ZiQi ZQG-24 24-Position Semi-Automatic Solid Phase Extraction System

Overview

The ZiQi ZQG-24 is a 24-position semi-automatic solid phase extraction (SPE) system engineered for reproducible, scalable sample preparation in analytical laboratories. It operates on the fundamental principle of selective adsorption and elution—where analytes in liquid samples are retained on solid-phase sorbent cartridges while interfering matrix components pass through under controlled vacuum-driven flow. This physical separation mechanism enables efficient cleanup, concentration, and fractionation of target compounds prior to downstream analysis by HPLC, GC, LC-MS, or other quantitative techniques. Designed for routine use in environmental, pharmaceutical, food safety, and clinical testing labs, the ZQG-24 supports method development and high-throughput validation workflows without requiring full automation infrastructure.

Key Features

• Borosilicate glass vacuum manifold with transparent chamber—enables real-time visual monitoring of solvent flow, cartridge conditioning, loading, washing, and elution steps; certified for autoclave sterilization at 121°C for GLP-compliant cleaning between batches.
• Individual high-precision PTFE-coated inlet valves (24 total), each independently adjustable to fine-tune flow rates from 0.1 to 30 mL/min per channel—critical for optimizing retention and recovery across diverse sorbent chemistries (e.g., C18, SCX, SAX, Florisil).
• Modular support plate system with multiple aperture options (e.g., 12 mm, 16 mm) and height-adjustable rack positions—accommodates standard 13 × 100 mm test tubes, 15 mL and 50 mL centrifuge tubes, and 4–20 mL SPE collection vials.
• Vacuum regulation via integrated analog pressure gauge and dual-function exhaust valve—allows stable, stepwise pressure reduction to prevent channel clogging or sorbent channeling during large-volume extractions.
• All fluid-contact surfaces constructed from chemically inert polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)—ensuring compatibility with aggressive solvents including acetonitrile, methanol, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate, and dilute acids/bases.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The ZQG-24 accommodates a broad range of sample matrices, including biological fluids (plasma, serum, urine, whole blood), dairy products, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, fruit/vegetable homogenates, grain extracts, soil leachates, and wastewater. Its modular design supports both single-step and multi-solvent protocols—up to five distinct solvents can be sequentially introduced using external solvent reservoirs and manual valve sequencing. The system meets essential mechanical and material requirements aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory accreditation standards for sample preparation equipment. While not an electronic data capture device, its operation is fully compatible with GLP and GMP environments when paired with validated SOPs and manual logbook documentation. Note: A vacuum pump (e.g., DVP-10 portable unit) is required but supplied separately.

Software & Data Management

As a semi-automatic platform, the ZQG-24 does not incorporate embedded firmware or proprietary software. All operational parameters—including vacuum setpoints, timing intervals, solvent selection sequence, and flow rate adjustments—are manually executed and documented externally. This architecture ensures full traceability through laboratory notebooks or LIMS-integrated electronic batch records. For regulated environments subject to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliance, users may integrate the ZQG-24 into validated workflows using complementary digital tools for audit trail generation, user access control, and electronic signature capture—provided procedural controls govern valve actuation, timing, and solvent handling.

Applications

• Residue analysis: Pesticides, herbicides, and mycotoxins in fruits, vegetables, cereals, and animal feed per AOAC 2007.01 and EN 15662 methods.
• Clinical toxicology: Isolation of drugs of abuse, antibiotics, and endogenous steroids from human plasma and urine prior to LC-MS/MS quantification.
• Environmental monitoring: Extraction of PAHs, PCBs, and pharmaceuticals from surface water, wastewater, and sediment extracts following EPA Method 508.1 and ISO 17892-9.
• Food authenticity and adulteration testing: Cleanup of olive oil, honey, and wine samples prior to fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) profiling or stable isotope ratio analysis.
• Pharmaceutical QC: Impurity isolation and pre-concentration from tablet dissolution media and synthetic reaction mixtures.

FAQ

Is a vacuum pump included with the ZQG-24 system?
No—the ZQG-24 requires an external vacuum source. We recommend the DVP-10 portable vacuum pump (sold separately) for optimal pressure stability and portability.
Can the glass vacuum chamber be autoclaved?
Yes—the borosilicate glass manifold is rated for repeated steam sterilization at 121°C for 20 minutes, supporting contamination control in regulated microbiological or clinical labs.
What types of SPE cartridges are compatible?
Standard 1 mL, 3 mL, and 6 mL polypropylene or glass cartridges with fritted discs (e.g., Waters Sep-Pak, Agilent Bond Elut, Thermo HyperSep) fit securely onto the PTFE-sealed ports.
Does the system support sequential multi-solvent elution?
Yes—by manually switching between up to five solvent reservoirs connected via tubing and adjusting individual channel valves, users can execute complex gradient or stepwise elution protocols.
What maintenance is required?
Routine cleaning includes rinsing the glass manifold and PTFE valves with methanol followed by air drying; periodic inspection of O-rings and valve seals is advised to maintain vacuum integrity.