UltraCLAVE

A step forward in sample preparation automation

The patented Milestone ultraCLAVE achieves extraordinary performance capabilities by combining direct microwave heating in a high pressure reactor, which acts simultaneously as microwave cavity and vessel. Microwave energy is introduced into the reactor through a unique microwave port. This focused-multimode cavity design ensures maximum sample heating efficiency. Heat generated in the reactor is removed by a re-circulating cooling system, and the stainless steel vessel remains at approximately room temperature throughout the entire heating cycle.
The ultraCLAVE is designed for simplicity of use. Loading a rack of samples into the chamber is the only manual operation required. The reaction chamber is sealed, pressurized, heated, cooled, vented, and opened all under computer control.
The system dramatically reduces the labor compared to conventional microwave systems.

The operating sequence with SRC technology

Sample preparation is the most labor-intensive step in elemental analysis, as it requires assembling, closing, opening and disassembling of the vessels. These operations involve a lot of handling, which is directly affected by the number of vessels used. The ultraCLAVE with SRC technology, uses vials and racks instead of rotors and vessels, completely removing laborious handling. SRC technology is based on a stainless-steel reactor with a volume in excess of 4 L, which act as both a microwave cavity and digestion vessel. A 3.5 L PTFE vessel with a base load is introduced into the stainless-steel reactor. The operator places the samples and acids into vials with loose-fitting caps, places the rack in the ultraCLAVE and the digestion process begins (Step 1). By pressing “START” on the dedicated large screen terminal, the system automatically closes the stainless-steel vessel and clamps, loads the nitrogen pressure and runs the pre-selected microwave program (Step 2). After completion the vials are cooled using a powerful external chiller, pressure is safely released, and the main reactor opens, delivering the digested solutions ready for dilution and analysis (Step 3).

Gain efficiency without compromising performance

Performance