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
Compare All Sorbent Pen Extraction Techniques For Complete Coverage of VOC to SVOC Analysis Of Virtually Any Matrix
| Label | Vase | R-Vase | F-Vase | Feve | LVSH |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  |  |  | |
LABEL | VASE | MA-VASE | Flash-VASE | FEVE | LVSH/X-LVSH |
Full Name | Vacuum Assisted Sorbent Extraction | Matrix Accelerated VASE | Flash-VASE | Full Evaporative Vacuum Extraction | (Extremely) Large Volume Static Headspace |
Sorbent Pen Type | HSP | HSP | FSP | FSP | ASP |
Vial Size | 20, 40, 125mL | 20, 40, 125mL, 1L | 2, 6, 20mL | 2, 6 mL | 250, 500, 1000mL |
When to Use | Liquid or Solid Sample Compositional Analysis. SPME Alternative | Faster VASE extraction when a volatile matrix is present, such as water or water/alcohol mixture | Samples with low volatile contents (solids, powders, Cannabis, packaging, oils) | Volatile Matrix with low solid contents (water, beverages, solvent extracts) | Measurement of equilibrated headspace to determine partition coefficients of aroma compounds. |
Extraction Technique | Vacuum, Diffusive, Closed System, Mechanical Agitation | Vacuum, Matrix Accelerated, Diffusive Closed System, Convective Agitation | Diffusive Vacuum Thermal Extraction, Closed System | Matrix Evaporative Transfer followed by Diffusive Extraction in Open System. Matrix eliminated | Dynamic, Fully equilibrated headspace, Static, Open System |
Vial Temp Range | 30° to 70° C | 30° to 150° C | 30° to 280° C | 30° to 280° C | 30° to 70° C |
BP Range | -50° to 450° C | -50° to 500° C | -50° to 550° C | 80° to 550° C | 0° to 450° C |
Water Management | Cold tray dehyd., Dry Purge, Split Inj. | Cold Tray Dehyd., Dry Purge, Split Inj. Capillary Focusing Trap | Cold tray dehyd., Dry Purge, Split Inj. | Vacuum Removal, Dry Purge | Dry Purge, Split |
Typical Pen Cycle Times | 200-2000 | 200-2000 | 200-1000 | 500-2000 | 100-200 (except not for disposible / replaceable inlet filter) |
Competitive Technologies Displaced | SPME, SPME Arrow, SPE, SBS | SPME / SPME Arrow, DHS | Micro Chamber, Direct Thermal Extraction, DHS | SBSE, Hi-Sorb, Full Immersion SPME | All other non-static, low sensitivity techniques |
Typical Sorbent Combinations | Tenax, Tenax / CPX, PDMS GB / Tenax, Tenax / Carboxen | Tenax, Tenax / CPX, PDMS GB / Tenax, Tenax / Carboxen | Tenax, Tenax / CPX, PDMS GB / Tenax, Tenax / Carboxen | PDMS / Tenax, Tenax / CPX | PDMS / Tenax, Tenax / Carbopack X |
Common Applications | Food, Beverage, Flavor, Aroma, Water, Soil, Consumer Products | Food, Beverage, Flavor, Aroma, Water, Soil, Consumer Products | Volatiles / Odors in Packaging, Polymers, Powders, Foams, Synthetics, Natural Products, Heavy Oils | SVOCs in Water, Flavors / Aromas in Thermally Labile samples, Pesticides in foods. | Aroma / Flavor Profiling |
Definitions:
Open System - Unretained compounds/gases allowed to pass through sorbent for removal by pump/vacuum.
Closed System - Completely isolated during extraction, so breakthrough of even the lightest compounds isn't possible. Allows recovery of wider boiling point range.
Introducing 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 HSSPME 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
We apologize in advance for the bullet point overload, but we promise it’s not just us being trigger-happy with the keyboard. Our technology is just that good!
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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
VASE utilizes a specialized sample enrichment device called a Sorbent Pen™.
Extensive Number of Applications
The list of VASE applications is extensive. 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, extraction times can be as short as 2-5 minutes. VASE is particularly useful for the extraction of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds from environmental, food, and biological samples. It has found applications in the analysis of flavors and fragrances, food safety, and food fraud detection, among many others. VASE has also been applied in the analysis of complex mixtures, such as essential oils and petroleum products.
Extreme Precision, By Design
VASE provides incredibly reproducible results by eliminating the inconsistencies inherent in other extraction technologies. Your state-of-the-art MS with 1-3% reproducibility can become a slot machine without proper sample preparation and extraction. Entech Sorbent Pens and VASE extraction technology eliminate the variables that have plagued gas chromatographers for decades.
View additional data.
How it 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.
VASE Glassware, Caps, & Vacuum Sleeves
| Image (click to enlarge) | Part # | Description | Unit | link to product |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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39-75020 | 20mL Clear Vials (72 ct.) | box | Product Page |
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39-75040 | 40mL Clear Vials (72 ct.) | box | Product Page |
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39-75125AD | 125mL Amber Bottles (24 ct.) | box | Product Page |
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39-76044B | Plastic Vial Caps for 20/40/125mL (144 ct) | pack | Product Page |
| SP-VSLL024S | Vacuum Sleeve Lid Liner for 20/40/125mL, 24mm Screw Top Vials | EA | ||
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SP-OR-L024 | White Viton O-Rings for 20/40/125mL Vials (10 ct) Low Bleed | pack | Product Page |
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SP-PEN-EJECT-TOOL | Sorbent Pen Ejection Tool | EA | Product Page |
5600 SPES and Cold Tray Dehydration
| Image (click to enlarge) | Part # | Description | Unit | link to product |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agitation, Extraction, Water Management | ||||
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5600-SPES | 5600 Sorbent Pen Extraction System, 120VAC/60Hz | EA | Product Page |
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5600-SPES-HV | 5600 Sorbent Pen Extraction System, 230VAC/50Hz | EA | Product Page |
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5600-040TRAY30 | 30-Position Tray for 20/40mL Vials | EA | Product Page |
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5600-125TRAY15-2 | 15-Position Tray for 125mL Amber Bottles | EA | Product Page |
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SP-HSCOLDTRAY30-2 | 30-Position Cold Tray to Dehydrate Pens after 20/40mL Vial Extractions | EA | Product Page |
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SP-HSCOLDTRAY15-2 | 15 Position Cold Tray to Dehydrate Pens after 125mL Bottle Extractions | EA | Product Page |
Sample Preparation & Extraction
| Image (click to enlarge) | Part # | Description | Unit | link to product |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Essential Preparation | ||||
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SP-HSP-TRAY30 | 30-Position Sorbent Pen Isolation Tray | EA | Product Page |
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SP-VIAL-EVAC | Vial Evacuation Unit | EA | Product Page |
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SP-VXB-PV-EVAC | VXB Vial Evacuation Unit (VXB - Vacuum X-traction Bar) | EA | Product Page |
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29-70010QT | 30-0”Hg Vacuum Test Gauge (w/ Female Micro-QT) | EA | Product Page |
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MQT-2S | Double-Ended Micro-QT Valve | EA | Product Page |
| 10-20036 | 2-Stage Oilless Diaphragm Pump, 120/240VAC, 60/50Hz | EA |
3801A Sorbent Pen Thermal Conditioner
| Image (click to enlarge) | Part # | Description | Unit | link to product |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sorbent Pen Conditioning | ||||
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3801A-SPTC | 3801A Sorbent Pen Thermal Conditioner, 120VAC/60Hz | EA | Product Page |
| 3801A-SPTC-HV | 3801A Sorbent Pen Thermal Conditioner, 230VAC/50Hz | EA | Product Page |
Featured Chromatograms
Compare All Sorbent Pen Extraction Techniques For Complete Coverage of VOC to SVOC Analysis Of Virtually Any Matrix
