LCTech FREESTYLE XANA Large-Volume Water Sample Preparation System

Overview

The LCTech FREESTYLE XANA is a fully automated, high-capacity solid-phase extraction (SPE) platform engineered specifically for the robust and reproducible preparation of large-volume aqueous environmental samples. Designed in accordance with ISO 5667-3, EPA Method 1694, and ASTM D7823 for water quality analysis, the system implements gravity-assisted or pressure-driven (up to 4 bar) cartridge-based SPE to process raw, particulate-laden water matrices—including groundwater, surface water, wastewater, and drinking water—without manual intervention. Its core architecture integrates precise fluid handling, real-time column pressure monitoring, and programmable solvent sequencing to deliver quantitative analyte recovery across complex, low-concentration matrices. Unlike benchtop SPE manifolds, the FREESTYLE XANA eliminates operator-dependent variability by automating all critical steps: conditioning, loading, washing, drying, and elution—followed by inline evaporation and direct transfer into GC vials or LC autosampler tubes.

Key Features

• Fully unattended operation: Capable of continuous 7 × 24 h autonomous runs with integrated scheduling and error-resilient workflow recovery.
• Large-volume sample handling: Processes 1–4 L per sample using calibrated peristaltic or pressure-assisted delivery; includes post-loading rinse with ultrapure water to ensure quantitative transfer from original container.
• Multi-solvent flexibility: Eight independently controlled solvent reservoirs support gradient elution, multi-step conditioning, and matrix-specific wash protocols.
• Adaptive flow control: Programmable flow rates from 0.1 to 30.0 mL/min enable optimization for both high-throughput screening (e.g., nitroaromatics in groundwater) and gentle elution of labile compounds (e.g., acidic pharmaceuticals).
• Particulate-tolerant design: Integrated 4-bar adjustable backpressure regulation and real-time column pressure monitoring allow uninterrupted processing of turbid or suspended-solid-containing samples—no pre-filtration required.
• Integrated concentration module: On-line nitrogen or compressed air-assisted evaporation delivers concentrated eluates directly into standard 2-mL GC vials or 1.5-mL HPLC vials with volume accuracy ±3% (v/v) at 100 µL endpoint.
• Chemically inert fluid path: All wetted components consist of 316 stainless steel, PTFE, and borosilicate glass—ensuring compatibility with aggressive solvents (e.g., acetone, dichloromethane, methanol) and minimizing analyte adsorption or leaching.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FREESTYLE XANA supports diverse aqueous environmental matrices including filtered and unfiltered groundwater, river water, municipal wastewater effluent, and potable water. It complies with regulatory method requirements for trace organic analysis under US EPA SW-846 Methods 3535A (SPE) and 3550C (extraction), as well as EU Standard EN ISO 21675:2019 for determination of organic pollutants in water. The system’s audit trail, electronic signature capability, and user-access-level controls meet GLP and FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness criteria when paired with LCTech’s validated software suite.

Software & Data Management

Controlled via LCTech’s intuitive Windows-based Freestyle Software, the system provides method editor, sequence scheduler, real-time status dashboard, and comprehensive event logging. All instrument actions—including valve switching, pump actuation, pressure readings, and solvent usage—are timestamped and stored locally with optional network backup. Raw data files include full metadata (operator ID, method version, calibration history) and are exportable in CSV and XML formats for LIMS integration. Software validation packages (IQ/OQ/PQ documentation) are available upon request for regulated laboratories.

Applications

• Detection of explosives and transformation products (e.g., RDX, HMX, TNT metabolites) in groundwater monitoring wells.
• Quantification of artificial sweeteners (acesulfame, sucralose, cyclamate) in urban wastewater and aquifer recharge zones.
• Analysis of acidic pesticides (e.g., glyphosate, 2,4-D, MCPA) and polar pharmaceuticals (ibuprofen, carbamazepine, metformin) in drinking water sources.
• Trace-level determination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including PFOS, PFOA, and GenX, in surface water and effluent.
• High-volume screening of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) and microcontaminants in compliance with EU Water Framework Directive monitoring programs.

FAQ

Can the FREESTYLE XANA handle samples with high suspended solids without clogging?
Yes—the system operates at up to 4 bar regulated pressure and continuously monitors column backpressure; if resistance exceeds user-defined thresholds, it automatically pauses the current step and proceeds to the next sample while flagging the event in the log.
Is offline fraction collection supported?
No—the system is optimized for direct vial-to-instrument transfer; however, optional rack-based fraction collectors can be interfaced via digital I/O for non-standard workflows.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for routine operation?
Pump tubing replacement every 3 months under continuous use; solvent filter cartridges every 200 runs; column holder O-rings inspected quarterly.
Does the software support method sharing across multiple instruments?
Yes—methods are stored as portable .fsm files and retain all parameters, sequences, and calibration settings for seamless deployment across identical FREESTYLE XANA units.
Is third-party software integration (e.g., Thermo Chromeleon, Agilent OpenLab) possible?
Limited API access is available via TCP/IP commands for basic start/stop and status polling; full bidirectional integration requires custom middleware development through LCTech’s Application Support team.