The Edge from CEM, with their innovative Q-Cup technology, offers a radical, cost-effective, new approach to the preparation of GC/LC samples.
CEM are a company that have built a notable reputation for innovative instrument design, producing equipment which makes substantial improvements, in time and ease of use, to sample preparation for a variety of different techniques.
They have now set their sights on molecular sample preparation of GC/LC samples. The result is The Edge, an instrument that combines the process of Pressurised Fluid Extraction (PFE) and Dispersive Solid Phase Extraction (dSPE) in the one instrument, using CEM’s Q-Cup technology to produce a radical system now covered by multiple pending patent applications.
Pressurised Fluid Extraction is a sample extraction method that employs liquid solvents at elevated temperatures and pressures to prepare samples for analysis by either gas chromatography or liquid chromatography. Dispersive solid phase extraction is based on the dispersion of a solid sorbent in liquid samples in the extraction isolation and clean up of different analytes from complex matrices.
With CEM’s Q-Cup technology, automated dSPE is possible, which provides fluid addition, rapid extraction, sample filtration, and fluid dispensing all in the one instrument. This new technology then offers more effective extraction and cleanup, particularly for difficult matrices. It is simple and fast for all applications, permitting the extraction of semi-volatile organic compounds from soil, fat from food, phthalates from plastics, and many more related applications.
The result is the fastest molecular sample preparation available, eclipsing standard soxhlet techniques and the newer Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE). The Edge has a 5 minute cycle time, meaning 12 samples can be run per hour which includes washing, filtering, and cooling.
The Q-Cup sample holders are made of ultra- thin aluminium for efficient heating. Lightweight and easy to carry, they are easily assembled and cleaned, consisting of just three pieces, and utilise the unique open cell concept that creates a dispersive effect which promotes rapid extraction and filtration. No additional steps are required prior to analysis.
Plus the Edge has a remarkably small footprint – about the size of an analytical balance – it is not surprising then that CEM see the EDGETM as an instrument that “will radically change how laboratories prepare samples for GC and LC analysis.
To download the related application notes and product brochure please click on the PDF links below.
