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

How do Analysis's sample preparation solutions contribute to shortening the overall analysis time in our laboratory?

Sample preparation is statistically the most time-consuming phase and the source of most errors. Our equipment (such as automated ASE extraction, Berghof microwave digestion, and Rocket Synergy 2 automated evaporation) focuses on automation, acceleration, and reproducibility of these steps. This directly reduces technician working hours, allows for processing more samples in a shorter period, and significantly shortens the “sample-to-result” cycle.

What is the key advantage of automated extraction compared to manual methods?

Automated systems like the Thermo Scientific Dionex ASE 350 and SPE AutoTrace 280 provide three key advantages: a) Speed (extraction takes minutes instead of hours/days), b) Reduced solvent consumption (leading to savings and environmental compliance), and c) Reproducibility and error reduction by eliminating the human factor, which is critical for regulated industries (e.g., pharmaceuticals, food control).

Can the offered sample preparation equipment (e.g., mills) be used for different types of matrices?

Yes. Retsch equipment is a leader in physical sample preparation and offers various models of mills (for hard, soft, fibrous, and elastic materials), sieves, and presses, ensuring homogenization and representativeness of the sample whether you are working with soil, minerals, food, or plastics. Our experts can assist in selecting the optimal equipment for your specific matrix.

In which cases is microwave digestion the best choice for sample preparation?

Microwave digestion (Berghof systems) is ideal when complete breakdown of complex or organic matrices is required before elemental analysis (e.g., ICP-OES or ICP-MS). It ensures high operational safety, faster digestion time, and reduced contamination, which is crucial for analyzing metals in food, the environment, or industrial products.

How do you solve the problem of evaporation and concentration of large volume samples after extraction?

For rapid and efficient concentration of large volumes (up to 450 ml per bottle), we offer the Thermo Scientific Rocket Synergy 2 evaporator system. This automated system allows simultaneous drying and concentration of up to 6 large-volume bottles, protecting samples from overheating and cross-contamination, which is essential after extraction and before final instrumental analysis.

Does Analysis offer equipment for automating processes in the middle of the analytical flow (e.g., heating/evaporation)?

Yes, our portfolio includes modular systems like the Thermo Scientific Reacti-Therm modules for heating, stirring, and evaporation. These systems allow precise control of dry heat (through single or triple blocks), ideal for reactions, derivatization, or sample evaporation before injection into GC or HPLC systems.

What is the lifespan and what kind of after-sales support is available for microwave digestion reactors and systems?

Berghof reactors are known for their extremely high quality and long lifespan, thanks to specialized manufacturing. Our after-sales support provides original spare parts, certified service, as well as application consulting (development of digestion protocols), guaranteeing safe, reliable, and reproducible system operation for many years.

Do you offer staff training focused exclusively on complex sample preparation techniques (e.g., ASE/SPE)?

Yes. In addition to basic operational training, we offer specialized application training for advanced automation systems such as ASE and SPE. The training is focused on developing and optimizing methods tailored to your specific samples and target analytes, ensuring your analysts fully utilize the potential of automated equipment for high throughput and precision.