Sample preparation equipment

Due to the fast growth and development of microprocessors, analytical instrumentations in spectroscopy, chromatography, microscopy and other have been subjected to significant developments. Regardless of these advances, sample preparation is an indispensable step prior to instrumental analysis. Main reasons for this are low sensitivity of instruments, matrix interferences as well as incompatibility of the sample with the analytical device. Most of the time spent, as well as most of the errors in chemical analysis are occuring precisely during the sample preparation step. As a result, any improvement in this essential process has a significant effect on shortening the analysis time, increasing its precision and accuracy, as well as lowering the cost. Converting the sample to a form compatible with the analytical instrument could be as simple as filtration or dilution, or alternatively include multistep procedures. Samples need to be representative, homogeneous and suitable for the analysis chosen. Hence, sample preparation is a critical step in any analytical procedure. In our portfolio, you can find various sample preparation techniques - from the physical preparation of samples using mills, sievers and presses, to digestion, all the way to solid phase extraction and automated extraction devices.

Laboratory Mills, Sieve Shakers and Pellet Presses

Retsch is a leading provider of neutral-to-analysis sample preparation and characterization of solids solutions. With a century of experience, Retsch develops size reduction and sieving equipment characterized by excellent performance, o...

Fusion and Grinding Machines

Sample preparation of metals and materials to be analyzed using optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) is becoming increasingly important. Even minor contamination or slightly defective surfaces on the ...

Digestion systems

With more than 50 years of experience, Berghof offers outstanding expertise in the manufacture of digestion and reactor systems. With the Berghof's speedwave microwave digestion systems and the digestec pressure digestion systems, you ca...

Reactor Systems

With more than 50 years of experience, Berghof offers outstanding expertise in the manufacture of digestion and reactor systems. Berghof's highpreactor high and low pressure reactors stand for easy handling, the highest quality and safet...

Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) Instrument

The Thermo Scientific Dionex AutoTrace 280 Solid-Phase Extraction (SPE) Instrument is designed for an easy and efficient extraction of analytes of interest from large volume aqueous samples. The AutoTrace 280 automates all four...

Accelerated Solvent Extractors (ASE)

The automated Thermo Scientific Dionex ASE 350 Accelerated Solvent Extractor performs automated extraction, filtration and clean up of compounds from solid and semisolid samples in minutes. The system accommodates sample sizes ...

Sample Heating, Stirring and Evaporation System

Thermo Scientific offers a configurable system for heating, stirring, and evaporation for unmatched versatility. The Thermo Scientific Reacti-Therm Heating/Stirring Module (uniform dry heat to the sample, through a single or tr...

Evaporator for Concentrating or Drying Large-Volume Samples

The automated Thermo Scientific Rocket Synergy 2 Evaporator System is used for concentrating or drying large-volume samples rapidly and in parallel. Up to 6 large-volume 450 mL flasks or 18 x 60 mL Thermo Scientific Dionex ASE ...

FAQ: Sample Preparation Equipment

Which sample preparation techniques do you offer (mills, microwave digestion, SPE, ASE)?

Our portfolio includes mills, sieves, presses, microwave digesters, accelerated solvent extractors (ASE), solid phase extraction (SPE) units, as well as filtration and centrifugation systems.

What are the sample capacity ranges (mass/volume)?

Capacity depends on the model – from a few grams to several hundred grams (or milliliters for liquid systems). Each instrument specifies its recommended maximum sample load.

What consumables are required (filters, cartridges, reagents)?

Dedicated consumables are used — filter papers, SPE cartridges, membranes, and suitable solvents or reagents, depending on the application.

Do you provide solutions for samples with complex matrices?

Yes, we offer pre-treatment methods (homogenization, centrifugation, filtration) and specialized extraction techniques designed for complex matrices.

How is the equipment cleaned and maintained?

Cleaning follows the manufacturer’s instructions, using appropriate solvents, ultrasonic baths, or laboratory glassware washers, with regular replacement of consumables.

Is contamination protection ensured (materials, inert phases)?

The instruments are built from chemically inert materials (PTFE, PEEK) with minimal dead volume and protective components to prevent cross-contamination.

What are the safety requirements (pressure, temperature)?

Instruments operating under pressure or high temperature are equipped with safety valves, thermal protection, and reinforced housings, with appropriate CE and ISO safety certifications.

How are verification and quality control performed?

Quality control involves the use of control samples, standards, blanks, and replicate analyses to ensure accuracy and repeatability of results.

Can the equipment be directly integrated with analytical instruments?

Yes. In most cases, sample preparation systems can be directly connected to analytical instruments (e.g., GC, LC, ICP, MS) through autosamplers or interface modules for seamless automation.

What sample types are supported (food, water, pharma, environmental)?

Solid, semi-solid, and liquid samples across food & feed, pharma, cosmetics, clinical/forensic matrices, plus environmental samples (water, soil, waste, air filters) are supported.

What about chemical compatibility (solvents, acids/bases, oxidizers)?

Wetted parts are selected per application (PTFE, PEEK, stainless steel, glass). Specs cover compatibility with common solvents (MeOH, ACN, IPA), strong acids/bases, and oxidizers—per manufacturer charts.

Can the equipment reduce solvent use and waste (green lab)?

Automated/accelerated extractions (e.g., ASE) and optimized SPE protocols significantly lower solvent consumption, runtime, and waste, while improving reproducibility.

Do you support compliance with standard methods (e.g., EN 15662 QuEChERS, AOAC, ISO)?

Yes. We align configurations and consumables with target methods (EN/AOAC/ISO/USP/EP) and validate performance (accuracy, recovery, precision).