Saprete LLE-6R Flip-Type Liquid-Liquid Extraction Oscillator

Overview

The Saprete LLE-6R is a dedicated flip-type liquid-liquid extraction oscillator engineered for reproducible, operator-independent phase separation in analytical and preparative laboratories. It operates on the principle of controlled rotational inversion—where sample vessels are rotated 180° about a horizontal axis at precisely regulated angular velocity and dwell time—to maximize interfacial contact between immiscible solvents while minimizing emulsion formation and foaming. Unlike vortex or orbital shakers, the LLE-6R’s flip motion ensures uniform mixing across all six positions without cross-contamination risk or mechanical stress on glassware. Its architecture supports routine use in environmental testing (e.g., EPA Method 3510C), pharmaceutical residual solvent analysis (per ICH Q2(R2)), and food safety screening (e.g., multi-residue pesticide extraction per AOAC 2007.01). The device is constructed with corrosion-resistant stainless-steel housing, sealed DC brushless motor, and vibration-dampened base—ensuring long-term stability under continuous duty cycles.

Key Features

• Simultaneous processing of six samples with independent positional balance—no manual repositioning required.
• Flip-axis motion geometry optimized to maintain meniscus integrity during agitation, reducing aerosol generation and solvent loss.
• Touchscreen HMI with intuitive icon-based navigation; supports user-defined protocols stored in non-volatile memory (up to 20 methods).
• Stepless speed control (0–60 rpm typical range) with real-time feedback and ±0.5 rpm repeatability across operating temperature (10–40 °C).
• Automatic dynamic balancing system compensates for minor mass asymmetry among loaded vessels, eliminating resonance-induced noise or drift.
• Modular carrier design: Interchangeable 6-position trays accommodate standard 50 mL or 100 mL colorimetric tubes and stoppered graduated cylinders—no tools required for tray swaps.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The LLE-6R accepts borosilicate glass or polypropylene vessels conforming to ISO 4787 (volumetric glassware) and ASTM D129 (liquid sampling standards). Each tray is certified for maximum load of 200 g per position (including vessel + contents), supporting common solvent systems such as dichloromethane/water, ethyl acetate/hexane, and acetonitrile/buffer. All operational parameters—including rotation angle, dwell time, and speed profile—are fully traceable and loggable for audit readiness. The unit meets IEC 61010-1:2010 safety requirements for laboratory equipment and is compatible with GLP documentation workflows when paired with external timestamped logging software. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified out-of-box, its protocol storage and method recall functions support validation pathways under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Annex A2.

Software & Data Management

The LLE-6R operates autonomously via embedded firmware; no PC connection is required for basic operation. However, optional USB or RS-232 interfaces enable direct export of run logs (CSV format) containing start/stop timestamps, selected mode ID, actual speed history, and error codes (e.g., “Overload Detected”, “Tray Misalignment”). These logs integrate natively with LIMS platforms compliant with ASTM E1578-18 (Laboratory Information Management Systems Standard Guide). Firmware updates are delivered via encrypted .bin files through Saprete’s secure customer portal—requiring physical USB key authentication to prevent unauthorized modification.

Applications

• Environmental analysis: Extraction of PAHs, PCBs, and organochlorine pesticides from aqueous matrices prior to GC-MS or HPLC quantification.
• Pharmaceutical QC: Recovery of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and genotoxic impurities from synthetic reaction mixtures using back-extraction protocols.
• Clinical toxicology: Isolation of drugs of abuse (e.g., benzodiazepines, opioids) from serum or urine using buffered organic solvent systems.
• Food testing: Multi-analyte extraction of mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1, ochratoxin A) from grain homogenates per EU Commission Regulation (EC) No 401/2006.
• Academic research: Method development for novel biphasic catalysis systems requiring precise phase contact time control.

FAQ

What vessel types are validated for use with the LLE-6R?

Standard 50 mL and 100 mL colorimetric tubes (with PTFE-lined caps) and stoppered graduated cylinders meeting ISO 6706 specifications.
Does the LLE-6R support timed sequential extraction steps?

Yes—user-defined methods may include up to three sequential phases (e.g., 2 min mix → 1 min rest → 3 min slow inversion), each with independent speed and duration settings.
Is calibration required before first use?

No factory calibration is needed; however, users should verify rotational symmetry using the included bubble-level alignment tool and perform annual verification per internal SOPs.
Can the LLE-6R be integrated into automated lab workflows?

It features dry-contact relay outputs (24 V DC) for integration with robotic arms or PLC-controlled sample handling systems—pinout diagrams available in the technical appendix.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?

Motor brush inspection every 10,000 operating hours; bearing lubrication every 2 years; touchscreen calibration annually or after impact events.