Why microwave sample preparation?

In the recent years microwave sample preparation has become the benchmark technology in digesting samples for AAS, AES, ICP, and ICP-MS. Advantages of this technology include:

• Short digestion times. Minutes, not hours!
• No loss of volatile elements. Complete recovery of mercury, arsenic, cadmium etc.
• No acid fumes. Improved laboratory working conditions.
• No sample contamination from the environment.
• No cross contamination.
• Low blanks, as minimal quantities of acids are used.
• Unattended operation.
• Easily reproducible and fully documented methods.

In a chemical reaction, the higher the reaction temperature, the shorter the reaction time. Used in combination with closed vessel technology, microwaves allow for fast heating of solutions far in excess of their normal boiling temperature.

Dramatic reduction of the sample preparation time

ETHOS 1 microwave acid digestion of soil samples according to U.S. EPA method 3052. This method specifies a total heating time of 15 minutes only. Conventional acid digestion of soil samples may take up to 4 hours.

Why Milestone?

Milestone has been active since 1988 in the field of advanced microwave sample preparation. With over thirty patents and more than 9.000 instruments installed worldwide, we are the acknowledged industry leader in microwave technology. Our commitment is to consistently provide the most effective, safest, and highest quality instrumentation for microwave sample preparation.
By listening to our customers, we have established a history of developing unique solutions to real-world problems in analytical laboratories around the world.

Why the all-new ETHOS 1?

The all-new ETHOS 1 fully embodies Milestone’s philosophy in microwave sample preparation. Specifically designed for closed vessel acid digestion, it offers an integrated approach to microwave sample preparation, with full control of all reaction parameters.
The ETHOS 1 is built from the ground up to offer the highest performance and best safety features in the industry. A wide choice of rotors is available, allowing the ETHOS 1 to process any kind of samples, from the relatively easy environmentals, such as wastewater or sludge, to the most challenging, such as ceramics or refractory materials.
Furthermore, Milestone’s visionary concept of Total Microwave Sample Preparation, finds in the ETHOS 1 its highest expression.
With the proper choice of accessory, the ETHOS 1 turns into a first-class instrument for open vessel acid digestion, sample drying, solution evaporation, and even solvent extraction or protein hydrolysis.
All in a single microwave system: the all-new ETHOS 1.