VELP SER158 Automated Solvent Extraction System
| Brand | VELP |
|---|---|
| Origin | Italy |
| Model | SER158 |
| Application Category | Fully Automated Protein and Fat Determination Instrument |
| Extraction Principle | Randall Continuous Extraction Technology |
| Compliance Standards | AOAC 920.39, ISO 1443, ISO 6496, EPA 3541, APHA 5520E, UNI EN ISO 1443 |
| Safety Certification | CE, IEC 61010-1 |
Overview
The VELP SER158 Automated Solvent Extraction System is an industrial-grade, fully automated benchtop instrument engineered for precise, reproducible solid-liquid extraction of lipids and protein-bound analytes using the validated Randall continuous extraction methodology. Unlike batch or Soxhlet-based systems, the SER158 integrates thermally controlled solvent reflux, dynamic percolation, and automatic solvent recovery into a single closed-loop architecture—minimizing operator exposure, reducing solvent consumption by up to 70%, and eliminating manual intervention during cycle execution. Its core function supports quantitative determination of crude fat (per AOAC 920.39 and ISO 1443) and serves as a critical sample preparation platform for Kjeldahl- and Dumas-based protein quantification workflows in food, feed, pulp & paper, textile, and environmental laboratories. The system operates exclusively with low-boiling, non-halogenated solvents (e.g., petroleum ether, diethyl ether, hexane), and all internal wetted surfaces are constructed from borosilicate glass and PTFE-lined stainless steel to ensure chemical inertness and long-term calibration stability.
Key Features
- Fully automated Randall extraction protocol: integrated heating, solvent reflux, percolation, evaporation, and drying phases executed under programmable time/temperature profiles
- Eight independent extraction positions with individual temperature and timing control—enabling true parallel processing of heterogeneous samples
- Patented solvent containment system compliant with IEC 61010-1 safety requirements; vapor-tight seals, pressure-relief valves, and real-time solvent level monitoring prevent leakage and overpressure events
- Touchscreen HMI with intuitive workflow navigation, preloaded method templates (AOAC, ISO, EPA), and on-device data logging (up to 1,000 cycles)
- Modular design supporting optional integration with VELP’s UDK 159 Digestion Unit and DK 20 Digestor for end-to-end Kjeldahl protein analysis
- Energy-efficient operation: adaptive power modulation reduces average energy draw by 40% compared to conventional extraction units
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SER158 accommodates solid and semi-solid matrices including but not limited to cereal grains, meat products, dairy powders, oilseeds, sludge, filter papers, and cellulose-based substrates. Sample mass range: 0.5–5 g (optimized at 2–3 g for routine fat analysis). Crucible compatibility: standard 60 mm and 80 mm glass thimbles (ISO 6496-compliant). All operational parameters—including extraction duration (5–120 min), reflux rate (2–12 cycles/hour), and drying temperature (80–120 °C)—are configurable within regulatory boundaries defined by AOAC, ISO, and EPA methods. The system is validated for GLP environments and supports 21 CFR Part 11-compliant audit trails when connected to VELP’s LabNet software suite via Ethernet or USB.
Software & Data Management
Control and data handling are managed through the embedded SER Control firmware (v3.2+), which provides password-protected user roles (Operator, Supervisor, Administrator), method versioning, and CSV export of raw cycle logs (start/end timestamps, solvent volume consumed, final weight, % fat calculated). When interfaced with LabNet v5.1+, the SER158 enables centralized fleet monitoring, electronic signature capture, automated report generation (PDF/XLSX), and secure cloud backup. All data entries include immutable metadata: operator ID, instrument serial number, calibration certificate ID, and environmental sensor readings (ambient temp/humidity).
Applications
- Routine crude fat determination in QC labs per AOAC 920.39 for meat, dairy, bakery, and infant formula compliance
- Preparative extraction of lipids prior to GC-FID or GC-MS analysis in food authenticity and adulteration studies
- Cellulose-bound contaminant recovery (e.g., PAHs, PCBs) from pulp and paper mill effluents per EPA Method 3541
- Extraction of waxes and resins from textile fibers for quality control in synthetic fabric manufacturing
- Soil and sediment sample cleanup prior to heavy metal or organic pollutant quantification in environmental monitoring programs
- Standardized sample prep for AOAC 981.10 and ISO 8968-1 protein assays where fat interference must be eliminated prior to digestion
FAQ
What extraction methodologies does the SER158 support beyond Randall?
The SER158 is specifically engineered for Randall continuous extraction only; it does not support Soxhlet, ASE, or ultrasonic-assisted protocols.
Is method validation documentation provided with the instrument?
Yes—each unit ships with a Factory Acceptance Test (FAT) report, IQ/OQ protocols aligned with ISO/IEC 17025, and a traceable calibration certificate for temperature and timer subsystems.
Can the SER158 be used for moisture determination?
No—moisture analysis requires dedicated loss-on-drying instrumentation (e.g., VELP MXT series); the SER158’s drying phase is strictly for residual solvent removal post-extraction.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for optimal performance?
Daily: solvent line inspection and condenser cleaning; quarterly: vacuum pump oil replacement and seal integrity verification; annually: full thermal calibration and safety valve certification by authorized VELP service engineers.
Does the system comply with EU RoHS and REACH directives?
Yes—certified material declarations and substance restriction reports are available upon request and conform to Directive 2011/65/EU and Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.
