Microwave sample preparation is the technology of choice for trace and ultra-trace metals
analysis. High temperature, closed vessel, acid digestion prepares samples in less time than traditional methods (minutes rather than hours), uses less acid, and retains even volatile elements. With the Milestone
series of microwave digestion systems, it is possible to easily digest even the toughest organic or inorganic sample matrix, safely processing more samples in less time with superior results. The unique design and
specialised accessories give the user a completely integrated system for a broad range of applications. Although most of the systems can be used for many different applications, some modules have been specifically
designed for specific uses such as Open Vessel Digestion, and the high pressure single chamber reaction
systems (SRC) - UltraWAVE and UltraCLAVE
Milestone's unique Single Reaction Chamber (SRC) technology allows the digestion of different samples with
different weights with different acid mixtures all in the same sample run. The UltraWAVE requires very little method development and coupled with minimal sample preparation makes the system a truly flexible easy to
use high throughput system
The EthosEZ is an extremely rugged microwave digestion system that can be used for a wide range
of applications. The superior build quality and technology permits a variety of reaction monitoring sensors to be employed across all applications. The door and cavity have a PTFE plasma coating with a 5 year
warranty against corrosion. Perfect system for new USP methods
The StartMOD allows rapid simultaneous digestion of 8 large organic samples in open vessels with samples
up to several grams. The microwave includes a fully automated acid dosing system that delivers reagents at specified intervals and an acid scrubbing module with vacuum pump that removes and neutralises the produced
acid vapours
USP Method 231 and proposed General Chapters 232, 233 and 2232
Major changes are taking place in the USP whereby methods that are over 100 years old to determine heavy metals limits in pharmaceutical products will be brought up to date. The new methods
include changes to both the sample preparation and the analytical instrumentation. A particular problematic area of USP<231> was the loss of volatiles due to the methods employed. To prevent this, sample
preparation can now involve the use of closed vessel microwave digestion. The USP however highlights the requirement for appropriate safety precautions as the use of strong acids in a closed system 'introduces
inherent safety risks.' The Milestone microwave systems have been designed to operate with these strong acids by employing many safety mechanisms whilst ensuring no loss of volatiles during digestion or extraction:
- Pressure responsive door should over pressure in a system be reached
- Homegenous microwave diffusion to prevent hot-spots in the microwave cavity
- Patented vent and reseal vessel
that safely releases excess pressure from a vessel and prevents loss of volatiles that is experienced with other systems such as burst disk digesters and hot plates
- Robust stainless steel chassis, not moulded plastic. Plasma coated cavity with 5 year warranty against corrosion
- Audit trail of user access and ability to output full run data to PC to provide full documentation of the sample preparation step
The UltraCLAVE offers the same functionality as the UltraWAVE however the larger SRC can accept 40 samples
in 20ml vials through to 77 samples in 12ml vials. Similar to the UltraWAVE the fast heating and built-in cooling permits high throughput of mixed batches of samples
