Automated End-to-End Sample Preparation and Analysis of Pesticides


SWING QUECHERS

ROBUSTNESS AND EASE-OF-USE BY DESIGN

QuEChERS sample preparation procedure combined with our overhead gravimetric (patented) capability and our user-friendly software, allow you to automatically analyze pesticide residues in food samples.

QuEChERS, standing for Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe is readily accepted by both the Association of Analytical Communities (AOAC) and the Committee of European Normalization (CEN) for the analysis of pesticide residues in food and agricultural products.

QuEChERS is a simple and straighforward sample preparation technique for multi-residues screening. Multi-residue methods increase sample throughput, decrease sample turnaround time, and optimize analyst efficiency. The QuEChERS method is a two-step process: clean up followed by extraction.

  • Precision – Speed – Accuracy
  • Performance – Versatility
  • R&D Cost Savings - High Throughput
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Clean-up workflow: 
The purpose of this step is to remove matrix effects like polar pigments, organiacids, sugars and lipids from the sample by a sorbing material to increase the method’s robustness.

Extraction workflow: 
The purpose of this step is to extract pesticide residues into an organic solvent. A solid-liquid extraction with addition of salts to control pH and ionic concentration is performed.

There are well over 1’000 targeted analytes of pesticides and their metabolites being monitored in food commodities at present. 

Laboratories are being asked to broaden their range and increase the quality of their pesticide analysis whilst management is demanding cost reductions.

By introducing the Swing QuEChERS, Chemspeed offers unattended automation for the complete QuEChERS workflow. The platform can be configured in two different ways to reflect the analytical chemists’ needs:

402 Pesticides residues in one 10 minute run at 10 ng/g (ppb)

Throughput Optimized Configuration

  • Up to 96 samples in 8 h and 288 samples in 24 h.
  • Sample preparation methods using kits (e.g. Waters, Agilent, Thermo).
  • Preprogrammed testing templates

The SpeedMixer specifications

  • Up to 24 samples producing 72 analytical samples in 8 h.
  • Sample preparation methods using cost-effective disposable Falcon tubes and reagents purchased in bulk.
  • Preprogrammed testing templates.

Technical Details

Chemspeed’s Swing QuEChERS deck modularity allows the user to execute and perform a variety of food analysis workflows in a fully automated fashion.

SWING dimensions: 
1’480 x 910 x 1’860 mm 
(4’ 4 3/8” x 3’ x 6’ 1 1/4”) 

SWING xl dimensions:
2’350 x 950 x 1’920 mm 
(7’ 70” x 3’ 2” x 6’ 4”)

Rack for Sample Preparations (Falcon tubes)

  • Rack for 32 Falcon tubes.
  • Shaking capability (up to 1’400 rpm ).
  • Heating / cooling capability.

Rack for Sample Preparations (30 mL vials)

  • Rack for 36x30 mL vials.
  • Shaking capability.

Rack for Sample Preparations (2 mL GC/LC vials)

  • Rack for 96x2 mL vials (GC, LC).
  • Shaking capability (up to 1’400 rpm).

Evaporation Unit

Evaporation performed under N2 flow.

High Shear Homogenizer

  • Sample volume: 5-1’000 mL.
  • Speed range: 11’000-30’000 rpm.
  • 4 cutter sizes.
  • Dedicated dynamic rinsing and drying station.