1 System - 1 Sequence - 16 Samples

LCTech presents the first fully automated sample clean-up system for PCB and dioxin analysis, DEXTech 16, at Dioxin 2018 (26.-31.08.2018 in Krakow, Poland).

DEXTech 16 processes fully automated and unattended 16 samples within one sequence around the clock, even at the weekends. The specialist for automated sample preparation, LCTech GmbH, therewith sets a new and unique standard with the first complete automation for the clean-up of food, feed, environmental, and biological samples in the PCB and dioxin analysis.

All 16 samples are quantitatively loaded one after the other via an autosampler and afterwards transferred onto the 3-column setup of the system via the sample loop. The sample clean-up is based on the extensive expertise gained on the DEXTech product family using an acidic silica gel column, an aluminium oxide column, and a carbon column.

Default methods that are compliant to the EPA method and European regulations are stored in the system. However, an individual parameterisation is also possible. Existing, already evaluated customer methods on the systems DEXTech Plus and DEXTech Pure can be transferred to the fully automated system DEXTech 16.

The system can be prepared to start a sequence within only 30 minutes. The user just have to place the samples into the system, chose or modify a stored method, and insert the ready-to-use columns into the column carousel. Having that done, DEXTech 16 processes 16 samples one after the other and separates PCBs and dioxins in one fraction each so that they can subsequently be measured in one GC-MS run each.

Due to design and automated rinsing steps, cross-contamination is reliably avoided as proven by previous DEXTech systems.

A sophisticated and easy to handle software builds the core of the system and offers a comfortable operation via touch screen to the user including advantages like intelligent solvent management, permanent overview of process status, or report generation.

Further advantages are various safety features like controlled and monitored robotic operations, overpressure detection with 'non-stop policy', waste sensor, or password protected software.