PreeKem PREPS Automated Microwave Sample Preparation Platform

Overview

The PreeKem PREPS Automated Microwave Sample Preparation Platform is an industrial-grade, single-mode microwave digestion system engineered for high-throughput, unattended sample pretreatment in regulated analytical laboratories. It operates on the principle of controlled microwave energy coupling into reaction vessels via a focused, high-field-intensity single-mode cavity—enabling rapid, uniform, and reproducible thermal decomposition of organic matrices under pressurized acidic conditions. Designed for compliance-critical environments including environmental testing labs, food safety centers, clinical reference laboratories, and contract research organizations (CROs), the PREPS platform integrates closed-vessel microwave-assisted acid digestion with fully automated liquid handling to replace manual, multi-step workflows involving weighing, acid addition, sealing, digestion, cooling, and vessel opening. Its architecture supports routine analysis per ISO 11466, EPA Method 3052, ASTM D5762, and USP , ensuring trace-metal recovery integrity and minimal blank contribution.

Key Features

• Single-Mode Microwave Cavity: Delivers precise, repeatable energy delivery to individual vessels—eliminating hot/cold spots common in multimode systems and enabling method scalability from R&D to routine QC.
• Triple-Channel Independent Acid Dispensing System: Equipped with three high-accuracy syringe pumps (±0.5% volumetric repeatability) for programmable addition of HNO₃, HF, HCl, or H₂O₂, with real-time volume calculation based on sample mass input.
• Dynamic Pressure & Infrared Temperature Monitoring: Dual-sensor feedback loop combines non-contact IR fiber-optic temperature measurement (range: 0–300 °C, resolution: 0.1 °C) with piezoresistive pressure transducers (0–600 psi, resolution: 1 psi) for active process regulation and overpressure mitigation.
• Automated Probe Management: Motorized acid probe adjusts vertical position during dispensing; programmable rinse speed and post-addition internal/external probe washing prevent carryover between reagent types and samples.
• Smart Sample Rack Recognition: Integrated optical position sensors detect rack type, orientation, and vessel presence—ensuring correct protocol assignment and preventing misprocessing.
• Corrosion-Resistant Architecture: Fully encapsulated robotic arm with PTFE-coated actuators and chemically inert fluidic pathways (perfluoroalkoxy-lined tubing, ceramic valves) withstand aggressive acid mixtures including aqua regia and HF-containing media.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The PREPS platform accommodates standard 55 mL quartz or reinforced PTFE-TFM digestion vessels compatible with EPA-compliant methods. Vessel loading is validated for heterogeneous solid matrices—including soils, sediments, biological tissues, polymers, and pharmaceutical excipients—without pre-grinding requirements. All pressure/temperature control algorithms adhere to IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards and are designed to meet GLP audit requirements for instrument qualification (IQ/OQ/PQ). The system logs all critical parameters—including acid volumes, ramp profiles, hold times, peak T/P values, and error events—with timestamped, user-identifiable records compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with validated LIMS integration.

Software & Data Management

PREPS is operated via PreeKem’s proprietary Windows-based ControlSuite software, supporting method library management, multi-user role-based access control (administrator, analyst, reviewer), and electronic signature functionality. Raw data—including real-time pressure/temperature curves, acid dispensing logs, and rack scan history—are stored in encrypted SQLite databases with automatic daily backup to network drives. Export formats include CSV, PDF analytical reports, and XML for seamless import into ELN or LIMS platforms. Audit trail configuration enables full traceability of parameter changes, user logins, and run executions—meeting ALCOA+ data integrity principles.

Applications

• Heavy metal quantification (As, Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr) in food and feed per EU Regulation (EC) No 1881/2006
• Digestion of geological samples prior to ICP-MS or ICP-OES analysis per ISO 13877
• Pharmaceutical raw material testing for elemental impurities per ICH Q3D guidelines
• Waste leachate analysis under TCLP (US EPA Method 1311) and SPLP protocols
• High-purity silicon wafer residue analysis requiring sub-ppt detection limits

FAQ

Is the PREPS system compatible with hydrofluoric acid (HF) digestion protocols?
Yes—the fluidic system uses HF-resistant materials (e.g., sapphire pump seals, PFA/PTFE manifolds), and the software includes pre-validated HF-safe pressure ramp profiles.
Can the system be integrated into a laboratory automation framework (e.g., with robotic arms or sample managers)?
It features RS-232, Ethernet, and optional OPC UA interfaces for bidirectional communication with third-party automation controllers and middleware platforms.
What validation documentation is provided with the instrument?
Each unit ships with Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) report, IQ/OQ templates aligned with ISO/IEC 17025, and a Certificate of Conformance to GB/T 19001 (equivalent to ISO 9001).
Does the 5-year cavity warranty cover both structural integrity and microwave performance degradation?
Yes—the warranty explicitly covers loss of field homogeneity, cavity wall corrosion, and magnetron output drift beyond ±5% of nominal power rating.