Liquid Lab: Standard automation for wet chemistry processes

Liquid Lab: Maximum lab efficiency for demanding applications

With the Liquid Lab, HERZOG has developed a modular solution that specializes in the automated preparation and analysis of samples for chromatography, ICP, MS analysis, and other methods. The LiquidLab revolutionizes the automation of various procedures, including solid-liquid extraction, acid digestion, microwave-assisted extraction and the QuEChERS method. It also integrates customized preparation steps to ensure full coverage of all necessary processes. Each component has been optimized for maximum reproducibility with minimal risk of contamination to ensure precise and accurate results.

The design of the Liquid Lab is compatible with the dimensions of a standard laboratory bench. This facilitates seamless integration into existing laboratories. The design ensures corrosion resistance to ensure long-term reliability even when acids are used. The Liquid Lab was developed for high system throughputs in industrial operations and analytical laboratories. The modular concept enables fast and cost-efficient upscaling of automation as sample numbers increase or the analytical spectrum is expanded.

Designed to fit standard laboratory benches,the Liquid Lab integrates effortlessly into existing lab environments. Its modular architecture allows for quick and cost-effective scaling—ideal for increasing sample volumes or expanding the analytical scope.

The full scope of automated digestion methods

The Liquid Lab offers fully automated sample digestion using open vessel, microwave-assisted methods as well as borate and peroxide fusion. It covers the complete process—from liquid and powder dosing and digestion monitoring to seamless transfer into analytical instruments.

For open vessel digestion, the Hot Block Digestion Unit HL-HBDU supports configurations with or without reflux. The system includes a precision-controlled heating plate, a robust heating block, and integrated heat protection to ensure operator’s safety. The heating block delivers uniform temperature distribution by heating sample vessels from all sides, ensuring efficient and consistent digestion. Designed for maximum durability, all critical components are made from corrosion-resistant graphite and coated with chemically resistant PFA. For added safety, the HL-HBDU can be optionally equipped with a custom exhaust system that effectively removes toxic or acidic vapors, preventing contamination and protecting both personnel and equipment.

For microwave-assisted digestion, the HL-MDU provides a fully automated, hands-free solution. Developed in collaboration with CEM- the leading manufacturer of laboratory microwave systems—the HL-MDU is tailored specifically for use with the BLADE microwave digestion device. Autosampler racks loaded with digestion vessels are automatically inserted into the BLADE system, where each sample is processed individually. Once digestion is complete and the vessels have cooled, the rack is removed, allowing the samples to be directly transferred for further preparation or analysis. This seamless process ensures high throughput, repeatability, and maximum lab safety.

The HL-HAG enables the fully automatic execution of different fusion procedures. By means of borate fusion, both glass beads for X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy and melts for subsequent wet chemical sample preparation can be produced. Alternatively, peroxide fusion enables the production of melts that are brought into solution by acid digestion.

Automated quality assurance with PrepMaster Vision

The turbidity module in our PrepMaster Vision software delivers state-of-the-art image analysis for laboratories that demand the highest standards in liquid analysis. Designed to detect turbidity and foreign particles across a wide range of liquid samples, the system utilizes a high-resolution camera in combination with precision-controlled LED backlighting. This setup enables the visualization of even the finest particles, allowing accurate assessment of their size, shape, and distribution within the sample.

One key application is the automated evaluation of digestion efficiency—performed without any manual intervention. By verifying that the liquid meets analytical quality requirements, PrepMaster Vision enables a fully automated and uninterrupted workflow. Without automated verification by PrepMaster Vision, each sample would require manual inspection and approval by a laboratory technician, significantly limiting throughput and increasing operational effort.
 

Flexible handling of vials and tubes for seamless automation

The Liquid Lab stands out for its exceptional flexibility in handling a wide variety of sample containers. At the core of this capability is a high-precision x/y/z portal system that ensures the safe and efficient transport of vessels and tubes throughout the system. Custom-designed grippers provide secure handling while enabling a compact, space-saving arrangement of containers within the modules and in the HL-DM input and output magazines.

The system also features the HL-CU Capping/Decapping Unit, which reliably opens and closes containers with various closure types, including screw caps, snap-on lids, and watch glass covers. This versatility allows laboratories to process different container formats within a single, fully automated workflow- maximizing operational flexibility and simplifying logistics.
 

Accurate and precise dosing of liquids and powders

The Liquid Lab integrates dedicated dosing modules to ensure highly precise, contamination-free dispensing of both liquids and powders—optimizing sample quality and throughput across a wide range of applications.

The HL-DU Liquid Dosing Unit is typically equipped with membrane pumps for accurate and reliable dosing. For applications with specific volume or accuracy demands, syringe pumps can be used as an alternative. The system can handle up to five different liquids simultaneously, including reagents such as spiking solutions. To verify proper filling, the liquid level in the target vessel can be monitored either ultrasonically or gravimetrically using a high-precision balance.

For powders, the Liquid Lab offers a range of Powder Dosing Units tailored to different requirements. The HP-GID and HP-GSD enable precise dosing of additives such as fluxes and partitioning salts. Meanwhile, the HP-GCD provides high-accuracy gravimetric dosing of sample powders into crucibles, cups, or other container types—ensuring reproducible and traceable results throughout the process.
 

Contamination-free liquid transfer with maximum flexibility

Many laboratory workflows require the precise and clean transfer of liquid samples between different containers. The HL-TU Liquid Transfer Unit is purpose-built to meet these demands—enabling accurate, contamination-free aliquoting of prepared samples into analysis vessels.

Engineered for maximum flexibility, the HL-TU supports a wide range of container formats, including sample tubes, centrifuge tubes (15–50 ml), and autosampler vials. The system can aliquot each sample into up to three target vessels, making it ideal for complex workflows that involve parallel analyses, replicates, or reserve samples.

To ensure sample integrity, the HL-TU employs rigorous contamination control measures. Liquid transfer is typically carried out using a syringe pump, which ensures that the sample only contacts ultra-pure, chemically resistant tubing. After each transfer, both the tubing and the external dispensing needle are automatically cleaned with appropriate cleaning solutions—maintaining purity and preventing cross-contamination between samples.
 

Direct integration with analytical instruments

The Analytical Transfer Unit HL-ATU enables the fully automated and direct transfer of sample liquids into analytical instruments such as ICP-OES and ICP-MS. It is designed for seamless integration with analyzers from leading global manufacturers, making it a flexible solution for a wide range of laboratory environments.

With the HL-ATU, the entire workflow- from sample preparation to final analysis- can be fully automated. One of its key advantages is the ability to perform conditional dilution based on the initial measurement results. After analysis, the sample vial is temporarily stored until the result is available. If dilution is required, the system automatically removes liquid from the vial (if needed) and performs the appropriate dilution using the HL-DU Liquid Dosing Unit- all without any operator intervention.

This intelligent, closed-loop approach not only ensures high accuracy and reproducibility but also significantly enhances laboratory efficiency and throughput by eliminating manual steps and reducing turnaround time