Biotage Extrahera LV-200 - Installation and Safety

Significance of the Topic

The automation of sample preparation is a key driver in modern analytical chemistry, delivering consistent, high‐throughput workflows while reducing manual errors and exposure to hazardous solvents. The Biotage Extrahera LV-200 addresses these needs by integrating liquid handling, solid‐phase extraction, and safety controls into a single benchtop platform.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document defines the requirements and procedures for safe installation, setup, and initial operation of the Biotage Extrahera LV-200. It guides users through site preparation, mechanical and electrical connections, pneumatic supply, system leveling, and software configuration to ensure full compliance with performance and safety specifications.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Installation is performed by an authorized service engineer and involves:

• Verifying laboratory site criteria: adequate ventilation or fume hood rated at ≥6 m³/min exhaust, stable benchtop footprint, and correct ambient conditions (18 – 32 °C, 10 – 90% RH).
• Positioning and leveling: adjusting leveling feet and verifying alignment with the integrated spirit level.
• Connecting utilities: grounded AC power (100 – 240 VAC, fused at T4A), compressed air or nitrogen to AIR (6 ± 0.2 bar) and N2 (6 ± 0.2 bar) ports, and vacuum source (<500 mbar partial pressure, ≥8.3 L/min).
• Ventilation hookup: mounting the Biotage air‐duct adapter (OD 159 mm/ID 152.7 mm) to the top exhaust port and routing to the lab exhaust system.
• Software setup and purge: updating firmware, running manual flush of solvent lines, and performing system purge cycles to remove contaminants.

Instrumentation

The Extrahera LV-200 incorporates:

• Five independent solvent pumps feeding reservoirs (25 mL each; optional 40 mL or 100 mL racks).
• Pipetting module dispensing 5 – 800 µL with ±1–5% accuracy across 50 µL, 200 µL, and 1000 µL tips.
• 96-position sample processing area compatible with SPE plates, 96-well collection plates, and DFE column tip racks.
• On-board clog detection (GLP mode) for SPE, SLE, and filtration workflows.
• Integrated ventilation fan and safety interlocks preventing operation with open door or fan failure.

Main Features and Discussion

The system’s modular design supports diverse chemistries (organic solvents, aqueous buffers, corrosive additives within concentration limits) and provides programmable pressure control (0 – 5 bar) for sample loading, washing, elution, and plate drying. Corrosion‐sensitive components require routine cleaning and removal of solvent reservoirs when idle to preserve longevity. Comprehensive safety labeling, RoHS and WEEE compliance, and CE/UL certifications ensure adherence to global standards.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The Extrahera LV-200 streamlines routine sample preparation tasks in pharmaceutical research, environmental analysis, food safety, and clinical laboratories. It minimizes manual handling, enhances reproducibility, and provides documented GLP workflows, reducing turnaround times and improving laboratory safety.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging developments include integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS), remote monitoring via IoT connectivity, expanded support for green solvents, and on-instrument analytics for real-time process control and feedback.

Conclusion

Proper installation and setup of the Biotage Extrahera LV-200 are critical for safe operation and optimal performance. Adhering to the defined site, utility, and safety requirements ensures reliable, high‐throughput sample preparation and compliance with regulatory standards.

References

No specific literature references were cited in this installation and safety guide.