Automated Reactor Sampling System
EasySampler for Unattended, Representative Sampling
Automated sampling enables increased productivity by addressing challenges associated with manual sampling tools such as pipettes and syringes. Automated, inline chemical reaction sampling with EasySampler™ is an intuitive and seamless extension that streamlines the experimental workflow for every chemist while liberating personnel from the tedium of manual sampling.
EasySampler is an automated and unattended sampling solution that delivers high-quality samples day and night for standard offline analysis, such as HPLC. This unique probe-based technology features a patented micro-pocket and allows for:
- Sampling and quenching in situ and at reaction conditions
- Taking samples at scheduled intervals
- Diluting the sample in preparation for offline analysis
- Simple operation with no expert knowledge required
EasySampler Automated Inline Sampling System
Automated Sampling for Chemical Reactions
Increase Productivity
Preprogram the unattended collection of precision samples, day or night to ensure high-quality samples are captured even if you are too busy to be in the lab.
Never Miss a Reaction Event
Automated and unattended sampling helps you thoroughly understand and define reaction pathways, kinetics, impurity profiles, and endpoints.
Representative and Reproducible
Sample and quench at reaction conditions—even when manual sampling is impossible or very difficult due to challenging conditions.
EasySampler 1210 System
EasySampler eliminates sampling challenges—taking representative and reproducible analytical samples from almost any chemical reaction has never been easier!
Automated and unattended
Gain complete reaction profiles and reaction understanding, and improve yield and product quality—never miss a sample.
Superior quality samples
Improved reaction information by linking process conditions with the points at which species form.
Wide range of chemistries
Easy sampling of a wide range of chemistries, including slurries and reactions that are air and moisture-sensitive, even at elevated temperature and pressure.
HPLC-Ready Samples around the Clock
Increased productivity and understanding
The obligations of the workday (or night) often do not allow sampling of reactions as often as required. This leads to lost or missing data. Frequently, these missing data points omit optimum end-point and important understanding of impurity formation. EasySampler executes representative and reproducible sampling including in-situ quench and dilution—providing LC-ready samples at any time.
Sampling from reactors with EasySampler enables scientists to optimize their workflow and productivity by enabling increased reaction understanding while eliminating tedious manual sample practices. For even further productivity gains, sampling can be automatically scheduled or triggered as a function of varying process parameters including temperature, stirring, dosing, pH, or other real-time process information.
Solution-Phase Sampling with EasyFrit Filter
Automated sampling for crystallization process development
Expand the capabilities of EasySampler with the seamless integration of EasyFrit. The EasyFrit filter is compatible with all EasySampler probes and allows for selective sampling of the solution phase despite the presence of suspended particles. This accessory creates an easy-to-use, automated sampling solution for crystallization studies.
EasySampler with EasyFrit facilitates data-rich experimentation throughout a controlled crystallization. Embedding this solution in a particle engineering workstation enables a better understanding of the solution-phase by creating impurity profiles, uncovering the effects of supersaturation on impurity, and providing kinetic and thermodynamic information of the crystallization process.
automated sampling filter
Truly Representative Reaction Progression
Eliminate critical data gaps
EasySampler's intuitive touchscreen allows scientists to preprogram sampling and dilution sequences to track reaction progression over time—without manual intervention. This allows every scientist to reproducibly capture a representative sample for offline analysis, such as HPLC or NMR, to understand reaction pathways, kinetics, intermediates, and impurity profiles.
Automated sampling with EasySampler can be used in round bottom flasks, jacketed lab reactors, or seamlessly integrated with automated chemical reactors. This allows straightforward identification of the impact of varying process conditions on reaction performance.
Pfizer Evaluates Automated Sampling
View this white paper that highlights four case studies where Pfizer researchers successfully used unattended, automated chemical reaction sampling:
- Removing Barriers for Impurity and Kinetics Profiling in an Ullman Reaction
- Improving Confidence by Measuring the Effect of Process Parameters on an Imidazolide Reaction
- Extending Productivity with Endpoint Detection in a C-H Reaction
- Ensuring Successful Scale-up of an Amination Reaction
Reactions that Pfizer successfully sampled include:
- Thick slurries
- Dark mixtures with inorganic salts present
- Tri-phasic mixtures
- Oxygen-sensitive reactions
Sample Challenging Reactions
From slurries to elevated temperature
Manual sampling does not always provide precise and reproducible samples, especially in heterogeneous and multiphase reactions or reactions at sub-ambient or elevated temperatures and pressures. Delays in quenching typically lead to variable results and inaccurate analytical information. EasySampler provides an automated and robust inline method of capturing and quenching samples from reactions—even under difficult conditions.
The flexible nature of EasySampler allows scientists to obtain high-quality samples from a variety of processes from vial to kilo scale equipment including pressure vessels and reactor systems.
Representative, Reproducible Results
More high-quality data points per experiment
Automated sampling is a key enabler for reaction understanding as it eliminates sampling error and ensures that offline analytical results truly represent the reaction as it exists under process conditions.
Representative, reproducible results are achieved by:
- Sampling from the same position in the reactor, at reaction conditions
- Time-stamped samples—circumvent errors caused by variances in recordkeeping. Data can be easily combined with results from inline PAT-based analytical methods.
- Automatic and seamless data collection—increase the number of samples and data quality that also supports data-rich experimentation
Limit Exposure to Hazardous Chemistry
Safety by Design
When working in the laboratory, scientists are potentially exposed to hazardous chemicals and are at risk of injury.
When taking samples manually using traditional sampling tools, the operator needs to open the reactor which can be exposed to toxic materials at elevated temperatures or pressures.
EasySampler automated reactor sampling system reduces the need for manual handling and exposure to hazardous chemicals, reducing risks and improving user safety.
EasySampler—Critical for Data Rich Experimentation
Inline, Continuous Sampling
EasySampler's unique, probe-based technology allows you to sample uninterrupted throughout the duration of the experiment.
Ready for Critical Offline Analytics
Plan and execute sample, quench, and dilution sequences directly on the touchscreen or in iControl for accurate, reproducible samples.
Supports Reaction Understanding
Combine information on reaction progression and impurity formation with critical process parameters to support QbD initiatives.
Expand Your Capabilities
With the connectivity kit, EasySampler sampling data is automatically transferred to, and reported with, the referring automated reactor system.
Increase automation capabilities and improve productivity by combining automated sampling with synthesis reactors. All data from every connected instrument is collected at the end of an experiment. Data is stored in a common location with optional email notifications with links to files for each experiment.
Chemical Sampling FAQs
What is an automated reactor sampling system and how does it work?
automated reactor sampling system
EasySampler combines three sampling steps into a single automated operation, sampling the same way, every time to provide reproducible and accurate samples.
- Accurate sampling starts when the micro-pocket moves out and is immersed within the reaction mixture to ensure a representative sample is taken
- In-situ quench immediately stops the reaction and ensures the time point is representative
- Subsequent dilution and dispensing in the vial prepare samples for offline analysis
These steps allow samples to be highly reproducible and provide representative analytical results. Above all, automated samples can be taken at preprogrammed or scheduled times.
What are some common applications for automated reactor sampling?
What is the temperature range of the EasySampler probe?
At atmospheric pressure, EasySampler probes are rated for temperatures in the range of -20 to 140 °C. It is recommended to change sleeves after 100 samples within this temperature range, at atmospheric pressure. For reactions at elevated pressures, between 1.013 bar and 10 bar, the temperature range is 20 to 100 °C.
Why should I automate my sampling of chemical reactions?
It is understood that sampling chemical reactions for offline analysis use analytical techniques to ascertain reaction status, yield, or impurity profiles. The sampling procedure, sadly, is not always an exact operation and poses difficulties for reactions involving heterogeneous mixtures, high temperatures, slurries, or air-sensitive chemistry. Delays in quenching can also result in extremely varied outcomes as well as erroneous and imprecise analytical data.
By offering an automated and reliable inline technique of acquiring representative samples from reactions, even under challenging circumstances, EasySampler was created to overcome these difficulties. Scientists have been using EasySampler to help their synthetic chemistry and process development work at Pfizer and other pharmaceutical businesses.
I have a reactor from another vendor; can I use EasySampler with this reactor?
Yes, EasySampler can function as a stand-alone device and can be used in any reactor, including tube reactors, round-bottomed flasks, jacked lab reactors (JLR), and automated lab reactors (ALR). Points to consider:
- All models of EasySampler probes are 9.5 mm in diameter
- An appropriate adapter should be used to fit the EasySampler probe securely into the reactor port
Can EasySampler be used to sample reactions at elevated pressure?
Yes, EasySampler can sample reactions under pressure if all the following reaction conditions are met:
- Pressure range: 1.013 bar – 10 bar (14.7 psi – 145 psi)
- Temperature range: 20 to 100 °C
- Reactor volume: up to 2500 mL
- Number of samples per sleeve: 1 reaction (with up to 24 samples)
- High-pressure adapter: An appropriate high-pressure adapter (P/N14474404) must be used to securely position the EasySampler probe in the reactor
Note: Use of the EasySampler probe at elevated pressure (between 1.013 bar to 10 bar) will reduce the temperature range to 20 °C to 100 °C, the maximum reactor volume to 2500 mL, and the maximum number of samples per sleeve to 1 reaction (with up to 24 samples).
What is the automated sampling process?
The automated sampling process refers to the use of automated systems and equipment to collect samples for analysis in various industries such as pharmaceuticals and chemical manufacturing.
Automated sampling typically involves the use of a sampling system that is designed to obtain representative samples of materials or substances from a process. The sample is then typically transfered to analytical instrument for analysis.
What are the benefits of automated sampling over a manual injection system?
There are several benefits of automated sampling over a manual injection system, including:
- Improved accuracy
- Increased efficiency
- Consistency
- Reduced contamination risk
- Cost savings
What is the purpose of automated sampling in reaction modeling?
The purpose of automated sampling in reaction modeling is to obtain data on the reaction progress over time and to analyze the behavior of the reaction under different conditions. Automated sampling systems can be used to collect samples at regular intervals, allowing researchers to monitor the reaction progress and to identify reaction intermediates, products, and byproducts. This information can then be used to develop mathematical models to describe the reaction and to optimize the reaction conditions.
What are the challenges when sampling slurries?
Slurries are heterogeneous mixtures containing different types and sizes of particles, which can make it difficult to obtain representative samples. The particles in the slurry can cause blockages in the sampling equipment, which can affect the accuracy and representativeness of the sample.
EasySampler allows for selective sampling of the solution phase despite the presence of suspended particles. This autosampler creates an easy-to-use, automated sampling solution for crystallization studies.
Automated Chemical Sampling Resources
Automated Chemical Sampling Systems in Journal Publications
Continued automated sampling with the EasySampler supports reaction and impurity profiling studies. A list of publications from peer-reviewed journals focuses on exciting and novel applications of EasySampler by researchers in both academia and industry to support data-rich experimentation to advance their research.
2023
- Cox, R. J., McCreanor, N. G., Morrison, J. A., Munday, R. H., & Taylor, B. (2023). Copper-Catalyzed Racemization-Recycle of a quaternary center and optimization using a combined Kinetics-DOE/MLR modeling approach. Journal of Organic Chemistry, 88(9), 5275–5284. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.joc.2c02588
- Deem, M. C., & Hein, J. E. (2023). A Method for Converting HPLC Peak Area from Online Reaction Monitoring to Concentration Using Nonlinear Regression. Journal of Organic Chemistry, 88(2), 1292–1297. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.joc.2c02737
- Kukor, A. J., St-Jean, F., Stumpf, A., Malig, T. C., Piechowicz, K. A., Kurita, K., & He...