Thermo Fisher Dionex ASE 350 Accelerated Solvent Extractor (Refurbished)

Overview

The Thermo Fisher Dionex ASE 350 Accelerated Solvent Extractor is a fully automated, high-pressure, high-temperature solid-phase extraction platform engineered for precision, reproducibility, and regulatory compliance in environmental, pharmaceutical, food, and materials laboratories. Based on accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) principles—where analytes are desorbed from solid or semi-solid matrices using elevated temperature (up to 200 °C) and pressure (up to 1500 psi) to enhance solubility and mass transfer—the ASE 350 delivers rapid, quantitative recovery of target compounds while minimizing thermal degradation and co-extraction of interfering matrix components. Unlike conventional Soxhlet or ultrasonic extraction, ASE leverages controlled solvent delivery, programmable static/dynamic cycles, and integrated cell pressurization to achieve extraction times typically under 20 minutes per sample, with solvent consumption reduced by 50–90%. Its chemically inert fluidic path—constructed with Dionium™-coated stainless steel, PEEK, and ceramic components—ensures compatibility with acidic, basic, and aggressive organic solvents (e.g., HCl in methanol, NaOH in acetone), supporting method development across diverse regulatory frameworks including EPA Method 3545A, ASTM D7689, ISO 14507, and USP .

Key Features

• Automated, unattended operation for up to 24 samples using standardized extraction vessels (1, 5, 10, 22, 34, 66, and 100 mL)
• Precise temperature control via dual-zone heating block with ±1 °C accuracy and rapid thermal equilibration
• High-flow solvent delivery system (70 mL/min) enabling fast fill, static extraction, and dynamic flush cycles
• Integrated solvent controller supporting gradient mixing and sequential delivery of up to three solvents per method
• Smartrun™ intelligent vessel recognition that auto-configures parameters based on physical vessel dimensions and collection vial size
• On-line filtration and cell rinse functionality via flow-through architecture, reducing carryover and manual post-extraction handling
• Robust mechanical design with self-diagnostic routines, real-time pressure monitoring, and hardware interlocks for safe high-pressure operation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ASE 350 accommodates heterogeneous sample types—including soils, sediments, sludges, plant tissues, polymers, pharmaceutical tablets, and food matrices—without requiring extensive pre-treatment. Its pH-inert fluidic pathway enables direct processing of samples pretreated with strong acids (e.g., aqua regia digestion residues) or bases (e.g., saponification extracts). The instrument supports GLP/GMP-aligned workflows through audit-trail-capable method storage, user-access controls, and electronic signature readiness (compatible with 21 CFR Part 11-compliant LIMS integration when deployed with validated software environments). All refurbished units undergo full functional validation per Thermo Fisher service protocols, including pressure integrity testing, temperature calibration verification, solvent delivery accuracy checks, and leak detection across all fluidic interfaces.

Software & Data Management

Operation is managed via the Thermo Scientific Dionex Chromeleon™ CDS (Chromatography Data System) or standalone ASE Console software, both supporting method creation, scheduling, real-time status monitoring, and export of raw extraction logs (timestamped pressure/temperature profiles, solvent usage, cycle completion flags). Data files conform to ASTM E1783 and ISO/IEC 17025 traceability requirements, with metadata embedded for full chain-of-custody documentation. Export formats include CSV, PDF reports, and XML for integration into laboratory information management systems (LIMS) or electronic lab notebooks (ELN). Firmware versions are verified against Thermo Fisher’s current field release baseline to ensure cybersecurity patch compliance and interoperability with modern Windows OS platforms.

Applications

• Environmental analysis: PCBs, PAHs, organochlorine pesticides, dioxins/furans, and petroleum hydrocarbons from soil and sediment per EPA SW-846 Methods 3545A and 3546
• Pharmaceutical quality control: Residual solvents, extractables/leachables from packaging, and active ingredient recovery from dosage forms
• Food safety: Mycotoxins, fat-soluble vitamins, antioxidants (e.g., BHT, BHA), and pesticide residues in cereals, spices, and animal feed
• Materials science: Polymer additive extraction (plasticizers, flame retardants), catalyst residue analysis, and contaminant profiling in composites
• Forensic toxicology: Solid-phase extraction of drugs of abuse from biological matrices prior to LC-MS/MS analysis

FAQ

Is this unit factory-refurbished or dealer-refurbished?
This ASE 350 has undergone comprehensive refurbishment by an authorized Thermo Fisher service partner, including replacement of critical wear components (seals, O-rings, pump valves), recalibration of all sensors, and full performance validation against OEM specifications.
Does the 1-year warranty cover parts and labor?
Yes—the warranty includes onsite or depot-based labor, genuine Thermo Fisher replacement parts, and remote diagnostics support for the duration of coverage.
Can the ASE 350 be integrated with an autosampler or LC system?
While the ASE 350 does not natively interface with LC autosamplers, its fraction collector output is compatible with standard 12 mL or 40 mL vials; many labs implement robotic liquid handlers or custom API-driven scripts for downstream automation.
What documentation is provided with the instrument?
Each unit ships with a Certificate of Inspection, full service history log, calibration certificates (temperature, pressure, flow), and a copy of the latest ASE Console software license (perpetual, non-transferable).