As microwave chemistry is the best available technology for advanced materials processing, Milestone
introduces the UltraCLAVE, an advanced microwave Labstation with an entirely new concept by design and operating principle.
Early researchers investigating the use of microwave energy to accelerate chemical reactions used domestic microwave ovens for their experiments. Today, the same basic concept is used for most laboratory units - a multimode, microwave reflecting cavity with a door. The major limitation of conventional laboratory microwave systems is due to inherent compromises in the reaction vessel technology: reaction vessels placed in the microwave cavity must be constructed of materials that are microwave-transparent, chemically resistant, and inert.
The UltraCLAVE removes existing limits, allowing for larger sample masses, larger batch sizes, and higher temperatures and pressures. At its heart is a single, large reaction chamber. Individual reactions are exposed to a uniform microwave field and processed under identical temperature and pressure conditions.
A key innovation in the UltraCLAVE is pressurizing the reaction chamber prior to heating the contents. This unique approach prevents boiling, sample loss, and cross-over between the individual, open vessels.

The UltraCLAVE unique design and operating principle

The design and operating principle of the UltraCLAVE are entirely unique.
A schematic depicting the fundamental design of the UltraCLAVE system is shown on the left.