technology, uses vials and racks instead of rotors and vessels, completely removing laborious handling. SRC technology is based on a stainless-steel reactor with a volume in excess of 4 L, which act as both a microwave cavity and digestion vessel. A 3.5 L PTFE vessel with a base load is introduced into the stainless-steel reactor. The operator places the samples and acids into vials with loose-fitting caps, places the rack in the ultraCLAVE and the digestion process begins (Step 1). By pressing “START” on the dedicated large screen terminal, the system automatically closes the stainless-steel vessel and clamps, loads the nitrogen pressure and runs the pre-selected microwave program (Step 2). After completion the vials are cooled using a powerful external chiller, pressure is safely released, and the main reactor opens, delivering the digested solutions ready for dilution and analysis (Step 3).
1. Rack loading
2. MW heating
3. Opening
Gain efficiency without compromising performance
Performance
The combination of stainless-steel reactor with microwave technology results in a digestion system with superb performance and abilities. The temperature range up to 300 °C allows for the digestion of virtually any sample, while the maximum pressure of up to 200 bar allows for digesting very large sample amounts. Highly reactive samples such as large amounts of food, pharmaceuticals, polymers and petrochemicals can be completely digested. Furthermore, the platform's flexibility found a natural fit in other analytical testing labs such as environmental, clinical and biological. The ultraCLAVE allows for the simultaneous digestion of completely different matrices with different chemistries, as the set conditions in the stainless-steel cavity are applied to all vials, ensuring complete digestion of all samples in the reaction chamber.
Typical ultraCLAVE digestion cycle with the 40 position rack. 0.5 g of organic samples such as infant formula, butter an API and fish oil with 5 mL of HNO3
Greater productivity & ROI
SRC technology offers high throughput without compromising productivity. The ultraCLAVE greatly reduces handling and operator time, eliminates the need to batch the samples and to clean of vials, resulting in a more productive approach to digestion across multiple industries. Most samples will be digested using a single program, eliminating method development and simplifying the digestion procedure. The ultraCLAVE is an efficient tool for mixed or similar samples. Lab throughput is greatly enhanced, with a digestion cycle taking about 60 minutes for 40 or 77 samples. Lab efficiency is improved by removing the need to batch samples, speeding up the digestion cycle and using inexpensive consumables. The ultraCLAVE offers superior productivity, ease of use and performance far surpassing any conventional digestion system.
The above graph compares the efficiency ratio between a rotor-based system (f.e. 40 positions) and the ultraCLAVE (with 40 positions) with SRC technology, considering operator time, productivity and running costs
ultraCLAVE rack loaded with different matrices
Digestion vials
Racks and vials with loose-fitting caps greatly simplify daily operation and reduces running costs. The ultraCLAVE racks are available in several configurations, from 6 to 77 individual samples, to accommodate varying sample throughput needs as well as large sample masses. The selection of vials includes high-purity PTFE, quartz and disposable glass. The use of disposable glass vials eliminates the tedious and time-consuming cleaning step, improving lab workflow. Rack handling is as simple as hanging it in the system. Moreover, SRC technology allows for the use of a single method regardless of the sample type and amount, making it possible to digest different matrices together in the same run.
We Serve Pharmaceutical Labs
Discover our commitment new USP <232>/<233> and ICH Q3D for Ensuring Safer Drugs for Providing High Quality API’s
Determining Elemental Impurities in Pharmaceutical Products
New methods and guidelines from United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Chapters USP <232>, <233> and <2232> as well as guidelines from International Conference on Harmonization (ICH observed by the European Medicines Agency (referred as ICH Q3D) set new standards in laboratory analysis and sample preparation for pharmaceutical samples. Determination of elemental impurities in pharmaceutical products can be made from the sources like catalysts, raw materials, production processes, and packaging materials. The implementation of the new USP chapters <232> and <233> on elemental impurities in January 2018 redefined analysis and sample preparation in pharmaceutical industry. Milestone offers chemists a practical guidance for determining elemental impurities in pharmaceutical products and dietary supplements.