In modern environmental laboratories, the demand for advanced sample preparation technologies continues to grow. Complex analyses of organic and emerging micropollutants — such as dioxins, PCBs, pesticides, PFAS, and mycotoxins — require precise, reliable, and safe preparation systems.
When Thermo Fisher introduced the new EXTREVA ASE accelerated solvent extractor, laboratories immediately recognized its performance potential. However, one challenge stood in the way of its adoption: the requirement for nitrogen and air supply at pressures up to 30 bar.

Traditionally, such pressure is provided by gas cylinders, an option that is increasingly seen as outdated due to safety concerns, logistical burdens, and high costs. End users are instead shifting towards self-production systems, which offer greater autonomy and operational efficiency.

The Market Challenge

The EXTREVA ASE represented an innovation in solvent extraction, but its reliance on cylinder-based high-pressure nitrogen and air created market resistance. Many laboratories were reluctant to adopt a system that reintroduced all the limitations they had worked to eliminate.
This situation posed a challenge not only for end users but also for Thermo Fisher, which needed a practical solution to support the widespread adoption of its new technology.

The LNI Swissgas Solution

At LNI Swissgas, we identified this challenge as an opportunity to expand the application of our nitrogen self-production technologies. Together with our partner Thermo Fisher, we designed a new technological module — the HP BOOSTER.

This booster module, when paired with our established NG SIRIO 1500 nitrogen generator, delivers nitrogen flows at up to 30 bar, meeting the stringent requirements of the EXTREVA ASE.
The solution combines:

• High-pressure capability: continuous nitrogen supply at 30 bar.
• Self-production independence: eliminating the need for gas cylinders.
• Operational efficiency: reduced management costs and downtime.

Enhanced safety: no handling or storage of high-pressure cylinders.

First Installation at CNR IMAA (Basilicata)

The first installation of this integrated solution was carried out at the CNR IMAA (Institute of Methodologies for Environmental Analysis) in Tito (Potenza, Basilicata). Coordinated directly with Thermo Fisher’s Italian representatives, the project marked a milestone in laboratory innovation.

Feedback was immediate and positive:

• Dr. Francesco Cardellicchio (CNR IMAA researcher) expressed his satisfaction with the reliability and safety of the new setup.
• Nicola Petrizzelli (Thermo Fisher technician) highlighted the seamless integration with the EXTREVA ASE.

Benefits and Impact

This collaboration demonstrates how the right partnership can remove barriers to innovation. With the HP BOOSTER and NG SIRIO 1500 combination, laboratories can:

• Adopt the EXTREVA ASE without reverting to outdated cylinder systems.
• Operate more safely and cost-effectively.
• Focus on research rather than logistics.

For Thermo Fisher, the solution reduces market resistance, opening the way for broader adoption of the EXTREVA ASE across Europe and beyond. For LNI Swissgas, it reinforces our role as a partner in advancing laboratory science.

Conclusion

The successful integration at CNR IMAA shows how LNI Swissgas is not only a supplier of gas generation systems but also a problem-solving partner, capable of enabling the adoption of cutting-edge technologies.
As laboratories continue to pursue higher performance and sustainability, nitrogen self-production at 30 bar is set to become a new standard in advanced sample preparation.

Check here our success story about this solution.