PalmChrom decentralizes environmental analysis into a digital and sustainable infrastructure - Measure directly in the field with reduced costs, latency, and resources

PalmChrom is the deployable HPLC

How compact is PalmChrom?

The current prototype weighs 1.7 kg and occupies 0.79 L. Inside the outdoor case, it is 2.3 kg and 2.3 L.

How long can PalmChrom operate autonomously in the field?

The integrated 100 Wh battery allows 8 h of continuous use. The accessible USB-C connector allows you to connect a solar panel or a power bank for extended or unlimited autonomy.

Do I need training to operate it?

Once the system is configured, you do not. Inject the sample, click on what you want to measure, and wait 20 minutes. Nevertheless, creating your own methods requires being initiated in the art of chromatography: selecting different flow rates, volumes, columns, and mobile phase chemistry.

How do I control it?

The system can be controlled by a wired computer in lab environments. With the integrated touchscreen, you can use it in the field: start the measurement and review the data and result report. If you want to install it in the field for extended periods, you can configure and trigger measurements through the Iridium satellite connection, as well as receive the chromatogram and analysis results in your mailbox.

What does it mean that it is greener than benchtop alternatives?

If you use it in the lab, the power consumption is much lower than alternatives. PalmChrom operates at 20 W. Additionally, if you use it in the field, the concept of a sampling campaign disappears. You don’t need to buy and pre-clean sampling vessels and materials, saving plastic and time. Additionally, if you install it permanently in the field, you skip transport, which means less CO₂: just one trip for installation and occasional reagent refilling, instead of one trip per sample.
Regarding construction, the device is made mostly of aluminum, which is easy to recycle. Its smaller weight reduces shipping burden.

How does it foster digitalization in chromatography?

The Iridium satellite connection allows you to load the method, start the chromatography, and review the data and results remotely. The bead injection principle allows you to select the chemistry, particle size, and bed mass of the SPE bed programmatically. You don’t need to be physically at the device to perform the sample preparation nor analysis.

Spectrometry can also be used in the field.

Yes, it can. The main difference between UV-Vis, NIR, XRF, Raman, and FTIR is that they measure the envelope of emitted or absorbed radiation from the sample. You can identify and quantify the source and track it to a family of compounds, but you cannot quantify targeted compounds as individual molecules. On the other hand, chromatography allows you to target single compounds, which is the regulatory trend.

What does ‘integrated sample preparation’ mean?

Normally, you have to treat the sample before analyzing it. This is the most time-consuming and error-prone step of the analytical process. Our custom valve does that automatically through the ‘bead injection’ principle. Several operations, such as filtering, extraction, and turbulent flow chromatography, are available. Since the extraction bed can behave like an online cartridge, we obtain very high enrichment factors, which increase sensitivity.

How can you minimize the LC system?

The hardware consists of the minimal number of components needed: a pump and a valve. By minimizing components and optimizing the control electronics, we decrease overall power consumption and can operate on batteries.
PalmChrom relies on sequential injection chromatography and bead injection principles. This high flexibility allows filtering, extraction, derivatization, addition of internal standards, gradient mixing, and elution to the chromatographic column—all without analyst intervention, just smart algorithms and internal standard corrections working behind the scenes.

What can you analyze?

PalmChrom is a portable chromatograph that operates up to 100 bar. It can mix a gradient of two mobile phases and works with your preferred column. You decide which chemistry you need. We are integrating single preselected wavelength photometry, fluorometry, and amperometry. Sensitivity is similar to benchtop counterparts. You can change the wavelength by replacing the LED light source. From September on, we will work on a flow cell allowing two simultaneous wavelengths and optical fiber connection, so you can connect an SMA spectrophotometer and light source of your choice.

I am only interested in sample preparation for the lab.

PalmChrom is a powerful platform for sample preparation, standalone or hyphenated to GC, HPLC, and ICP.

Where can I get one?

We are optimizing the prototype. We expect to have all required certifications by October 2026. Contact me for more information, suggestions, customization, or reserving your device.