Multiwave GO Plus

Significance of the Topic

• Rapid and reliable sample digestion is crucial for accurate elemental analysis by ICP, AAS, and other techniques.
• Microwave-assisted methods improve reproducibility, reduce reagent use, and increase throughput compared to conventional approaches.
• Systems with flexible vessel loading and robust temperature/pressure control address diverse matrix challenges across environmental, food, pharma, and materials testing.

Objectives and Study Overview

The Multiwave GO Plus was evaluated as a compact, cost-effective microwave digestion platform capable of handling up to 12 samples in less than 20 minutes. Key aims included assessing cycle time, safety features, flexibility for various sample types, and compliance with standard EPA methods.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Directed Multimode Cavity (DMC): Patented design combining monomode efficiency with multimode throughput, automatically adapting the microwave field to vessel load.
• TURBO Heating and Cooling: Single-magnetron rapid heating and integrated cooling unit enable complete runs in under 20 minutes and cool from 180°C to 70°C in 8 minutes with full rotor load.
• SmartVent Technology: Pressure-activated valve system ensures precise, contactless pressure control and safe handling of up to 3 g sample per 50 mL PTFE-TFM vessel.
• Built-In Controller: 5.7″ touchscreen and pre-installed generic methods (e.g., EPA 3015A, 3051A, 3052) support streamlined workflows without external PC.

Main Findings and Discussion

• Digestion Performance: Complete breakdown of large (up to 3 g) and small sample amounts across organic and inorganic matrices in ≤20 min.
• Throughput: Simultaneous digestion of 1–12 samples with consistent temperature and pressure control per vessel.
• Safety and Reliability: Contactless IR temperature measurement and pressure-activated venting maintained robust operation for diverse sample reactivities.
• Footprint and Cost Efficiency: Compact aluminum rotor design (5 kg) and minimal laboratory space requirements reduce capital and operating costs.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Environmental Monitoring: Soil, sludge, sediment analysis following EPA and ASTM standards.
• Food and Feed Testing: Rapid sample preparation for trace metal determination.
• Pharmaceutical QC: Compliant digestion for active ingredients and excipients.
• Materials Science and Petrochemistry: Analysis of metals, alloys, polymers, and geochemical samples.

Future Trends and Opportunities

• Integration with Laboratory Information Management Systems for automated data workflows.
• Advanced vessel materials for extended chemical resistance and higher pressure operations.
• Remote monitoring and IoT connectivity to optimize process control and maintenance scheduling.
• Method expansion for emerging matrices and inter-laboratory standardization.

Conclusion

The Multiwave GO Plus offers a versatile, rapid, and safe solution for modern microwave-assisted digestion tasks. Its innovative cavity design, fast thermal cycling, and user-friendly interface support high-throughput laboratories across multiple industries, delivering reproducible results at a low total cost of ownership.