Fully Automated Liquid/Liquid (LLE) and Solid/Liquid Extractions (SLE)

Fully Automated Liquid/Liquid Extractions

Liquid/liquid extractions (LLE) but also solid/liquid extractions (SLE) are widely used sample pre-preparation methods in analytical laboratories.

Typical examples are the analysis of wastewater with immiscible solvents. Very well-known is the QuEChERS pesticide extraction with acetonitrile, or the FAMEs analysis with prior heptane extraction of the lipids. A dispenser module and solvent reservoirs are used to provide the required solvent amount to the sample.
The PAL System uniquely allows LLE as a micromethod from 2 ml vials, but also handles vial sizes up to 40 ml in a Vortex unit. A centrifugation step may be required to separate particles or facilitate phase separation.
Any kind of organic solvent can be used. The unique bottom sensing of the PAL System allows precise aspiration of heavy extraction solvents from the vial bottom. In micromethods tapered vial types are preferred.