Automated sample clean-up in PCB and dioxin analysis for samples hardening at room temperature

LC Tech’s DEXTech Heat automated system is especially designed to clean up samples that need to remain melted in PCB and dioxin analysis by maintaining the sample’s liquid state with three heating zones - from sample vial to the first column.

In PCB and dioxin analysis, there are an increasing amount of samples that harden at room temperature and thus generate challenges for automated clean-up. LCTech GmbH, the specialist for automated sample preparation, has launched a new system on the market that automatically processes these samples without the need for additional tools or manual handling.

DEXTech Heat, which is based on the unique technology and functionality of LC Tech’s established DEXTech Pure system, processes even the difficult samples such as stearin or PFADs automatically, without clogging and thus enabling reliable and accurate results.

Integrated heating zones heat up all components of the system that are needed for processing the sample and to maintain the sample as a liquid throughout the clean-up process – from sample vial to loading onto the first column. This prevents clogging of the first clean-up column. In addition, the homogeneous consistency of the sample ensures a better distribution of the quantification standard and thus better recoveries.

The temperature of the three heating zones can be set individually via a central control unit.

Like LCTech’s well proven DEXTech Pure, DEXTech Heat separates PCBs and dioxins in one fraction each via a 3-column set-up based on aluminium oxide. The subsequent measurement can be performed for dioxins and PCBs in one GC-MS run each. Default methods in compliance with current regulations are already stored in the system. In case the user only analyses PCBs, an additional shortened method is available that saves time, solvents and costs.

Parallel to the fractionation, offline heating of the next sample is possible which saves the user further time. In addition, the system can also be used without heating for ordinary samples that do not harden at room temperature at any time. Once the system has started, no further manual action is required.

The system’s permanent automated rinsing feature and exchangeable columns ensure that cross-contamination is reliably avoided at any time.

DEXTech Heat conforms to European regulatory requirements as we as those of the USEPA. as does the rest of the DEXTech range.