HePu SE-A6 Fully Automated Fat Analyzer

Overview

The HePu SE-A6 Fully Automated Fat Analyzer is an integrated, benchtop solvent extraction system engineered for precise and reproducible determination of total lipid content in solid and semi-solid samples according to standardized gravimetric principles. Based on the classical Soxhlet extraction methodology—extended to include hot extraction, continuous-flow extraction, and Soxhlet-hot hybrid modes—the instrument automates the full analytical workflow: temperature-controlled solvent heating and reflux, dynamic sample immersion, post-extraction solvent rinsing, automatic solvent recovery via condensation and collection, pre-drying of extracted residue, mass calculation, and report generation. Its design complies with core requirements of AOAC Official Method 920.39, ISO 6496:1999, and GB/T 5009.6–2016, supporting laboratories operating under GLP, ISO/IEC 17025, or internal QA/QC frameworks where traceability and method consistency are critical.

Key Features

• Six independent extraction channels with individual lift mechanisms—enabling true parallel processing without cross-contamination or thermal interference between vessels.
• Integrated solvent leak detection system calibrated for diethyl ether (detection limit: 90 ppm), triggering audible and visual alarms when concentrations exceed occupational exposure thresholds defined by China’s GBZ 2.1–2019.
• Intelligent cooling water monitoring: real-time flow and temperature sensing at the condenser inlet; automatic system pause and alert upon interruption or insufficient coolant supply.
• Wide-range programmable heating (ambient to 300 °C) with ±0.8% control accuracy, compatible with solvents spanning low-boiling diethyl ether (bp 34.6 °C) to high-boiling petroleum ether fractions (bp 30–60 °C or 60–90 °C).
• Dedicated pre-drying stage with user-defined temperature setpoints—minimizing residual solvent retention and preventing thermal degradation of heat-sensitive lipids during gravimetric quantification.
• Onboard thermal printer and external compact control panel for intuitive operation without reliance on PC connectivity.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SE-A6 accommodates diverse sample matrices including animal feed, cereals, dairy products, meat, nuts, and processed foods. Each 150 mL extraction thimble supports 0.5–15 g of homogenized, dried, and defatted sample—optimized for compliance with AOAC 991.36 (crude fat in feed) and ISO 1444–1:2000 (milk fat). All wetted components are constructed from borosilicate glass and PTFE-sealed stainless steel, ensuring chemical resistance to chlorinated, aromatic, and aliphatic solvents. The instrument meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per IEC 61326-1 and electrical safety standards per IEC 61010-1. Full audit trail capability—including operator ID, method name, start/stop timestamps, temperature logs, and solvent usage records—is maintained for FDA 21 CFR Part 11–aligned environments when paired with optional networked data management software.

Software & Data Management

The embedded firmware supports storage of up to 500 customizable extraction protocols—each defining solvent type, heating ramp profiles, reflux duration, rinse cycles, drying parameters, and mass stabilization criteria. All method parameters are password-protected and version-tracked. Raw mass data (pre- and post-extraction weights) and calculated fat percentages are exportable via USB to CSV format for integration into LIMS or statistical analysis platforms. Optional Ethernet/Wi-Fi modules enable remote monitoring, centralized calibration logging, and electronic signature capture for regulated workflows.

Applications

• Quality control laboratories verifying crude fat content in animal feed formulations per AAFCO guidelines.
• Food safety testing centers performing routine surveillance of edible oil adulteration and lipid oxidation markers.
• Agricultural research institutes quantifying oil yield in oilseed crops (e.g., soybean, rapeseed, sunflower) under varying harvest conditions.
• Contract testing labs supporting ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation with documented method validation reports and intermediate precision studies.
• University teaching labs demonstrating solvent extraction kinetics, mass transfer limitations, and gravimetric uncertainty propagation.

FAQ

What solvents are validated for use with the SE-A6?

Petroleum ether (boiling point ranges 30–60 °C and 60–90 °C) and diethyl ether are fully supported. Other low-to-moderate boiling organic solvents (e.g., hexane, chloroform) may be used subject to compatibility verification with glassware and seals.

Is method validation documentation provided?

Yes—HePu supplies a comprehensive validation kit including repeatability test data (n=6 replicates across three concentration levels), linearity assessment (0.1–100% range), and inter-channel precision reports compliant with ISO 5725-2.

Can the instrument be integrated into a laboratory information management system (LIMS)?

With optional communication modules and API-enabled firmware, the SE-A6 supports HL7 and ASTM E1384-compliant data exchange for seamless LIMS ingestion of results, metadata, and instrument status logs.

What maintenance intervals are recommended?

Condenser cleaning every 50 runs; seal inspection every 200 cycles; annual calibration of temperature sensors and balance module using NIST-traceable reference standards.

Does the system comply with green chemistry principles?

With ≥92% solvent recovery efficiency and programmable minimal solvent volumes per cycle, the SE-A6 reduces hazardous waste generation by up to 40% compared to conventional manual Soxhlet systems—supporting ISO 14001-aligned sustainability goals.