Thermo Fisher Dionex ASE 350 Accelerated Solvent Extractor

Overview

The Thermo Fisher Dionex ASE 350 Accelerated Solvent Extractor is an automated, high-pressure, high-temperature solid-phase extraction system engineered for rapid, reproducible isolation of analytes from solid and semi-solid matrices. It operates on the principle of accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), wherein elevated temperature (up to 200 °C) and pressure (up to 10.3 MPa / 1500 psi) are applied to enhance solvation power, reduce surface tension, and increase diffusion rates—thereby significantly shortening extraction time while maintaining quantitative recovery. Unlike conventional Soxhlet or ultrasonic extraction, ASE 350 achieves complete extractions in 12–20 minutes per cycle with minimal manual intervention, making it a core platform for regulated environmental, food safety, pharmaceutical, and forensic laboratories requiring high-throughput sample preparation under GLP/GMP-compliant workflows.

Key Features

• Automated sequential processing of up to 24 samples without operator supervision, supporting unattended overnight operation.
• Seven standardized extraction cell sizes (1, 5, 10, 22, 34, 66, and 100 mL) accommodating sample masses from 0.5 g to 100 g—enabling method scalability from trace analysis to bulk characterization.
• Chemically inert fluidic path constructed with Dionium™ components (a proprietary titanium-alloy surface treatment), ensuring compatibility with aggressive solvents (e.g., HCl, NaOH, HF-containing mixtures) and acidic/alkaline sample digests.
• Precise thermal control via a dual-zone oven architecture with active air circulation and real-time PID feedback, delivering ±1 °C temperature stability across the full 50–200 °C operating range.
• Integrated solvent delivery module supporting gradient elution with up to three solvents; programmable mixing ratios and flush sequences ensure method flexibility and carryover minimization.
• SmartRun™ technology automatically matches extraction cell volume with corresponding collection vial size (via RFID-tagged consumables), preventing overflow and optimizing solvent-to-sample ratio.
• High-flow solvent pump (70 mL/min) enables rapid system pressurization and solvent displacement—reducing cycle time and improving inter-run reproducibility (RSD < 3% for replicate extractions).

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ASE 350 accommodates heterogeneous matrices including soils, sediments, sludges, plant tissues, animal tissues, polymers, and food products. Its corrosion-resistant architecture complies with ASTM D7656 (standard test method for determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil by ASE), EPA Methods 3545A and 3546, and ISO 14507 for organic contaminant extraction. The system supports 21 CFR Part 11–compliant data integrity when operated with Thermo Scientific Chromeleon™ CDS software, providing electronic signatures, audit trails, and user-access controls required for FDA-regulated environments. All hardware and firmware design adhere to IEC 61000-6-3 (EMC) and UL 61010-1 safety standards.

Software & Data Management

Controlled via Thermo Scientific Chromeleon Chromatography Data System (CDS) or standalone ASE Console software, the ASE 350 supports method development, scheduling, real-time monitoring, and event logging. Method templates include preconfigured parameters for EPA, ASTM, and pharmacopeial protocols. Audit-trail functionality records all user actions—including method edits, run initiation, and maintenance events—with timestamps and operator IDs. Export options include CSV, PDF, and XML formats compatible with LIMS integration. Optional IQ/OQ/PQ documentation packages are available to support laboratory validation per ISO/IEC 17025 and GxP requirements.

Applications

• Environmental analysis: PAHs, PCBs, pesticides, dioxins, and petroleum hydrocarbons from soil and sediment.
• Food safety: Mycotoxins, fat-soluble vitamins, pesticide residues, and plasticizers from cereals, dairy, and meat products.
• Pharmaceutical QC: Residual solvents, extractables/leachables from packaging materials and drug product intermediates.
• Forensic toxicology: Extraction of drugs of abuse and metabolites from biological tissues.
• Materials science: Polymer additive recovery, flame retardants from electronics waste, and catalyst residue analysis.

When paired with the Thermo Scientific Rocket Evaporator, the ASE 350 forms a fully integrated sample preparation workflow—reducing hands-on time by >60% and minimizing exposure to volatile organic compounds during solvent removal.

FAQ

What is the maximum operating temperature and pressure of the ASE 350?

The system supports temperatures up to 200 °C and pressures up to 1500 psi (10.3 MPa).
Can the ASE 350 perform sequential extractions using different solvents?

Yes—its integrated solvent controller allows programmable multi-solvent gradients, including rinse steps and solvent switching between cycles.
Is the ASE 350 compatible with EPA Method 3545A?

Yes—the instrument is validated for use with EPA Method 3545A and includes preloaded method templates in Chromeleon CDS.
Does the system require external cooling or ventilation?

No dedicated external chiller is required; however, ambient lab temperature must be maintained below 30 °C, and adequate fume hood or local exhaust is recommended during solvent handling.
How does SmartRun™ improve extraction reliability?

SmartRun™ uses RFID identification of extraction cells and collection vials to auto-configure volume-matched parameters, eliminating manual entry errors and ensuring consistent solvent delivery and collection efficiency.