Reduce laboratory ashing times by up to 95 per cent

Laboratories can now cut ashing times by up to 95 per cent with the launch of the Milestone EthosM enhanced microwave ashing system from Analytix. Designed to complete processes in minutes rather than hours, the system offers a faster, lower-energy alternative to conventional electrical muffle furnaces without requiring laboratories to abandon standard crucibles.

Built for high-throughput work, EthosM handles conventional ashing, loss on ignition, residue on ignition, fusion and other controlled high-temperature reactions. Its capacity for up to 24 Milestone quartz-fibre crucibles gives busy laboratories a route to shorter cycles and lower operating costs while delivering results comparable with established techniques. An integral exhaust removes fumes and odours without adding heat to the laboratory, while a microwave stirrer improves temperature uniformity, eliminates cold spots and provides reproducible results across every crucible.

For sulphated ashing, a new dedicated vacuum scrubber automates the charring stage, then safely vents, traps and neutralises corrosive acid vapours before final ashing. The configuration can bring total analysis time down to around one hour while reducing manual handling and potential operator exposure to hot sulphuric acid and associated vapours.

For laboratories seeking still faster heating, the Milestone UltraFAST option reaches 800°C in five minutes and 1,200°C in ten minutes; for example, PVC can be ashed at 900°C in approximately 15 minutes. The five-crucible muffle fits both the EthosM and new-generation Milestone Ethos digestion or extraction systems, extending the technology to laboratories requiring occasional ashing. Individual circular heating elements promote uniform heating, with an optional inert-gas configuration available for high-temperature catalyst reaction studies.

The EthosM accepts conventional crucibles alongside Milestone UltraFAST crucibles made from a chemically and thermally resistant material. Constant airflow speeds both ashing and cooling, taking crucibles from 1,000°C to room temperature in under 30 seconds and removing the need for a desiccator before weighing. Aimed at laboratories working with polymers, pharmaceuticals, food and feed, cokes and coals, the system supports ASTM, USP, SEMI and ISO methods and includes touchscreen control and data storage.

For more information about the Milestone EthosM and faster, safer laboratory ashing, visit Analytix online.