Milestone SRC ultraWAVE microwave digestion systems
The ultraWAVE systems feature 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. 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
Principles of operation
At the heart of ultraWAVE is the Single Reaction Chamber (SRC), a stainless-steel reactor with a high-purity PTFE-TFM liner and cover that serves as both microwave cavity and digestion vessel. Samples and reagents are placed in vials and racks, lowered into the liner containing a water-based solution and then the reactor is closed. The water-based load maintains the temperature regardless of the sample and acid mixtures in the vials. After the chamber is closed it is pre-pressurised with inert gas to prevent boiling of the reagents, loss of elements, and sample cross-contamination. Microwave heating starts and the digestion cycle is continuously controlled in all vials using an advanced temperature sensor.
An integrated cooling circuit maintains the stainless steel chamber at a reduced temperature. At the end of the heating cycle, the circuit promotes rapid cooling of the reactor and vials that is followed by venting of the chamber. The reactor is then opened and the digested sample solutions are ready for dilution and analysis
Features
- Any combination of sample type and weight with different acids in a single run with no method development
- High pressure and temperature reactor ensuring complete digestion
- Acid-resistant stainless steel construction enables use of HCl with ECR versions
- No need for special vials/caps or additional preparation stages
- Less acid used per sample (typical 2 – 4ml) and higher sample weights (up to 1.5g)
- Available with a choice of racks without any need for capping or uncapping
- Standard laboratory sample tubes can be used such as ICP autosampler vials.
- Identical temperature and pressure conditions for all samples with no cross-contamination
- Temperature sensor to directly control the digestion of all samples
- Disposable vessel option eliminates cleaning stage
- Advanced integrated terminal with user friendly software and full GLP documentation
Simplified handling
The vials and racks of ultraWAVE are specifically designed to reduce assembly and disassembly time. The operator has only to place loose-fitting caps on the vials and the rack is ready for the digestion process.
This approach eliminates the operator time required for closing and opening of the vessels, typically involved with the rotor-based systems. The fast assembly of the vials coupled with the automatic closing and opening reduces the handling time significantly thereby reducing operating costs.
Digestion racks and vials
The wide selection of racks and vials enables the laboratory to match the detection limit, productivity, and application requirements. Racks are available with different capacities to fit any sample type and mass. Vials are available in high-purity TFM, high-purity quartz, and disposable glass. The vials are fitted with loose TFM caps to ensure pressure equalisation even when using HCl.
Avoid vessel cleaning and improve productivity
Rotor-based systems require digestion vessels with a complex construction to contain the elevated pressure within each vessel. Conversely, the SRC approach ensures equal pressures between the inside and outside of the vials, so vials can withstand elevated pressures using a much simpler construction. Thanks to this unique capability, the SRC technology even enables the use of inexpensive disposable glass tubes. This approach is commonly implemented for more routine applications and allows complete elimination of the tedious vessel cleaning step and concern for potential memory effects.
User interface
The ultraWAVE user interfaces provide fast and easy operation, are icon driven and CFR 21 Part 11 compliant. For instance, with a routine digestion, beginning the process only requires few seconds, open the method and press “start”. SRC technology enables the use of a single method for the majority of sample types encountered in a typical laboratory. All the digestion parameters are automatically controlled by the system through a PID algorithm and are displayed on the terminal as well as listed on the side bar.
The system includes a comprehensive list of methods including official and standard methods that guide the operator in the optimisation of parameters so the time for any method development is therefore greatly reduced. The home page can be customised and user created methods stored on the system.
Low cost of ownership
An important consideration in investment of instrumentation includes the costs involved with maintenance as well as operation.
The ultraWAVE SRC technology introduces a completely new approach to sample preparation that impacts both of these cost areas. The consumables costs have been significantly reduced, moving from complex and expensive digestion vessels to simple and less expensive vials or even disposable glass tubes.
A usage-based preventive maintenance program minimise laboratory costs. The number of runs is monitored along with the number of samples processed, and the system indicates the time for the next service or system check.
Milestone Connect
Included with the ultraWAVE is a unique web based application – Milestone Connect. The app provides up to date information and extended instrument monitoring of the digestion run from outside the laboratory. The app works on various external devices such as PC, tablets or smartphones.
The integral database includes specific and detailed information on the installed equipment (list of parts, technical notes, user manual, video tutorials, etc), continuously updated application notes, a library of available scientific articles published in scientific magazines, and a help-on-line section that provides instant support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
ultraWAVE2 eco – new for 2026
Building on the success of the Milestone flagship ultraWAVE series, the ultraWAVE 2 eco brings SRC performance to every laboratory. It employs a proven stainless-steel reactor to deliver robust performance for both high throughput requirements and occasional workflows. It uses the same two piece vials as the ultraWAVE3 where operation is limited to placing and removing a loose fitting cap onto the vial thereby eliminating the sealing required on traditional systems. This flexibility makes it ideal choice for laboratories working in food, environmental, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, polymer, and agricultural applications.
Features
- High pressure and temperature reactor up to 199 bar and 250°C ensuring complete digestion
- Available with racks of 4, 5, 8, 15, 19, 22, and 26 vials per batch without any need for capping or uncapping
- Air cooled reactor with cooling from 225°C to 45°C in 18 minutes
ultraWAVE3
The ultraWAVE3 has been designed for digestion of the most difficult samples with enhanced temperature capabilities coupled with high pressure. Reduced handling and cleaning means hands-on operator time is decreased by up to 50%. Several steps are completed automatically by the system, such as the closing and venting of the chamber and automatic sealing of the vials. This further reduces the operator time, increases the productivity, and ensures the safety of operation.
Features
- High pressure and temperature reactor up to 199 bar and 300°C ensuring complete digestion even for the most difficult samples
- Contactless temperature sensor to directly control the digestion of all samples
- Available with racks of 7, 9, 20, 27, and 40 vials per batch without any need for capping or uncapping
- Noiseless water-cooled magnetron ensures higher heating efficiency along with quieter working conditions
- Automatic opening/closing of the pressure vessel with built in exhaust of acid vapours
- Optional stirring to aid digestion of inorganic matrices of higher sample masses