Automated Solid Phase Extraction for Drinking Water Analysis

The EconoTrace® Parallel Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) System is a fully automated, modular solution designed to enhance laboratory productivity by streamlining sample preparation for regulated drinking water methods such as EPA Method 525.3, EPA Method 527, and others. Capable of processing up to 8 samples simultaneously, this system combines extraction, drying, and concentration into a single automated workflow—minimizing human error, reducing contamination risks, and improving reproducibility.

Designed as an economical and scalable platform, the EconoTrace system replaces outdated manual SPE techniques and semi-automated systems, significantly improving efficiency, consistency, and regulatory compliance.

Simply load samples onto the system and start the automated process. The instrument controls flow rate during sample loading, applies nitrogen drying, and elutes analytes directly into the SuperVap Concentrator, where extracts are reduced to final volume in a 15 mL centrifuge tube—ready for GC-MS or LC-MS analysis.

By integrating multiple preparation steps into one automated solution, EconoTrace reduces solvent usage, eliminates unnecessary glassware, and increases throughput—delivering high-quality, reproducible results for drinking water testing.

Benefits

• Time-Saving: Speeds up sample preparation, allowing labs to process more samples in less time.

• Cost-Effective: Reduces labor, solvent, and consumable costs with efficient automation.

• Reliable Results: Ensures consistent recoveries and reproducibility across multiple batches.

• Ease of Use: Intuitive user interface with minimal training required for operation.

• Modular and Expandable Design: The system’s modular architecture allows laboratories to start with a two-sample configuration and scale up to eight samples as throughput needs grow.

• Automated Sample Processing: Replaces traditional manual SPE workflows and outdated liquid-liquid extraction techniques with fully automated processing, significantly reducing hands-on time and the potential for human error.

• Integrated Workflow: Consolidates extraction, nitrogen drying, and concentration into a seamless automated process—streamlining total sample preparation from raw sample to final extract.

• Positive Pressure Fluid Delivery: Uses pressurized flow to maintain consistent flow rates and reduce the risk of SPE cartridge clogging, ensuring high reproducibility and dependable performance.

• User-Friendly Interface: Equipped with a built-in touchscreen capable of storing up to 100 programmable methods—no external computer required. Ideal for routine EPA method execution.

• Compact Footprint: Engineered to fit easily in laboratories with limited bench space, without compromising performance or automation capabilities.

The EconoTrace® Parallel SPE System is designed to meet the demands of modern environmental laboratories conducting drinking water analysis using approved EPA solid phase extraction methods (such as EPA 525.3, 527, and 541). Its automation delivers greater throughput, consistency, and compliance—making it an ideal choice for reliable and efficient routine testing.