Spectra Invent AT10/14 Automated Sample Preparation System for Oil-in-Water Analysis
| Brand | Spectra Invent |
|---|---|
| Origin | Zhejiang, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Manufacture | China |
| Model | AT10 / AT14 |
| Pricing | Available Upon Request |
Overview
The Spectra Invent AT10/14 Automated Sample Preparation System is a dedicated benchtop platform engineered to standardize and accelerate the front-end workflow for oil-in-water quantification—specifically supporting infrared (IR), ultraviolet (UV), and fluorescence-based analytical methods. It implements a validated liquid–liquid extraction protocol in accordance with EPA Method 1664A, ISO 9377-2, and ASTM D7066, delivering consistent phase separation, solvent dosing, mixing, and emulsion-breaking cycles without manual intervention. Designed for laboratories processing ≥20 samples per day, the system minimizes operator-induced variability, reduces solvent exposure risk, and ensures traceable, repeatable sample conditioning prior to instrumental analysis on FTIR spectrometers, UV-Vis photometers, or fluorimeters.
Key Features
- Programmable multi-step extraction sequence: solvent addition (n-hexane, CCl4, or alternative IR-transparent solvents), vortex-assisted mixing, centrifugal phase separation (up to 3,000 × g), and aqueous-phase aspiration
- Dual-channel architecture (AT10) or 14-position carousel configuration (AT14) enabling parallel processing of up to 10 or 14 samples per run
- Integrated solvent management with sealed reservoirs, pressure-regulated delivery, and waste containment compliant with OSHA and CLP hazard labeling requirements
- Touchscreen HMI with audit-trail-enabled method storage (≥100 protocols), user-level access control (admin/operator/guest), and real-time status monitoring (temperature, pressure, cycle progress)
- Modular design compatible with optional accessories: automatic pH adjustment module, solid-phase extraction (SPE) adapter kit, and barcode-driven sample tracking interface
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AT10/14 accommodates standard 40 mL–1 L glass or polypropylene sample containers, including EPA-approved amber glass vials and pre-cleaned stainless-steel sampling cans. It handles turbid, high-suspended-solid, and saline matrices—including municipal wastewater, produced water, seawater (up to 35 ppt salinity), and estuarine sediments—without clogging or carryover. All fluidic pathways are constructed from chemically inert PTFE, PFA, and borosilicate glass. The system meets CE marking requirements for laboratory equipment (2014/30/EU EMC Directive and 2014/35/EU LVD), supports GLP-compliant operation via electronic log export (CSV/Excel), and enables full traceability for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned environments when paired with Spectra Invent’s LIMS-integrated software suite.
Software & Data Management
Control and data acquisition are managed through Spectra Invent’s PrepLink™ v3.2 software, installed on an embedded industrial PC. The software provides method development wizards, real-time deviation alerts (e.g., abnormal pressure spikes, incomplete phase separation), and automated calibration verification using certified reference materials (CRMs). Raw process logs—including timestamps, solvent volumes dispensed, centrifugation parameters, and operator ID—are encrypted and stored locally with optional cloud backup (AWS S3, HIPAA-compliant). Audit trails comply with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 7.10.2 and support internal quality audits and regulatory inspections.
Applications
- Regulatory compliance testing for petroleum hydrocarbons in effluent discharge permits (e.g., NPDES, EU WFD)
- Environmental monitoring programs targeting offshore drilling platforms, refineries, and petrochemical terminals
- Research on oil biodegradation kinetics in marine microcosms, requiring high-throughput sample conditioning across time-series experiments
- QA/QC workflows in drinking water treatment plants evaluating grease trap overflow contamination
- Method validation studies comparing extraction efficiency across solvent systems (e.g., n-hexane vs. cyclohexane) under controlled temperature gradients (15–30 °C)
FAQ
Does the AT14 support unattended overnight operation?
Yes—equipped with thermal safety cutoff, solvent leak detection sensors, and auto-pause/resume functionality upon power recovery.
Can the system be integrated with third-party ICP-MS or GC-MS workflows?
Direct integration is not supported; however, output extracts meet ASTM D7066 compatibility criteria for downstream instrumental analysis.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the fluidic system?
Pump tubing replacement every 6 months (or 500 runs), centrifuge rotor balancing check quarterly, and solvent line purging before first use of new reagent batches.
Is validation documentation provided for IQ/OQ/PQ protocols?
Yes—factory-issued Installation Qualification (IQ) and Operational Qualification (OQ) packages are included; Performance Qualification (PQ) templates align with USP and ISO/IEC 17025 Annex A.2.
How is cross-contamination between samples prevented?
Each channel employs disposable solvent-contact components (tips, vial caps, mixing rods); wash cycles use sequential rinses with blank solvent and nitrogen purge between samples.
