OPSIS SX320 Dual-Position Automated Fat Analyzer

Overview

The OPSEUS SX320 Dual-Position Automated Fat Analyzer is a CE-marked, ATEX-certified laboratory instrument engineered for precise, reproducible, and fully automated solvent extraction based on modified Soxhlet methodology. It operates on the principle of continuous liquid–solid extraction under controlled thermal conditions, where organic solvents (e.g., petroleum ether, diethyl ether, hexane, chloroform, or dichloromethane) selectively dissolve lipids and other extractable organic compounds from solid or semi-solid matrices. Unlike conventional manual Soxhlet systems, the SX320 integrates programmable heating, dynamic solvent delivery, sealed condensation, and integrated solvent recovery—enabling high-throughput, operator-safe, and method-compliant fat and lipid analysis across food, feed, environmental, pharmaceutical, and polymer testing laboratories. Its maximum operating temperature of 300 °C supports extended solvent compatibility—including higher-boiling-point solvents required for plasticizers, resin acids, or semi-volatile organic contaminants—while maintaining ISO 14555, AOAC 991.36, EPA 3541, DIN EN ISO 6496, and USP <467> alignment.

Key Features

• Fully automated execution of all extraction phases: sample immersion, lifting, rinsing, solvent recovery, and pre-drying—without manual intervention after loading.
• Dual-channel architecture with independent thermal control per position, supporting parallel processing of two samples or method comparison studies.
• Robust dual-seal system: manual lever compression followed by motorized rotational sealing ensures >90% solvent recovery efficiency and minimizes fugitive emissions.
• ATEX-certified explosion-proof design (Category 2G, Zone 1), IP65-rated enclosure, and intrinsically safe solenoid valves compliant with IEC 60079-0/10/11 standards.
• Redundant temperature monitoring via two independent Pt100 sensors with automatic overtemperature cutoff (setpoint +30 °C), preventing thermal runaway during high-boiling solvent use.
• Integrated ventilation duct and internal fume management reduce vapor accumulation; condenser water consumption <1 L/min at 20 °C.
• Modular solvent cup system: interchangeable borosilicate glass (for visual process monitoring) and aluminum cups (for enhanced thermal conductivity and durability), available in 150 mL and 230 mL volumes.
• Programmable solvent dosing and removal control: adjustable valve timing and cycle count for rinse/dry steps to maintain consistent solvent volume throughout extraction.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SX320 accommodates diverse sample types within 0.5–15 g mass range—including ground feedstuffs, milled cereals, dried sludge, polymer granules, pharmaceutical tablets, soil cores, and leather shavings—using standardized cellulose extraction thimbles (diameters: Ø25 mm and Ø33 mm; lengths: 60–100 mm). All wetted materials—including seals (Viton® or Butyl options), tubing, and chamber gaskets—are chemically resistant to common organic solvents. The system meets GLP documentation requirements through time-stamped, user-assignable method logs and audit-trail-capable internal memory. It complies with ISO/IEC 17025 method validation prerequisites and supports FDA 21 CFR Part 11 readiness when paired with optional networked data export modules.

Software & Data Management

The SX320 features an embedded touchscreen HMI with intuitive icon-driven interface and onboard storage for ≥100 user-defined methods. Each method stores full parameter sets—including soak time, lift frequency, rinse cycles, drying duration, target temperature ramp profiles, and solvent volume thresholds—with password-protected access levels for operator, supervisor, and administrator roles. Data export is supported via USB 2.0 to CSV or PDF reports containing run ID, timestamps, temperature curves, solvent usage logs, and pass/fail status against predefined acceptance criteria (e.g., repeatability ≤1% RSD). Optional Ethernet connectivity enables remote monitoring and integration into LIMS environments using standard MODBUS TCP protocol.

Applications

• Fat quantification in animal feed, dairy products, meat, nuts, and bakery goods per AOAC 991.36 and ISO 1444.
• Extraction of plasticizers (e.g., phthalates) from PVC and polyurethane materials per ISO 16182.
• Recovery of rosin and tall oil derivatives from paperboard and pulp according to TAPPI T 204 cm-17.
• Isolation of pesticides and herbicides from contaminated soils and sediments per EPA Method 3541.
• Preparative extraction of lipid fractions prior to GC-FID or LC-MS analysis in clinical nutrition and metabolomics workflows.
• Residual solvent determination in pharmaceutical excipients under USP <467> and ICH Q3C(R8).

FAQ

What safety certifications does the SX320 hold?
The instrument carries ATEX II 2G Ex db IIB T4 Gb certification for explosive atmospheres, IP65 ingress protection rating, and conforms to EN 61010-1:2019 for laboratory electrical equipment safety.
Can the SX320 be used with chlorinated solvents such as chloroform or DCM?
Yes—provided appropriate Viton® seals are installed and the system is operated within its validated temperature limits; solvent-specific method validation is recommended per ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.2.2.
Is method transfer from traditional Soxhlet possible?
Yes—the SX320 replicates core Soxhlet thermodynamics while accelerating cycle time by up to 4×; equivalence studies per ISO 5725-2 are advised for regulatory submissions.
How is solvent recovery verified and maintained above 90%?
Recovery rate is confirmed via gravimetric balance before/after each run and tracked in the system log; seal integrity checks and condenser flow calibration are part of routine PM per manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.
Does the SX320 support unattended overnight operation?
Yes—full automation, redundant thermal safeguards, door interlock shutdown, and built-in power-fail resume functionality enable secure 24/7 batch processing.