Raykol Fotector-02HT High-Throughput Automated Solid Phase Extraction System

Overview

The Raykol Fotector-02HT is a fully automated, high-throughput solid phase extraction (SPE) system engineered for precision, reproducibility, and unattended operation in regulated analytical laboratories. It implements standardized cartridge-based SPE methodology—comprising conditioning, loading, washing, and elution steps—under programmable fluidic control. The system utilizes positive-pressure manifold technology to deliver consistent, pulse-free solvent flow across all active channels, minimizing channel-to-channel variability and ensuring uniform bed packing and analyte recovery. Designed for integration into routine QC/QA workflows, the Fotector-02HT supports method transfer from manual or semi-automated SPE protocols without revalidation of critical parameters such as breakthrough volume or elution efficiency. Its compact footprint allows direct installation inside standard fume hoods (minimum internal width ≥600 mm), eliminating open-bench solvent handling and reducing occupational exposure risk during hazardous organic solvent use.

Key Features

• Fully automated, walk-away operation with pre-programmed or customizable method sequences—including multi-step gradient elution, timed fraction collection, and sequential solvent switching.
• Multi-channel architecture supporting up to 32 parallel SPE cartridges; base configuration handles 16 samples per run, scalable to 256 samples via modular expansion without hardware replacement.
• Precision flow control (0–100 mL/min) enabled by digitally regulated pneumatic pressure regulation and calibrated mass-flow sensors—ensuring compliance with ASTM D7299 and ISO 17025 method validation requirements for flow-dependent recovery.
• Eight independently addressable solvent ports with chemically resistant fluid paths constructed entirely from 316 stainless steel, fluoropolymer (PTFE)-lined tubing, and PEEK manifolds—compatible with acetonitrile, methanol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and acidic/basic aqueous modifiers.
• Integrated leak detection and pressure monitoring at each channel; automatic pause-and-alert functionality upon abnormal backpressure (>150 psi) or solvent depletion.
• Modular design permits seamless integration with downstream instrumentation including LC-MS/MS autosamplers (via 96-well plate output format) and robotic liquid handlers.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Fotector-02HT accommodates standard 1 mL, 3 mL, 6 mL, and 12 mL SPE cartridges from major vendors (e.g., Waters, Agilent, Thermo Fisher), as well as custom-packed columns. It supports aqueous, biological (plasma, urine, serum), environmental (wastewater, soil extracts), and food matrix samples—including homogenized tissue digests and centrifuged supernatants. All operational firmware and method files comply with ALCOA+ data integrity principles. Audit trail logging—including user ID, timestamp, parameter changes, and error events—is enabled by default and conforms to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with validated network authentication and electronic signature modules. System qualification documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ) templates are provided per GMP/GLP laboratory standards.

Software & Data Management

Controlled via Raykol SPEManager™ v4.x software—a Windows-based application supporting method creation, real-time status visualization, remote desktop access (RDP-compatible), and export of raw log files in CSV and XML formats. Method libraries support version-controlled storage with checksum verification. Data outputs include per-channel flow rate logs, pressure traces, solvent consumption reports, and pass/fail flags based on user-defined acceptance criteria (e.g., elution volume tolerance ±5%, wash step duration deviation <±2 s). Raw data files are stored in immutable, timestamped folders compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.5.2 for record retention.

Applications

• Residue analysis: Multi-class pesticide and veterinary drug quantification in fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy per EU SANTE/11312/2021 and USDA AMS guidelines.
• Environmental monitoring: Isolation and concentration of PAHs, PCBs, phthalates, and PFAS from surface water, sediment leachates, and air particulate filters (EPA Methods 3535A, 508.1, 1613B).
• Clinical toxicology: Cleanup of whole blood, urine, and oral fluid specimens prior to GC-MS or LC-MS/MS analysis for drugs of abuse, pharmaceutical metabolites, and endogenous biomarkers (CLIA, CAP-accredited workflows).
• Pharmaceutical development: Impurity profiling and stability-indicating sample prep for forced degradation studies under ICH Q5C conditions.

FAQ

Does the Fotector-02HT support method validation documentation packages?
Yes—Raykol provides IQ/OQ/PQ protocol templates aligned with ASTM E2500-13 and EU Annex 15, including test scripts for flow accuracy, channel independence, carryover assessment (<0.05%), and repeatability (RSD ≤3% across n=6 replicates).
Can it interface directly with third-party LIMS systems?
Yes—via HL7 v2.5 or RESTful API integration; supported LIMS platforms include LabWare LIMS, STARLIMS, and Thermo Fisher SampleManager.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term reliability?
Daily: Visual inspection of tubing integrity and solvent reservoir levels. Quarterly: Calibration of pressure transducers and flow sensors using NIST-traceable reference standards. Annually: Full system performance qualification and wetted-part replacement per manufacturer’s service bulletin.
Is PTFE-coated tubing compatible with strong acids such as concentrated HNO₃ or HF?
No—while PTFE offers broad chemical resistance, it is not rated for hydrofluoric acid or hot concentrated nitric acid above 60 °C. For such applications, optional Hastelloy C-276 manifolds and perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) tubing kits are available upon request.