Zhongyi Yusheng ASE-6 Accelerated Solvent Extractor

Overview

The Zhongyi Yusheng ASE-6 Accelerated Solvent Extractor is an automated, high-throughput pressurized fluid extraction (PFE) system engineered for precise and reproducible isolation of organic analytes from solid and semi-solid matrices. Operating on the principle of accelerated solvent extraction—where elevated temperature (up to 200 °C) and pressure (up to 20 MPa) enhance solvation power and mass transfer kinetics—the ASE-6 significantly reduces extraction time while improving analyte recovery and method robustness compared to conventional Soxhlet or ultrasonic techniques. Designed for routine compliance-driven laboratories, it delivers consistent performance across environmental, food safety, pharmaceutical, agrochemical, forensic, and natural product research applications. Its architecture supports seamless integration with downstream analytical platforms including GC, GC-MS, LC, LC-MS/MS, and ICP-MS, serving as a validated front-end solution for regulated sample preparation workflows.

Key Features

• Six independent extraction channels with programmable activation (e.g., 2-, 4-, or 6-channel operation), each equipped with dedicated inlet/outlet solenoid valves and real-time pressure transducers to eliminate cross-contamination.
• 10-inch industrial-grade capacitive touchscreen interface with intuitive method editor, multi-user access control, and audit-trail-enabled parameter logging.
• Modular drawer-type heating module enabling rapid thermal equilibration (<60 s to target temperature) and ergonomic, tool-free extraction cell insertion/removal.
• High-flow, pulseless dual-piston high-pressure pump capable of solvent delivery at up to 15 mL/min per channel, with dynamic speed modulation based on in-cell pressure feedback.
• Integrated compressed gas monitoring system with audible/visual alerts and automatic shutdown upon detection of insufficient nitrogen or air supply pressure.
• Hermetically sealed extraction chamber and solvent delivery path minimize volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, supporting OSHA-compliant and ISO 14001-aligned laboratory practices.
• Comprehensive mechanical and electronic safety architecture: mechanical overpressure relief valve, software-monitored overtemperature cutoff, real-time leak detection during pressurization, and automatic emergency halt upon solvent leakage confirmation.
• Flexible cell compatibility—including standard 1, 5, 11, 22, and 34 mL stainless steel or inert polymer cells—with optional custom cell design support for specialized matrix requirements.
• Full automation cycle: solvent fill → pressurization → static extraction → purge → collection → cell rinse → system flush—all executed without manual intervention.
• Throughput capacity: six samples completed in ≤20 minutes; up to 96 samples processed per 8-hour shift under continuous operation.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ASE-6 accommodates heterogeneous solid and semi-solid samples including soils, sediments, sludge, plant tissues, animal feed, cereals, tea leaves, herbal powders, polymers, and filter media. It conforms to internationally recognized regulatory methodologies, including US EPA Method 3545A (for organochlorine pesticides, PAHs, PCBs), ASTM D7699 (standard guide for PFE), ISO 14507 (soil and sediment analysis), and multiple Chinese national standards (HJ 782–2016, HJ 783–2016, HJ 1290–2023, GB/T 23200.9–2016, GB/T 22996–2008, GB/T 23376–2009, SL 391–2007). All operational parameters—including temperature ramp profiles, static/dynamic extraction times, flush volumes, and purge durations—are fully configurable and stored with timestamped metadata to satisfy GLP and GMP documentation requirements. The system supports 21 CFR Part 11–compliant data integrity when paired with validated LIMS or ELN environments.

Software & Data Management

The embedded firmware provides full method development, execution scheduling, and real-time status visualization. Each extraction run generates a structured log file containing setpoints, actual sensor readings (temperature, pressure, flow), valve actuation timestamps, and error codes. Export formats include CSV and XML for traceable integration into laboratory information management systems (LIMS). Audit trails are immutable and include user ID, date/time stamps, and change history for all critical parameters. Optional remote monitoring via Ethernet enables centralized fleet management across multi-instrument labs. No proprietary drivers or cloud dependencies are required—data remains under full institutional control at all times.

Applications

• Environmental monitoring: extraction of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), herbicides, and emerging contaminants from soil, sediment, and biosolids per HJ 782–2016 and EPA 3545A.
• Food safety testing: multi-residue pesticide analysis in grains, fruits, and leafy vegetables aligned with GB/T 23200.9–2016 and GB/T 23376–2009.
• Pharmaceutical quality control: quantification of marker compounds (e.g., ginsenosides) in botanical raw materials per GB/T 22996–2008.
• Forensic chemistry: recovery of explosives residues (e.g., TNT, RDX) from swabs and debris matrices.
• Fuel and lubricant analysis: isolation of oxidation byproducts and additive degradation markers from used engine oils.
• Natural product research: scalable preparative extraction of polyphenols, alkaloids, and terpenoids from biomass prior to purification or bioassay.

FAQ

What solvents are compatible with the ASE-6?
Commonly used solvents include hexane, acetone, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and mixtures thereof. Solvent selection must comply with system pressure/temperature limits and material compatibility guidelines for stainless steel and polymer components.
Can the ASE-6 be validated for regulated environments?
Yes—the instrument supports IQ/OQ/PQ protocol execution, and its parameter logging, user authentication, and electronic signature capabilities align with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 and EU Annex 11 expectations when implemented within a documented quality system.
Is method transfer from older ASE platforms feasible?
Method parameters (temperature, pressure, static time, flush volume) are directly transferable from ASE 200/350 systems; minor optimization may be required due to differences in thermal mass and flow dynamics.
What maintenance is required for long-term reliability?
Routine tasks include periodic replacement of solvent filters, O-rings, and check valves; annual calibration of pressure and temperature sensors is recommended. Full service manuals and spare parts kits are supplied with each unit.
Does the ASE-6 support unattended overnight operation?
Yes—scheduled runs with automatic shutdown, solvent level monitoring, and fault-triggered pause/resume functionality enable reliable unattended operation across extended cycles.