Flawless and Effortless: How the Streamline™ OLE 200 Transforms Sample Preparation for HPLC?

Solid-phase extraction (SPE) is one of the key techniques in modern analytical chemistry for pre-concentrating analytes prior to chromatographic analysis. However, traditional manual SPE procedures are often time-consuming, error-prone, and difficult to reproduce. In response to laboratories’ increasing demand for automation and efficiency, Watrex Praha introduces the Streamline OLE 200 – an advanced system for online SPE. 

Watrex: Streamline™ OLE 200

Comprehensive Automation of SPE 

The Streamline OLE 200 is a fully automated solid-phase extraction unit designed for direct integration into HPLC systems. It enables efficient pre-concentration of up to eight different samples, minimizes the need for manual handling, and significantly boosts laboratory productivity.

Advantages of SPE Automation with OLE 200 

• Increased laboratory throughput: Automatic processing of up to 8 samples without the need for operator intervention. 
• Reduced manual errors and improved result reproducibility. 
• Flexible integration: Compatible with any HPLC system, allowing implementation across various laboratory settings. 
• Time savings: Eliminates the need to manually transfer samples between the SPE and HPLC steps. 
• Multimodal selection of SPE cartridges based on analytes and matrix complexity. 

Technical Specifications and System Design 

At the heart of the system is a high-pressure pump, ensuring precise dosing of both samples and solvents. The system’s design features three key valves: 

• A 10-port selection valve for sample and wash solvent selection. 
• A high-pressure SPE cartridge selector, allowing switching between up to five different SPE cartridges. 
• A standard injection valve, connecting the device to any HPLC system.

This setup ensures that each sample is precisely processed: drawn into an SPE cartridge, washed with one or two eluents, and then eluted directly into the chromatograph. 

Functional Diagram 

1. The sample is drawn by the pump through the 10-port valve to the selected SPE cartridge. 
2. The cartridge is washed with one or two eluents to remove interferences. 
3. Analytes are then eluted with a selected solvent and delivered directly into the HPLC system via the injection valve. 

Watrex: Fig. 2 - Streamline™ OLE 200 Schematic

Efficiency, Reproducibility, and Flexibility 

Automation of the entire SPE process leads to greater reproducibility and reduces the risk of contamination or human error. The system allows sequential processing of multiple samples, each of which can be analyzed following a specific protocol. Thanks to its open design, the OLE 200 is compatible with any HPLC system, making it easy to integrate into existing lab workflows without major modifications. 

Application Potential 

The OLE 200 system is particularly suitable for: 

• Pesticide and pharmaceutical residue analysis in water 
• Clinical and pharmaceutical analysis of biological fluids 
• Food safety and environmental monitoring 
• Forensic and toxicological analyses 

Thanks to its modular design and the ability to select various SPE cartridges based on polarity and interactions, the device can be easily adapted to specific applications. 

Operation and Software 

The system's user-friendly interface enables easy setup of each SPE step, including cartridge selection, volumes, elution solvents, and wash sequences. The entire process can be fully programmed, minimizing the need for operator involvement during analysis. 

Conclusion 

The Streamline OLE 200 from Watrex Praha prepresents a modern and powerful tool for automated sample pre-concentration that significantly enhances efficiency, reliability, and accuracy in analytical laboratories. Its flexibility, robust design, and easy integration with existing systems make it an ideal solution for demanding applications in environmental analysis, pharmaceutical research, and routine quality control. 

Want to learn more? Visit our website at www.watrex.com or email us at [email protected].