Front view FREESTYLE GPC  | © LCTech GmbH
Flexible, Precise, Modular

Clean-up with Gel Permeation Chromatography

The FREESTYLE GPC is a fully automated chromatographic sample preparation system, that is used for example for clean-up of food, feed and environmental samples. It complies in all areas with the requirements of general methods, e.g. L 00.00-34, EPA 3640A.

Illustration GPC Methode | © LCTech GmbH

Intuitive Method Setup

Methods are set up for the GPC module via a clearly laid out graphic, as the fundamental clean-up procedure via GPC is pre-defined: forerun, main run (several fractions possible) and tailing. The user only enters the necessary values and can start the system.

SYSTEm at a glance

FREESTYLE GPC

FREESTYLE SPE GPC EVA loaded with 3 racks | © LCTech GmbH

The column is firmly connected to the arm, therefore sample and solvent can be dosed precisely and at a constant flow rate via the SPE column with positive pressure using a syringe pump. Drying is also carried out via positive pressure with nitrogen.

  • Non-stop Policy: If a column becomes blocked, the system detects the overpressure. The column is reset, the system cleans itself automatically and continues with the processing of the next column
  • One rack for all types of columns: reusable adapters allow easy changing and mixing of columns of any standard format
  • Columns can be moved to any position in the rack area
  • Three solvents as standard, upgrade option up to six or even fifteen solvents

Double-walled with two independent lines inside the needle. Spray holes are arranged 360° around the needle:

  • Spraying solvent into a vial (e.g. for quantitative transfer) or into the vacuum chamber for rinsing and/or cleaning
  • Filling into vials closed with septa (e.g. 1 mL vial with insert)
  • Sharp tip for piercing a septum without punching out parts of the septum

More than 40 different racks can be freely combined with the FREESTYLE system. Each rack has different sample vessels. Depending on the configuration, up to 180 samples can be processed in a single operation with just one platform. Maximum flexibility for your applications. Just as you need it. Also with temporary racks.

The flexibility of the system also applies to IAC columns. Only one rack type is needed for all columns up to 15 mL. The adaptation is done by adapters. The racks are hooked in with a flick of the wrist and registered in the software with a few mouse clicks.

Fluidics management is a central component of the robotic system, where precise dosing and control of fluids is essential:

  • 10 mL syringe pump for an exact way to dispense solutions and samples in defined quantities with defined flow rates
  • 6 freely selectable ports for solvent supply. (Optional upgrade for 15 freely selectable solvents possible)
  • N2 valve for drying or evaporation process
  • Chemically inert PTFE sample loop for cross-contamination-free work
  • Tight due to sophisticated design with few sealing elements
  • Pressure-stable (tested up to 20 bar continuous operation and 40 bar short-term)
  • No cross-contamination in subsequent samples, even with demanding matrices
  • DFG S19 compliant (D25)
  • Quality certificate and test chromatogram for each column
  • Double plunger pump (analytical or preparative pump head possible) for pulsation-free, precise pumping with defined flow rate (parameterisable) Extremely robust design.
  • Precise pressure monitoring in the low-pressure range (between 0 - 10 bar).
  • Optional high-pressure version up to 100 bar / 1450 psi (with SST injection valve).
  • Optional UV detector recording with peak allocation.

The EVAporation module achieves reliable and precise concentration of samples:

  • Parameterisable vacuum with controlled heating and rotation of the EVAporation chamber
  • Blow-off with nitrogen or air (for sensitive analytes and final volumes < 0.5 mL)
  • For each method, any final volume between 0.2 mL and 5.0 mL - in steps of 0.1 mL - is defined via the software and stored in the method
  • Methods with different final volumes can be mixed in one sequence - fully automatically and without the use of any tools
  • The chamber can be calibrated automatically at the touch of a button
  • Incomparable flexibility with regard to the desired final volume from method to method and from sample to sample
  • Possibility for automated solvent exchange (liquid/liquid or dry/recovery in desired solvent)
  • Overfill sensor for safe handling and monitoring of the process
  • Cleaning of the chamber via the sampler needle with rinsing capillary and 360° rinsing/spraying radius for cross-contamination-free work
Detail EVA

GPC Column

Quick, Easy Filling

GPC Column
  • Robust: The column is unable to burst or shatter thanks to the aluminium sleeve, which also protects the user.
  • Chemically inert: The sample only comes into contact with glass/PTFE or stainless steel
  • All parts resistant to solvents
  • Simple readjustment of the column bed
  • No cross-contamination in subsequent samples, even with challenging matrices
  • Suitable for many standard methods (e.g. expanded DFG S19/ ASU L00.00-34
  • Pressure stability (tested up to 20 bar in continuous operation and 40 bar short-term)
  • No cross-contamination in subsequent samples, even with challenging matrices
  • Quality certificate and test chromatogram for every column
Simple Handling of the GPC Column

LCTech offers suitable filling kits for fast, easy refilling directly in the laboratory. The columns can be easily disassembled, cleaned, refilled and simply reassembled. Thanks to a sophisticated and robust design, they are immediately leak-proof again and thus ready for use.

Evaporation chamber in motion | © LCTech GmbH

Freestyle GPC with EVAporation Module

The combination of FREESTYLE GPC with the EVAporation module is particularly user-friendly. The selected fraction is collected online in the vacuum chamber and transferred into one or more vials (e.g. GC vials) after concentration. The result is a sample that can be placed directly into the analysis device.

Product videos + webinars

Videos

FREESTYLE GPC
Automated gel permeation chromatography
FREESTYLE (SPE, GPC, EVAporation,etc.)
Multiple applications on the FREESTYLE automated clean-up system (SPE, GPC, EVAporation, etc.).
LCTech Logo | © LCTech GmbH
Webinar (englisch)
Einführung in LCTechs FREESTYLE GPC EVA.

Do you have any further questions?

The LCTech experts are happy to provide you with individual solutions.