VASE™ provides superior headspace analysis by GC-MS for hundreds of applications by using vacuum and high phase ratios to maximize recoveries while minimizing matrix effects.
Clinical and Diagnostic
Pharmaceuticals, Nutraceuticals, Therapeutics
Food & Beverage
Cosmetics, Soaps, Fragrances
Materials and Consumer Product Testing
Environmental Monitoring
Ecosystems, Atmospheric and Biochemical Analysis
Criminal Investigation
VASE - Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction. What Is It?
Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction (VASE) is a next generation extraction technique capable of greatly extending the range of extractable compounds over other headspace or even full immersion techniques. Virtually all liquid and solid samples to be analyzed by GC or GCMS are compatible with this exciting technique that was recently made even better by modifying the presentation of the Sorbent Pen to the vacuum headspace that completely prevents the deposition of aerosols on the outside of the Sorbent Pen during rapid agitation. Aerosol contamination is a known issue with HS-SPME and other headspace techniques where splashing of the sample can lead to the deposition of non-volatile compounds on the extraction device, shorting the lifetime of these devices and increasing the production of thermal breakdown products that can be hard to distinguish from compounds that were actually in the original sample.
VASE is performed under vacuum which allows compounds to migrate much faster to the extraction device positioned only a few centimeters away, and the tremendous increase in phase over HS-SPME (>100,000x increase in surface area over a PDMS fiber) can virtually eliminate matrix affects thereby dramatically improving sensitivity and extraction reproducibility. Due to the consistency of the VASE technique, multiple Sorbent Pens can be used to extract several samples in parallel to increase the sample throughput with very little “Pen to Pen” variability in the results. Sorbent Pens with 1, 2, or 3 sorbent beds are available based on the desired boiling point range to be recovered, and custom sorbent packings are also available upon request. Analysis of the Sorbent Pen extracts are performed using the 5800 Sorbent Pen Desorption Unit (5800 SPDU), which provides multiple desorption options including SPLIT, SPLITLESS, and SPLITLESS VOC modes to optimize the recovery of compounds of interest.
A More Quantitative Alternative to SPME & SBSE
VASE offers tremendous advantages over other extraction techniques that perform extractions at atmospheric pressure, where diffusion rates are suppressed. Sorbent Pens™ perform sample enrichment offline from a GC-MS, allowing all samples to extract simultaneously and for longer periods of time. This approach results in high throughput while yielding a more complete and reproducible extraction for more sensitive and quantitative measurements. The low cost 5800 Sorbent Pen™ Desorption Unit (5800A SPDU) makes this exciting new technique both affordable and practical for virtually any laboratory’s budget. Upgrade to 120 sample automation with the Entech SPR40 (Sample Preparation Rail) Autosampler for the ultimate in laboratory productivity. Join the Sorbent Pen™ movement and take advantage of the next generation in GC-MS sample prep!

VASE provides considerable advantages over SPME, HSSE, SBSE and Dynamic Headspace
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Static Vacuum Extraction in a Vial for Liquid or Solid Samples
Perform exhaustive vacuum extraction of VOCs through SVOCs. -
No Solvents
VASE enables solvent-free quantitative recovery of the heaviest GC compatible compounds in a safer and more environmentally friendly extraction method with reduced sample preparation time and improved sample throughput. -
No Direct Contact with Matrix
Unlike SPME, outer sheath minimizes exposure to aerosols formed during agitation. Extracts high-boilers without the need for submersion. -
Rapid Transfer of Sample to Sorbent
Without competition from air or gas in the headspace, an increased mean free path allows for rapid deposition of VOCs and SVOCs on the the adsorbent. -
No Transfer Lines or Rotary Valves
Avoid losses and carry-over that plague techniques which utilize dynamic flow, transfer lines, and rotary valves. -
Durable - Sorbent Pens™ can last for hundreds of injections.
A robust geometry combined with an extraction technique which protects the sorbent from deposition of non-volatiles allows for a superior ROI for each Sorbent Pen and a low cost of analysis. -
Closed System. Breakthrough & Losses Not Possible.
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100,000X The Surface Area of PDMS SPME Fibers
Thousands of time more phase than SPME to eliminate matrix effects on sorbent affinities. -
Rapid Injections without Cryogen or Electronic Cooling
Faster injection rates produces better chromatography and less thermal degradation. -
Extremely Selective to Compounds Amenable to GC
If it’s not in the gas phase, it doesn’t belong in a gas phase analyzer. -
Avoids Contact with Non-Volatiles
Very low artifact formation as is common with solvent extracts and direct immersion techniques. -
Ability to Use Multiple Sorbents from Weak to Strong
Multi-bed Sorbent Pens™ allow for unmatched extraction range, while diffusive extraction under vacuum prevents compromising stronger beds with heavier compounds. Not possible with SPME. -
Extracts at Equilibrium for Unmatched Reproducibility & Sensitivity
Operates at or near equilibrium to improve sensitivity and quantitative accuracy. -
Allows Quantitative Analysis without Isotope Dilution

Extensive Number of Applications
The list of Flash-VASE applications is quite extensive, and this technique can be scaled up to look at outgassing from larger samples as needed, such as in forensic investigations of accelerants in fire debris. Just as in VASE, the presence of a vacuum increases the rate of evolution of volatiles out of materials at lower temperatures, and depending on the matrix or sample surface area, the extraction times can be as short as 2-5 minutes (Cannabis) by heating the sample to 100°-200° C under vacuum. This provides a whole new opportunity for high-speed sample throughput for Flash-VASE compatible applications.

Extreme Precision, By Design
Flash-VASE, using the Flash-VASE6 or Flash-VASE10 Extraction Modules, provides incredibly reproducible results by eliminating the inconsistencies inherent in dynamically purged Thermal Extractions. Below is an example of 8 replicate Cannabis analyses for Monoterpene and Sesquiterpene profiling, and these 8 runs almost perfectly overlap. The Flash-VASE extraction time in these examples was just 5 minutes at 100° C. Higher temperatures will yield reproducible recovery of the Cannabinoids present in Cannabis.
How VASE Works
Sorbent Pens can be used literally hundreds of times to perform VASE extractions. To perform VASE, a sample is weighed or measured into a 20, 40, or 125mL vial, a vacuum sleeve is secured to the vial using a high temperature plastic cap, and a Sorbent Pen is inserted with 1 or more sorbents depending on compounds of interest. However, since compounds cannot “break through” the sorbent during extraction in the closed system created by the VASE process, even a moderate strength sorbent such as Tenax TA can recover much lighter compounds than is possible with dynamic headspace techniques. The Pen/Vial combination is then evacuated for 15-20 seconds to the boiling point of water at 25° C (0.3 psia, or 2KPa). The evacuated assemblies are placed into trays where they are heated and agitated using the 5600 Sorbent Pen Extraction System. After an extraction period of 0.1-16 hours, the Pen/Vial assemblies are removed and placed into a cold tray to quickly withdraw any moisture that partitioned into the Sorbent Pens during extraction. As the assemblies are still under vacuum, the transfer of moisture to the chilled vials occurs in just 10-20 minutes. After isolation into the Sorbent Pen sleeves, the Pens are thermally desorbed into a GCMS using the 5800 Sorbent Pen Desorption Unit. The deposition of compounds near the entrance of the Pens not only leads to a fast delivery to the GC column(s) with less thermal decomposition, but also typically eliminates the need for additional cleaning of the Pens prior to reuse. A 3801A Thermal Conditioner can clean Pens when they are severely overloaded, or before initial use.

Sorbent Pen Options
Sorbent Pen Desorption and Analysis Solutions.
Flash-VASE Modules & Pumps
Image (click to enlarge) | Part # | Description | Unit | link to product |
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VRES | Vial Heater Module, VASE Rail Extraction System, 120VAC/60Hz | EA | ||
VRES-HV | Vial Heater Module, VASE Rail Extraction System, 240VAC/50Hz | EA | ||
VRES-FVVM-2ML | 2mL vial Flash-VASE Vial Module | EA | ||
VRES-FVVM-6ML | 6mL vial Flash-VASE Vial Module | EA | ||
VRES-FVVM-20ML | 20mL vial Flash-VASE Vial Module | EA | ||
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10-20100 | 2-Stage Oilless Diaphragm Pump, Dual Voltage 120/240VAC, 50-60Hz | EA | Product Page |
Flash-VASE Extraction Vials, Sleeves, Components, and Accessories
Image (click to enlarge) | Part # | Description | Unit | link to product |
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2mL Flash-VASE Components | ||||
VIAL-V002-11 | 2mL Clear Vials, wide mouth 11mm Crimp Top | 100pk | ||
SP-VS011C | Vacuum Sleeve for 2 / 6mL Flash-VASE, EEU Module | 10pk | ||
SP-11C-NUT | Securing Nut for 11mm Crimp Top Vial (2mL and 6mL) | 10pk | ||
OR-L011S-30 | 2mL Vial Vacuum Sleeve Silicone O-rings | 30PK | ||
6mL Flash-VASE Components | ||||
VIAL-V006-11 | 6mL Clear Flash-VASE Vials | 100pk | ||
SP-VS011C-10 | Vacuum Sleeve for 2 and 6mL Flash-VASE Vials | 1 | ||
SP-11C-NUT | Securing Nut for 11mm Crimp Top Vial (2mL and 6mL) | 1 | ||
OR-L011S-30 | 6mL Vial Vacuum Sleeve Silicone O-rings | 30pk | ||
20mL Flash-VASE Components | ||||
VIAL-V020-24 | 20mL x 24-400 Clear Screw Top Vial | 144pk | ||
VIAL-V020-24-A | 20mL x 24-400 Amber Screw Top Vials | 144pk | ||
SP-VSLL024-FV-10 | Flash-VASE Vacuum Sleeve for 20mL Vials | 10pk | ||
FVASE-MCAP024-10 | Aluminum Caps for 20mL Vials | 10pk | ||
OR-L024S-3 | Clean High Temp Silicone O-rings for 20mL vial Vac Sleeves | 30pk |
VXB - Vacuum X-traction Bars
Image (click to enlarge) | Part # | Description | Unit | link to product |
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SP-VXB-50 | Vacuum X-traction Bar (50” VXB), allows 3-4 modules to be attached simultaneously | EA | Product Page |
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SP-VXB-30 | Vacuum X-traction Bar (30” VXB), allows 1-2 modules to be attached simultaneously | EA | Product Page |
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SP-VXB-PV-EVAC | Pen/Vial VXB Evacuation Module | EA | Product Page |
Cold Dehydration Tray and Accessories
Image (click to enlarge) | Part # | Description | Unit | link to product |
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Water Management | ||||
SP-HSCOLDTRAY45-FV | Flash-VASE Cold Tray for Dehydration of 15 each of 2, 6, 20mL Vial | EA | ||
Vial Platforms and Trays

Image (click to enlarge) | Part # | Description | Unit | link to product |
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SP-PF-TRAY10-20M | 10-Position Platform/Tray for VXB/SPR40, 20/40mL Vials | EA | Product Page |
Flash-VASE Controllers
Image (click to enlarge) | Part # | Description | Unit | link to product |
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Supports Flash-VASE, 3700, & 3830 | ||||
VXB-EMC-VASE-12 | VXB Mounted Dual Controller for Flash-VASE 1/2 with SPRINT Interface, 120VAC/60Hz | EA | ||
VXB-EMC-VASE-12-H | VXB Mounted Dual Controller for Flash-VASE 1/2 with SPRINT Interface, 240VAC/50Hz | EA | ||
VXB-EMC-VASE-34 | VXB Mounted Dual Controller for Flash-VASE 3/4 with SPRINT Interface, 120VAC/60Hz | EA | ||
VXB-EMC-VASE-34-HV | VXB Mounted Dual Controller for Flash-VASE 3/4 with SPRINT Interface, 240VAC/50H | EA |
Replacement O-rings
Image (click to enlarge) | Part # | Description | Unit | link to product |
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High-Temp O-rings (>180° C) | ||||
SP-OR-1565S-30 | 2/6mL Vial Vacuum Sleeve Silicone O-rings | 30pk | Product Page | |
SP-OR-L024S-30 | 20/40mL Vial Vacuum Sleeve Silicone O-rings | 30pk | Product Page | |
Low Bleed O-rings (<180° C) | ||||
SP-OR-1565F-30 | 2/6mL Vial Vacuum Sleeve FKM O-rings | 30pk | Product Page | |
SP-OR60-L024-30 | 20/40mL Vial Vacuum Sleeve FKM O-rings | 30pk | Product Page |