Thermo Fisher Dionex ASE+Rocket Automated Sample Preparation System
| Brand | Thermo Fisher |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | ASE+Rocket |
| Quotation | Available Upon Request |
| Instrument Type | Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) System with Integrated Evaporation |
Overview
The Thermo Fisher Dionex ASE+Rocket Automated Sample Preparation System represents a fully integrated, walk-away solution for high-throughput accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and post-extraction solvent removal. Engineered around Thermo Fisher’s proprietary ASE technology—originally developed and commercialized by Dionex—the system leverages elevated temperature (up to 200 °C) and pressure (up to 20 MPa) to enhance solute solubility and mass transfer kinetics, enabling rapid, reproducible extraction of analytes from solid or semi-solid matrices. Unlike conventional techniques such as Soxhlet extraction or ultrasonic-assisted extraction, ASE achieves complete extractions in minutes rather than hours, with up to 90% reduction in solvent consumption and elimination of manual intervention during the extraction cycle. The ASE+Rocket configuration extends this automation by directly coupling the ASE extractor with the Rocket evaporator via sealed, inert-transfer pathways—bypassing open-vessel handling, minimizing analyte loss, cross-contamination, and operator exposure to volatile organic solvents.
Key Features
- Seamless ASE–Rocket integration: Direct pneumatic or robotic transfer of extract vials between ASE cells and Rocket evaporation modules ensures closed-system operation and preserves sample integrity.
- In-Cell purification compatibility: Supports on-column cleanup using disposable cartridges (e.g., silica, Florisil, C18) placed directly within ASE extraction cells—eliminating off-line SPE steps and reducing procedural variability.
- Programmable method flexibility: Independent control over extraction temperature, pressure, static time, flush volume, and purge time enables optimization across diverse matrices (soils, tissues, polymers, food, pharmaceuticals).
- High-reproducibility hardware architecture: Precision-machined stainless-steel extraction cells, calibrated pressure transducers, and PID-controlled heating blocks ensure inter-run consistency meeting GLP and ISO/IEC 17025 requirements.
- Reduced environmental footprint: Typical solvent usage per extraction ranges from 15–35 mL—significantly lower than Soxhlet (200–500 mL) or sonication-based methods—supporting green chemistry initiatives and waste disposal cost reduction.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ASE+Rocket platform is validated for use with heterogeneous solid and semi-solid samples including environmental soils and sediments (per EPA Methods 3545A, 3546), biological tissues (EPA 8270, AOAC 2007.01), foodstuffs (AOAC 999.10), and polymer composites. All wetted components comply with USP Class VI and FDA 21 CFR Part 11–ready configurations when deployed with Thermo Fisher Chromeleon CDS software. System documentation supports audit-ready traceability—including electronic logs for method parameters, run timestamps, cell identification, and maintenance records—facilitating compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, GxP environments, and internal QA/QC protocols.
Software & Data Management
Controlled via Thermo Fisher Chromeleon Chromatography Data System (CDS) or standalone ASE Console software, the ASE+Rocket system provides full method development, scheduling, and remote monitoring capabilities. Software enforces user role-based access control, electronic signatures, and automated audit trails compliant with 21 CFR Part 11. Extract metadata—including cell ID, solvent batch, temperature ramp profile, and final evaporation endpoint detection (via infrared moisture sensing)—are embedded in raw data files and exportable to LIMS. Batch processing queues support unattended overnight operation across up to 24 samples per sequence.
Applications
- Environmental analysis: PAHs, PCBs, pesticides, and dioxins in soil, sludge, and air filters.
- Food safety testing: Mycotoxins, veterinary drug residues, and plasticizers in cereals, meat, and dairy products.
- Pharmaceutical R&D: Residual solvents, extractables/leachables from packaging materials and medical devices.
- Forensic toxicology: Drug metabolites and synthetic cannabinoids from hair and tissue specimens.
- Materials science: Additive migration studies in polymers and composite coatings.
FAQ
What extraction solvents are compatible with the ASE+Rocket system?
Commonly used solvents include acetone, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and hexane—either neat or as binary mixtures. Solvent selection must consider thermal stability at operating temperatures and compatibility with ASE cell seals (typically Viton or Kalrez).
Can the ASE+Rocket system be validated for regulated laboratories?
Yes. Full IQ/OQ/PQ documentation packages are available. The system meets ASTM D5882-21 and ISO 13877:2017 performance criteria for accelerated extraction systems when operated per published method parameters.
Is In-Cell purification required, or can it be bypassed?
In-Cell purification is optional but recommended for complex matrices requiring clean-up prior to chromatographic analysis. Standard ASE-only runs without purification are fully supported.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for routine operation?
Daily: Visual inspection of O-rings and cell seating; weekly: solvent line flushing and pressure leak test; annually: calibration verification of temperature and pressure sensors per manufacturer service protocol.
