Thermo Fisher Scientific ASE350 Accelerated Solvent Extractor

Overview

The Thermo Fisher Scientific ASE350 Accelerated Solvent Extractor is an engineered solution for high-efficiency solid-phase extraction based on pressurized liquid extraction (PLE) principles. Operating under controlled elevated temperature (up to 200 °C) and pressure (up to 1500 psi), the ASE350 enhances analyte solubility and mass transfer kinetics while maintaining matrix integrity—enabling rapid, reproducible recovery of target compounds from complex solid or semi-solid matrices. Unlike conventional Soxhlet or ultrasonic extraction, ASE leverages thermodynamic and kinetic advantages of pressurized solvent delivery to achieve complete extraction in 12–20 minutes per sample, significantly reducing total method cycle time and minimizing thermal degradation risks. Its modular architecture supports routine use in environmental, food safety, pharmaceutical, and forensic laboratories where throughput, trace-level recovery, and regulatory compliance are critical.

Key Features

• High-pressure, high-temperature extraction platform delivering consistent performance across 1–100 mL cell volumes
• Precision temperature control via integrated furnace design with ±1 °C stability over full operating range (50–200 °C)
• Programmable solvent delivery system supporting up to three solvents per method, including gradient mixing and sequential elution
• SmartRun™ technology automatically verifies physical compatibility between selected extraction cell and collection vial dimensions, preventing mechanical mismatch and ensuring quantitative transfer
• Dionium™-lined fluidic path and extraction cells provide exceptional chemical inertness—resistant to strongly acidic (e.g., HCl, HNO₃) and basic (e.g., NaOH, KOH) digestates without leaching or corrosion
• Solvent-saving mode reduces total consumption by up to 40% versus standard protocols, achieving <50 mL solvent per 20 g sample in typical applications
• Integrated flow-through design enables real-time inline filtration using replaceable frits and automated post-extraction cell rinsing—minimizing carryover and improving inter-sample reproducibility

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ASE350 accommodates diverse sample types—including soils, sediments, plant tissues, animal feed, polymers, pharmaceutical tablets, and activated carbon—without requiring extensive pretreatment. Its chemically inert Dionium™ surfaces ensure compatibility with aggressive solvents (e.g., dichloromethane, acetone, methanol, hexane, and aqueous acid/base mixtures). The instrument meets essential requirements for regulated environments: hardware design supports audit-trail-enabled software (e.g., Thermo Scientific Chromeleon™ CDS), enabling full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance—including electronic signatures, user access controls, and immutable method/data archiving. Method validation documentation aligns with ASTM D7656, EPA Methods 3545A and 3546, and ISO 14507 for soil and waste analysis.

Software & Data Management

Controlled via Thermo Scientific™ Instrument Manager™ software, the ASE350 supports method creation, scheduling, and remote monitoring through a secure web interface. Each extraction run generates timestamped metadata—including pressure/temperature profiles, solvent selection, cell volume, and cycle duration—for traceability. When integrated with Chromeleon Chromatography Data System (CDS), raw ASE output can be linked directly to downstream GC, LC, or ICP-MS workflows, establishing end-to-end sample-to-report continuity. Audit trails record all parameter modifications, user logins, and instrument events—fully compliant with GLP and GMP documentation standards.

Applications

• Environmental analysis: PAHs, PCBs, organochlorine pesticides, and petroleum hydrocarbons in soil/sediment per EPA SW-846 Methods
• Food and agricultural testing: Mycotoxins, fat-soluble vitamins, antioxidants, and pesticide residues in grains, dairy, and meat products
• Pharmaceutical quality control: Residual solvents, extractables/leachables from packaging materials, and active ingredient recovery from dosage forms
• Forensic toxicology: Drug metabolites and synthetic cannabinoids from biological matrices (e.g., hair, tissue)
• Materials science: Additive migration studies in plastics and polymer composites

FAQ

What extraction mechanisms does the ASE350 employ?
It uses pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), where elevated temperature and pressure increase solvent penetration and analyte solubility while suppressing solvent boiling—enabling rapid, selective dissolution from solid matrices.
Can the ASE350 perform sequential or gradient solvent extractions?
Yes—the integrated solvent controller allows up to three solvents to be delivered in user-defined sequences or ratios within a single method.
Is ASE350 compatible with automated sample preparation workflows?
Yes—it supports unattended processing of up to 24 samples and integrates seamlessly with Thermo Scientific Rocket™ Evaporators for closed-loop concentration and solvent removal.
How does the system ensure method reproducibility across different cell sizes?
SmartRun™ performs real-time mechanical verification of cell-to-vial alignment and adjusts pump timing and pressure ramp rates to maintain consistent residence time and extraction efficiency.
Does ASE350 support regulatory-compliant data handling?
When used with validated Chromeleon CDS and configured user roles, it satisfies 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures in FDA-regulated labs.