Spectra Invent AE600 Automated Liquid-Liquid Extractor

Overview

The Spectra Invent AE600 Automated Liquid-Liquid Extractor is an engineered solution for high-throughput, reproducible liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) in environmental and regulatory compliance laboratories. Designed around the fundamental principle of phase partitioning—where analytes distribute between immiscible solvents based on partition coefficients—the AE600 automates the entire LLE workflow without manual intervention. It is specifically optimized for EPA-compliant methods (e.g., EPA 425.1, 503.1, 505, 525.3) and standard test procedures used in water quality analysis, including determination of volatile phenols, anionic surfactants (MBAS), petroleum hydrocarbons (oil & grease), organochlorine pesticides, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Its pneumatic agitation mechanism eliminates mechanical shaking, reducing emulsion formation and improving phase separation consistency—critical for downstream analysis by GC, GC-MS, or UV-Vis spectrophotometry.

Key Features

• Integrated 6-position extraction platform enabling parallel processing of up to six samples per cycle, significantly increasing laboratory throughput.
• Recirculating pneumatic agitation system: Compressed air is introduced in a controlled, closed-loop manner to induce turbulent mixing between aqueous and organic phases—ensuring complete mass transfer while eliminating the need for venting or manual pressure release.
• Full automation sequence: Includes programmable automatic sample introduction (0–1000 mL volume range), precise reagent dosing, timed extraction, phase separation via gravity settling, organic layer aspiration, and post-extraction waste disposal.
• Dedicated auto-cleaning module: Integrated solvent rinse and air-dry cycles minimize cross-contamination between runs and support unattended operation over extended batches.
• User-configurable extraction time (2–4 minutes per sample) with real-time status monitoring via front-panel LCD interface and LED indicators for each station.
• Chemically resistant fluid path components (PTFE, borosilicate glass, and fluorinated elastomers) compatible with common extraction solvents including n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and MTBE.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AE600 accommodates a wide range of aqueous matrices—including surface water, wastewater, drinking water, and leachates—with minimal pretreatment. Sample containers are standardized to 1–2 L glass or HDPE bottles, and the system supports both grab and composite sampling protocols. All operational parameters—including agitation duration, rest time for phase separation, and solvent volume—are fully programmable to meet method-specific requirements outlined in ISO 11348, ASTM D3764, and US EPA SW-846 Methods 3510C and 3520C. The instrument’s design aligns with GLP documentation practices, and its repeatable performance supports data integrity under FDA 21 CFR Part 11–compliant software environments when integrated with validated LIMS platforms.

Software & Data Management

While the AE600 operates via embedded firmware with local parameter storage, it includes RS-232 and optional Ethernet connectivity for integration into centralized laboratory informatics systems. Method templates can be saved and recalled, with timestamped run logs capturing start/stop times, solvent volumes, agitation cycles, and error codes. When paired with Spectra Invent’s optional Extraction Control Suite (v2.1+), users gain audit-trail functionality, electronic signature support, and exportable CSV reports compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation standards. All firmware updates are delivered via secure USB import and include version-controlled change logs traceable to IEC 62304 medical device software lifecycle guidelines.

Applications

• Environmental monitoring labs performing routine analysis of priority pollutants in water per national and international regulatory frameworks.
• Drinking water treatment facilities validating removal efficiency of micropollutants during process optimization studies.
• Contract testing laboratories requiring high-sample-volume capacity while maintaining strict adherence to QA/QC protocols (e.g., spike recovery, duplicate analysis, method blanks).
• Research institutions conducting solvent selection studies or developing novel LLE-based sample preparation workflows for emerging contaminants (e.g., PFAS, pharmaceutical residues).
• Academic teaching laboratories where robustness, safety, and procedural transparency are essential for student training in analytical sample preparation techniques.

FAQ

What types of solvents are compatible with the AE600?
The system supports low-to-medium volatility organic solvents including n-hexane, cyclohexane, dichloromethane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), provided they are chemically inert toward PTFE and borosilicate components.
Can the AE600 handle viscous or suspended samples?
Samples with total suspended solids (TSS) <50 mg/L and viscosity <10 cP are suitable; higher particulate loads require pre-filtration (0.45 µm) to prevent nozzle clogging and ensure accurate liquid-level detection.
Is method validation support available from Spectra Invent?
Yes—application notes, spike recovery data sets, and IQ/OQ documentation templates are provided with each unit, and on-site installation qualification (IQ) services are available upon request.
How is phase separation verified before organic layer aspiration?
The system employs optical level sensing at the aqueous-organic interface, combined with a fixed settling delay (programmable from 30–180 seconds) to ensure gravitational separation prior to aspiration.
Does the AE600 meet electrical safety and EMC requirements for international use?
It complies with IEC 61010-1 (Safety) and IEC 61326-1 (EMC) standards, and carries CE marking for use within the European Economic Area; UL certification is pending for North American markets.