Drick DRK302A Automated Liquid-Liquid Extractor
| Brand | Drick |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shandong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Country of Origin | Domestic (China) |
| Model | DRK302A |
| Extraction Time Range | 0–999 s (adjustable) |
| Extraction Cycles | 0–99 |
| Oscillation Method | Closed-loop Pneumatic Agitation |
| Simultaneous Extraction Capacity | 4 samples |
Overview
The Drick DRK302A Automated Liquid-Liquid Extractor is an engineered solution for standardized, high-throughput liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) in environmental and regulatory laboratories. It operates on the principle of closed-loop pneumatic agitation — a controlled, sealed internal air circulation system that induces uniform, reproducible mixing between immiscible phases without mechanical contact or solvent volatilization. Unlike conventional LLE methods relying on reciprocating shakers, rotary tumblers, magnetic stirrers, or jet-type injectors — each introducing risks of manual venting, solvent loss, cross-contamination, or difficult cleaning — the DRK302A eliminates operator intervention during agitation, phase separation, washing, and waste handling. Designed specifically to meet the procedural rigor of HJ 637–2012 (“Determination of Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Animal/Vegetable Oils in Water”), it supports method-compliant sample preparation for petroleum hydrocarbons, phenolic compounds (e.g., volatile phenols), and anionic surfactants in aqueous matrices.
Key Features
- Four-channel parallel processing: Accommodates up to four 1600 mL separatory funnels simultaneously, enabling batched analysis of multiple water samples per run.
- Closed-loop pneumatic agitation: Eliminates need for manual venting; maintains system integrity under pressure while ensuring consistent mass transfer kinetics across all channels.
- Fully automated workflow: Integrated sequence control for extraction, settling, detergent aspiration, rinsing, and waste discharge — all programmable via intuitive 7-inch LCD touchscreen interface.
- Onboard activated carbon adsorption module: Captures residual organic vapors and trace solvents from spent extraction phases prior to centralized waste collection, enhancing lab safety and compliance with VOC emission guidelines.
- Adjustable agitation intensity: Three-tier pneumatic pressure settings allow optimization for sensitive analytes or viscous emulsions without phase inversion or foaming.
- Self-cleaning function: Automatically aspirates detergent solution, circulates it through fluid pathways, and performs post-rinse cycles using deionized water or solvent — reducing carryover risk and maintenance downtime.
- Energy-efficient architecture: Rated at 150 W (220 V / 50 Hz), compliant with IEC 61010-1 for laboratory electrical safety.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The DRK302A is validated for aqueous environmental samples requiring quantitative LLE prior to instrumental analysis (e.g., GC-FID, GC-MS, UV-VIS). It supports standard EPA Method 1664A (petroleum hydrocarbons), ISO 9377-2 (hydrocarbon content in water), and Chinese national standard HJ 637–2012. Its sealed design minimizes exposure to chlorinated solvents (e.g., n-hexane, Freon alternatives) and aromatic hydrocarbons, aligning with occupational health requirements under OSHA 29 CFR 1910.1200. All fluid-contact surfaces are chemically resistant (PP, PTFE-lined tubing, borosilicate glass funnels), ensuring compatibility with acidic, basic, and oxidizing media used in surfactant or phenol extractions.
Software & Data Management
The embedded firmware enables full parameter logging: start/stop timestamps, cycle count, agitation duration, dwell time, wash volume, and error codes. Audit trails are retained locally for ≥30 days and exportable via USB to support GLP/GMP documentation workflows. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified out-of-the-box, the system supports manual signature logs and user-access controls (admin/operator tiers), facilitating integration into regulated QA/QC environments where electronic records must demonstrate traceability and data integrity.
Applications
- Determination of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) in surface water, groundwater, and wastewater effluents.
- Quantification of animal and vegetable oils per HJ 637–2012 — including marine and industrial discharge monitoring.
- Extraction of volatile phenols (e.g., phenol, cresols) prior to derivatization and GC analysis.
- Isolation of anionic surfactants (LAS) using methylene blue active substances (MBAS) methodology.
- Pre-concentration of trace-level halogenated organics (e.g., PCBs, organochlorine pesticides) from large-volume water samples (up to 1000 mL per funnel).
FAQ
Does the DRK302A require manual venting during extraction?
No. Its closed-loop pneumatic agitation system maintains internal pressure equilibrium without gas release, eliminating the need for manual venting at any stage.
Can the instrument handle emulsion-prone samples?
Yes. Adjustable agitation intensity and programmable rest intervals allow controlled coalescence; optional extended settling time (up to 999 s) supports phase separation in challenging matrices.
What maintenance is required for the activated carbon adsorption module?
The carbon cartridge is field-replaceable and rated for ≥200 extraction cycles under typical use; replacement interval depends on solvent type and throughput.
Is the touchscreen interface available in English?
Yes. Firmware v2.1+ includes multilingual UI support, with English as default language; language selection is configurable in system settings.
Are glass separatory funnels included with the system?
Yes. Four standard 1600 mL borosilicate glass funnels with PTFE stopcocks and caps are supplied as standard equipment.
