LCTech FREESTYLE XANA

Significance of the Topic

Automated sample preparation is essential in modern water analysis that demands high throughput, robust handling of large volumes and particulate-laden samples, and round-the-clock operation to ensure reliable and reproducible results.

Objectives and Study Overview

The article presents the FREESTYLE XANA robotic system designed for fully unattended sample preparation of drinking, raw, and river water at volumes up to 10 L. It aims to streamline solid phase extraction (SPE), concentration, and transfer into GC vials for subsequent analysis.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The FREESTYLE XANA system integrates a FREESTYLE BASIC xyz-robotic platform with an SPE module and an optional EVAporation module. Key workflow features include:

• Parallel processing of three SPE columns in two blocks (conditioning/loading/washing and simultaneous drying) to maximize throughput;
• Controlled pressurisation up to 4 bar to handle samples with suspended matter;
• Parallel workflow enabling up to 65 samples per 24 h cycle;
• Sample rack accommodating 24 × 1 L bottles, with optional connection to 10 L reservoirs;
• Automated solvent selection (up to eight solvents) and precise flow rate control (0.1–30 mL/min);
• Integrated concentration and solvent exchange with the EVAporation module to adjustable end volumes (0.2–5.0 mL).

Main Results and Discussion

The FREESTYLE XANA achieves continuous, unattended processing with a throughput of 65 samples per day by exploiting parallelisation of SPE steps. Positive pressure ensures effective extraction even with particulate-laden water. The modular design allows flexible deployment of SPE, evaporation or combined methods as needed.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This system offers laboratories a fully automated solution for high-volume water sample preparation, reduces manual handling, increases reproducibility, and frees up analyst time. It is ideally suited for environmental monitoring, drinking water quality control, and any application requiring large-volume extraction.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances may include integration with online detection systems, expanded method libraries for diverse analytes, AI-driven process optimisation, miniaturised modules for field deployment, and enhanced remote monitoring capabilities.

Conclusion

The FREESTYLE XANA platform represents a significant advancement in automated water sample preparation, delivering high-throughput, robustness and flexibility for modern analytical laboratories.