Agela SPE-D6 Large-Volume Water Sample Processing System

Overview

The Agela SPE-D6 Large-Volume Water Sample Processing System is an engineered semi-automatic solid-phase extraction (SPE) platform designed for the robust, reproducible enrichment and cleanup of trace organic contaminants from large-volume aqueous environmental samples. Based on vacuum-driven cartridge-based SPE methodology, the system operates under controlled negative pressure (up to –0.1 MPa), enabling consistent flow rates up to 100 mL/min across all six independent channels. Its architecture prioritizes method ruggedness and operator flexibility—particularly for regulatory and research laboratories conducting routine analysis of polar, semi-polar, and non-polar analytes in surface water, groundwater, wastewater effluents, and drinking water sources. Unlike fully automated systems requiring proprietary consumables or software integration, the SPE-D6 maintains compatibility with standard 12–20 mL SPE cartridges (including Agela’s proprietary Cleanert® series), supporting method development aligned with EPA Methods 508.1, 525.3, 531.1, ISO 17993:2022, and ASTM D7782–17.

Key Features

• Six independently controllable SPE channels, each equipped with precision PTFE-coated stainless steel valves and dedicated vacuum manifolds—ensuring cross-contamination prevention and channel-specific flow optimization.
• High-flow vacuum manifold capable of sustaining stable –0.1 MPa vacuum pressure across all channels simultaneously, compatible with both glass and polypropylene sample reservoirs (up to 4 L capacity per position).
• Direct-inversion loading design: accommodates standard 1-L or 2-L amber glass or HDPE sample bottles mounted upside-down onto the inlet ports—eliminating intermediate transfer steps and minimizing analyte loss or adsorption.
• Chemically inert wetted path constructed entirely from PTFE and ASTM-certified 316L stainless steel—resistant to aggressive solvents (e.g., methanol, acetonitrile, ethyl acetate, dichloromethane) and compatible with acidic or basic conditioning protocols.
• Modular base frame with integrated vacuum gauge and adjustable vacuum regulator—facilitating rapid method transfer between laboratories without recalibration or firmware dependency.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SPE-D6 supports a broad spectrum of environmentally relevant target analytes, including pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), microcystins, organophosphorus pesticides (e.g., methamidophos), herbicides (e.g., atrazine, glyphosate derivatives), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phenolic compounds, and acrylamide. It has been validated in accordance with Agela’s published application note “Analysis of PPCPs in Environmental Water Using Cleanert® PEP-2 Cartridges” (Ref. AN-2022-04). The system meets material compatibility requirements outlined in USP , complies with ISO/IEC 17025:2017 clause 6.4.10 (equipment suitability), and supports GLP-compliant workflows when paired with documented SOPs and manual audit trails. While not intrinsically 21 CFR Part 11 compliant (due to absence of electronic records or user authentication), it integrates seamlessly into validated laboratory information management systems (LIMS) via standardized sample log templates.

Software & Data Management

The SPE-D6 operates without embedded firmware or proprietary software—functioning as a hardware-only platform. All operational parameters (vacuum level, elution sequence, solvent volumes, and timing) are recorded manually in laboratory notebooks or digital ELN platforms. This design eliminates software validation overhead and ensures long-term method portability across instrument generations. Users may employ third-party data capture tools (e.g., LabArchives, Benchling, or custom Excel-based tracking sheets) to document batch numbers, cartridge lot IDs, solvent purity grades, and QC spike recoveries—supporting full traceability per ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and EU Directive 2009/128/EC analytical quality assurance frameworks.

Applications

• Enrichment of sub-pptr concentrations of antibiotics (e.g., sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin, tetracycline) from 1–4 L surface water samples prior to LC-MS/MS analysis.
• Cleanup of cyanotoxin-containing reservoir water prior to HILIC–HRMS quantification of microcystin-LR and nodularin-R.
• Isolation of legacy and emerging pesticides—including diazinon, chlorpyrifos, and neonicotinoids—from municipal wastewater influent and effluent matrices.
• Pre-concentration of endocrine-disrupting phenols (e.g., bisphenol A, nonylphenol) and PAHs from sediment porewater extracts.
• Method development for EPA Region 4 and China’s HJ 478–2009 standard methods requiring ≥2 L sample volumes and high recovery (>70%) for polar analytes.

FAQ

What is the maximum recommended sample volume per channel?
The system supports up to 4 L per channel; however, optimal recoveries for most target analytes are achieved between 1–2 L using appropriate sorbent chemistry and flow rate control.
Can the SPE-D6 be used with 96-well plate SPE formats?
No—it is engineered exclusively for 12–20 mL cartridge formats. For plate-based workflows, Agela recommends the SPE-96M system.
Is vacuum pressure digitally monitored or adjustable?
Yes—a calibrated analog vacuum gauge is integrated into the manifold, and fine-tuning is performed via a stainless steel needle valve with lockable position indicator.
Does the system include solvent reservoirs or collection racks?
Standard configuration includes six 120 mL PTFE-lined collection tubes and one universal solvent reservoir mount; optional accessories include 250 mL glass reservoirs and modular rack adapters.
How often should the vacuum pump oil be changed when operating at full load?
With continuous operation at –0.1 MPa for 8 hours/day, oil replacement is recommended every 500 hours or quarterly—whichever occurs first—using ISO VG 100 rotary vane pump oil.