ultraWAVE
Single Reaction Chamber (SRC)
Microwave Digestion

The ultraWAVE is operated via a compact control terminal with easy-to-read, bright, full-color, touch- screen display. Hundreds of applications, including all US EPA methods, are preloaded in the ultraWAVE terminal.

The terminal is provided with multiple USB and RS-232 ports for direct printout of microwave methods and runs, and for interfacing the instrument to external peripherals.

The terminal runs the Milestone’s unique multi-language EasyCONTROL software, to provide simple, user-friendly control of the microwave sample preparation process. Simply recall a factory-stored method or create a new one; press ‘START’ and the system will automatically follow the user defined temperature or pressure profile, utilizing a sophisticated PID algorithm to regulate the microwave power. As a visual aid for the user, the color of the backlit logo indicates the status of the sample preparation process (stand-by, heating, cooling, ready)

Any combination of sample types can be digested simultaneously. Any type of acids can be used. The ultraWAVE operates up to 199 bar pressure and 300 °C. Unlike traditional microwave digestion systems, every sample is under direct temperature and pressure control. This eliminates the reliance on a reference vessel or indirect control such as infrared temperature sensors, assuring complete control of the digestion process in every sample.

All sample types are digested at the same temperature and pressure even with different acid mixtures and volumes. With the ultraWAVE’s Automatic Gas Module, nitrogen loading is reduced to a “single click” operation. Pressure is loaded directly through the ultraWAVE terminal, eliminating the opening and closing of stand-alone tanks.

Safety
A thick acrylic shield with integrated exhaust surrounds the work area, lowering into position automatically as the chamber is closed. The PID controller monitors temperature 20 times per second, ensuring the ultraWAVE achieves the set temperature and immediately reacts to exotherms.

Fast Cooling
At the completion of the microwave run, the ultraWAVE’s built-in water cooling system enables the temperature to lower from 270° C to 80° C in just 12 minutes. Once the system reaches the set cooling temperature, pressure is automatically released from all samples simultaneously.

Lower Operating Costs
No vessel assembly is required, vessel cleaning eliminated with disposable glass vials, and method development virtually eliminated. Simplified construction provides for significant consumables savings over traditional rotor-based systems. Racks from 4 to 26 positions and combinations thereof are available with vials made of quartz, PTFE/TFM or disposable glass vials.

What It Is The superior alternative to traditional closed and open vessel digestion, the ultraWAVE offers industrial and research labs greater digestion capability, at least twice the sample throughput, improved workflow and significantly lower operating costs—all with a single, easy-to-use instrument.

How It Works

The ultraWAVE accommodates a wide variety of racks for a multitude of applications – 4, 5, 8, 15, 19, 22, 26 positions and combinations of different vials in the same rack. Vials are available in PTFE, quartz or disposable glass to match the specific needs of the laboratory. Choosing the optimal vial material depends on factors such as sample type, sample amount to be digested, acid chemistry, elements of interest and limits of quantification.

Click here to download our new ultraWAVE rack guide and learn the options best suited for your application.