Development of the automated cleanup system for the analysis of PCDDs, PCDFs and DL-PCBs

► We have developed the automated cleanup system for rapid and accurate analysis. ► It consists of the heating column and the automated cleanup device. ► The automated cleanup system could reduce the cleanup time and solvent usage. ► This system avoids personal error and decreases training time for the analyst. A new automated cleanup system for the analysis of dioxins (PCDDs, PCDFs and DL-PCBs) has been developed. It was controlled by PLC through the touch-panel. This automated cleanup system can simultaneously treat six samples in 2h, using only about 30mL of solvent. In this study, the recovery rates of the internal standard added as cleanup spiked were between 70% and 120% in the fly ash sample. The RSDs (relative standard deviations) were below 15%. The shortest analysis time from cleanup to calculation of concentration was approximately 6h. Moreover, this automated cleanup system eliminates personal error in sample preparation and training time for the analyst, and improves the accuracy of the experiment. Additionally, this automated cleanup system allowed rapid analysis and less consumption of organic solvent.