Craig West, CEODriven by the skyrocketing demand for elemental analysis, the market is projected to reach $5.6 billion in valuation by 2027. In this burgeoning landscape, ColdBlock is leading the way by overcoming the limitations of conventional methods and setting a new standard for rapid, accurate testing. Its flagship sample digestion technology employs short-wave infrared heating and a unique cooling zone to dissolve solid sample matter into a solution for multi-element analysis with a significantly faster, simpler and safer process than other digestion methods .
“Our technology allows labs to perform sample digestion in minutes rather than hours, significantly increasing throughput and enabling technicians to process up to three times more samples daily,” says Craig West, CEO.
From a sustainability perspective, ColdBlock reduces energy consumption per sample and promotes greater testing throughput. By increasing daily sample analysis capacity, laboratories can enhance operational efficiency while contributing to broader sustainability goals.
A Game-changer in Elemental Analysis
Traditional microwave digestion methods pressurize acids and pose risks. ColdBlock eliminates the need for dangerous acids like perchloric acid, commonly used in four-acid digestion methods. Its digesters also use an open-air system that eliminates the dangers of pressurizing corrosive liquids. Meanwhile, the products’ cooling zone keeps test tubes cool to the touch, ensuring safe handling for technicians. By providing a safer alternative, it has gained traction in industries that once relied heavily on hazardous materials.
ColdBlock also markedly simplifies the digestion process to just three steps—load samples, press start, and retrieve results. This is in sharp contrast with incumbent technologies, which often involve multiple steps and complex maintenance. With no moving parts, ColdBlock’s products minimize upkeep, reducing maintenance time to just five minutes a week. The four key benefits—speed, safety, simplicity and savings—make ColdBlock a superior choice for modern labs.
ColdBlock is a versatile technology that meets diverse laboratory needs based on sample size. While the performance of this technology is consistent across all units, the differences lie in capacity and sample size. For labs handling larger samples, it provides the Pro Series CBL, which features larger units equipped with 12 test tubes for simultaneous digestion. At the same time, labs that work with smaller samples can choose the Pro Series CBS, which accommodates up to 20 smaller test tubes within the same footprint. For the mid-range, the company has developed the Pro Series CBM for processing 16 samples at a time.
This flexibility allows customers to easily switch between test tube sizes, ensuring they can efficiently meet their specific operational requirements.
Our technology allows labs to perform sample digestion in minutes rather than hours, significantly increasing throughput and enabling technicians to process up to three times more samples daily
When a mining company extracting precious metals approached ColdBlock to enhance its existing analytical processes, the innovative sample digestion technology delivered transformative results. Previously, this client relied on two distinct methods to analyze gold and copper content, each taking several hours and involving lead flux, which posed safety risks. After adopting ColdBlock, analysis speed improved dramatically, with results that once took a whole day now completed within hours.
The mining organization also witnessed marked safety improvements by reducing lead exposure and decreasing the risk of thermal burns. The ergonomic design of ColdBlock made it popular among employees as they were easier and more comfortable to use than incumbent equipment. Ultimately, the client could effectively consolidate its previous methods into a single, efficient process that reduced their cost per sample by 50 percent.
In the food sector, ColdBlock’s technology allows users to program specific methods tailored to their sample types, enhancing the adaptability of their testing procedures. For instance, technicians can select particular acids and power settings, creating custom digestion protocols that precisely align with their needs. This distinguishes ColdBlock from traditional digestion methods used in food safety, which often rely on microwave technology that requires cumbersome sample handling and poses multiple risks.
Equally impressive is ColdBlock’s achievements in the academic landscape. Laval University in Quebec, Canada, in particular, highlighted the safety improvements of the Pro Series compared to conventional equipment that required researchers to handle hazardous chemicals. Unlocking success within many more institutions and industries, ColdBlock’s technology has proven its versatility and effectiveness across various applications.
An Eye for Sustainable Laboratory Practices
ColdBlock continues to evolve, exploring partnerships with automation firms to integrate its systems into high-capacity, automated analysis setups and develop customized solutions for educational institutions and diverse operations across various industries.
Recognizing the conservative nature of the laboratory sector, ColdBlock has made significant strides in gaining acceptance among its target markets. After extensive testing and validation, some of the world’s largest commercial laboratories have begun implementing ColdBlock technology into their operations. This marks a significant milestone, affirming that it is a trusted solution that transforms how labs perform elemental analyses.
