VELP SER 158 Automated Solvent Extraction System

Overview

The VELP SER 158 Automated Solvent Extraction System is a high-throughput, CE-certified instrument engineered for precise and reproducible solid-liquid extraction using the standardized Randall method. Designed and manufactured in Italy by VELP Scientifica—a globally recognized leader in analytical instrumentation since 1983—the SER 158 delivers fully automated fat analysis, extractable matter quantification, and sample preparation for environmental, food, feed, pulp & paper, textile, and petrochemical applications. Its core operational principle relies on controlled thermal cycling and gravity-driven solvent percolation within sealed extraction thimbles, ensuring consistent mass transfer kinetics across all channels. The system implements a five-stage Randall protocol: (1) boiling immersion, (2) siphoning to lower solvent level below the thimble, (3) reflux rinsing with condensed solvent, (4) solvent recovery (>90% via integrated condensation and collection), and (5) controlled post-extraction cooling with continuous water flow—eliminating thermal degradation of analytes and enabling accurate gravimetric determination of crude or total fat.

Key Features

• Modular configuration: Available as SER 158/3 (3-channel) or SER 158/6 (6-channel); up to four units can be networked for 24-channel throughput without external synchronization hardware
• SolventXpress™ delivery system: Non-contact, pump-assisted solvent dispensing minimizes operator exposure and eliminates manual pipetting errors
• SafeEnd™ thermal protection: Real-time temperature monitoring at each extraction position triggers automatic heater cutoff if preset thresholds are exceeded, preventing charring of residues
• TEMS™ (Thermal Energy Management System): Adaptive power modulation reduces energy consumption by up to 35% during standby and low-load phases while maintaining ±0.5 °C thermal stability during active extraction
• Viton-free FEP-coated seals and PTFE (Vaflon®) gaskets ensure chemical compatibility with chlorinated solvents (e.g., petroleum ether, diethyl ether, hexane), acetone, and ethanol
• Integrated LED illumination: Individual directional LEDs illuminate each extraction channel for visual verification of solvent level and thimble positioning
• Gravimetric-ready design: Extraction cups comply with ISO 1443 specifications for fat analysis; cup geometry optimized for uniform drying and minimal residue adhesion

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SER 158 supports a broad range of solid matrices—including ground cereals, meat homogenates, dairy powders, soil composites, sludge samples, cellulose fibers, synthetic polymers, and filter papers—when prepared in standard or custom-sized extraction thimbles (available in micro, standard, and macro formats). All operational parameters align with internationally recognized methodologies: AOAC Official Methods 920.39, 983.23, and 991.36; ISO 1443 (Animal and vegetable fats and oils — Determination of crude fat); ISO 6497 (Animal feeding stuffs — Sampling); EPA Method 907.1 (Soil and sediment extraction); APHA Standard Method 2710B (Fat in wastewater); and UNI EN 14082 (Foodstuffs — Determination of fat content). The system’s architecture supports GLP and GMP environments through traceable user logins, timestamped run records, and immutable result archives compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with optional VELP LabSuite software.

Software & Data Management

Operation is managed via an intuitive 7-inch resistive touchscreen interface running embedded Linux OS. Each extraction cycle logs date/time, operator ID, sample ID, solvent type, thimble size, heating profile, solvent volume, and final mass delta. Data export is supported via USB 2.0 (CSV, PDF reports) or Ethernet (TCP/IP) to LIMS or ELN systems. Optional VELP LabSuite software provides advanced features including method templating, multi-instrument fleet monitoring, electronic signature workflows, and full audit trail generation—including record creation/modification history, user permissions mapping, and system event logging. All stored data retain metadata required for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation audits.

Applications

• Routine crude fat and total lipid quantification in food, feed, and agricultural products per AOAC and ISO protocols
• Extractable hydrocarbon analysis in contaminated soils and sediments (EPA 907.1)
• Wax, resin, and plasticizer content determination in paper, textiles, and polymer films
• Preparative extraction of pesticides, PAHs, PCBs, and other organic contaminants prior to GC or HPLC analysis
• Hot solvent extraction of bitumen from asphalt binders and road construction materials
• Standardized sample conditioning for BOD/COD testing where interfering lipids must be removed prior to biological oxygen demand measurement

FAQ

What extraction standards does the SER 158 support?
The SER 158 is validated for AOAC, ISO 1443/6497, EPA 907.1, APHA 2710B, and UNI EN 14082 methods.
Can the SER 158 be integrated into a laboratory information management system (LIMS)?
Yes—via Ethernet TCP/IP or USB file export, supporting CSV and PDF formats compatible with major LIMS platforms.
Is solvent recovery truly automated and quantifiable?
Yes—the system automatically condenses and directs >90% of used solvent into a dedicated internal recovery reservoir, with volume tracking enabled via optional add-on sensors.
Does the SER 158 require external cooling water circulation?
It uses standard tap water for post-extraction cooling; no recirculating chiller is required, though flow rate and temperature are monitored continuously.
How is operator safety ensured during solvent handling?
SolventXpress™ eliminates manual pouring; SafeEnd™ prevents overheating; CE-compliant fume hood integration is recommended for volatile solvents.