Feature|Videos|April 28, 2026

Automated Sample Prep Workflow Solutions for Every Analytical Laboratory Worldwide

Key Takeaways

  • Manual sample prep consumes 60% of time spent during analysis and contributes to 30% of errors.
  • Automated sample prep workflows with micromethods reduce the cost per sample in any laboratory, foster the progress of green analytical chemistry in the lab, and use 10–50x less solvent compared to manual workflows.
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Thomas Läubli, CSO of CTC Analytics, demonstrates how automated sample preparation workflows and AI-driven software address the significant time and error rates associated with manual laboratory processes.

Manual sample preparation remains one of the most time-intensive and error-prone stages of the analytical workflow, ultimately impacting consistency and data quality. The PAL System addresses these challenges with advanced automated sample preparation workflows designed to modernize laboratory operations and deliver more reliable, reproducible results.

At the core of this approach are “micromethods,” which support green analytical chemistry by significantly reducing solvent consumption without compromising performance. AI-integrated software enables rapid development of complex methods, transforming what once took hours into a streamlined process completed in minutes. These innovations are helping laboratories transition away from manual processes toward smarter, more efficient workflows.


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Figure 2. Split injection used to measure triplicate test of MTBE, hexane, o-xylene, and 1-methylnaphthalene comparing different solvents (methanol, methylene chloride) and column insertion distances starting with 0.5 mm, 5.0 mm, 10.0 mm, 15 mm, and 20.0 mm. Methanol had the best performance at the 5.0 mm insertion distance and methylene chloride looked slightly better at the 0.5 mm. We would still recommend not going below the 5.0 mm manufacturer recommended insertion distance.
Revisiting insertion distance for methanol and methylene chloride in GC analysis and confirming that insertion depth strongly affects response and reproducibility.
Basel, Switzerland. Old town with red stone Munster cathedral on the Rhine river. © SCStock - stock.adobe.com
SFC Europe 2026 brings global experts to Basel for courses, scientific talks, workshops, and insights into greener separation technologies.