The remarkable new UltraWAVE features Milestone's patented single chamber reaction (SRC)
technology in a fully automated benchtop package. Through advanced design and engineering, Milestone has been able to reduce the size of SRC technology, resulting in a small benchtop unit that can fit in even the
smallest lab. The UltraWAVE digests up to 22 samples – of any matrix – simultaneously. With SRC, all samples are in the same vessel so any combination of sample types with different acid chemistries can
be digested at the same time and there is no need to batch samples of the same type into separate runs. Simply weigh the sample into a glass vial, add acid and place into the sample rack.The UltraWAVE is perfect for
laboratories that have multiple sample types to digest, or simply want the convenience of SRC technology. The superior digestion quality and minimal blank contribution of SRC makes the UltraWAVE an ideal
complement to ICP-MS and AA.
The UltraWAVE is a small unit that fits on any benchtop. The cabinet is all stainless steel and the work area is surrounded by a thick acrylic screen that raises and lowers
automatically with the top of the SRC chamber. The screen has side doors that allow the operator access to fasten and release the chamber clamp. Interlocks prevent operation unless the chamber clamp is in
position and secured. The chamber is 1 litre capacity, manufactured from solid stainless steel, cooled by a water jacket, and fitted with a PTFE liner. The 1500w microwave power source is located at the base of the
chamber, and optimised for even distribution of microwave energy. The SRC chamber is fitted with a transducer type direct pressure sensor and a thermocouple type temperature sensor that means that every sample is
under direct pressure and temperature control, giving unmatched control of the digestion process. Sample racks are available in several sizes, including the standard 15 position rack that holds 15x15mL vials (glass,
quartz or TFM).
SRC operation is extremely simple and completely automated from start to finish. A simple sample rack, similar to a rotary autosampler rack, is loaded with samples weighed
into glass vials and the digestion acid added. The vials are capped with loose fitting PTFE caps. The rack is fitted to the chamber top that is lowered automatically into the chamber. The sample vials sit in liquid
that provides a consistent "load" for the delivered microwave energy. This ensures even heating and consistent conditions from run to run. The chamber clamp is secured and the chamber pressurised with N2 (40 bar). This prevents boiling of samples as the run starts and essentially acts as a "cover" over the samples, eliminating any possibility of cross contamination. The microwave program starts and all samples are digested under the same conditions. When the heating cycle stops, water cooling rapidly cools the chamber to ambient temperature providing a total run time of 35 minutes.The pressure is released, the chamber is opened and acid fumes are extracted away from the operator. The rack is then simply removed, the samples are made up to volume, and are ready for analysis.
The UltraWAVE is operated via a full-colour touch screen display that provides automatic
real-time monitoring and feedback-based control at 20 times per second and adjusts power to match the sample load. The reaction is therefore controlled throughout the run, for example reducing power instantly
should an exothermic reaction occur. The same method is used for all samples, all methods and runs are saved. USB and PC card ports are provided for method and data file transfer via memory stick or PC card and
Milestone's EasyDOC Windows-based software enables export of run data to a spreadsheet
Convenient, user-centric design
