Salvus has launched its first commercial-ready platform for rapid PFAS screening at the point of concern. The Salvus PFAS solution enables environmental testing teams to extract, concentrate, and analyze per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) directly in the field. By providing actionable data outside a traditional laboratory setting, this modular rapid PFAS screening system mitigates the costly delays associated with off-site sample processing and accelerates site remediation workflows.
Editor's Note: As regulatory bodies implement stricter limits on forever chemicals, the demand for timely environmental data has outpaced the capacity of many analytical laboratories. This announcement from Salvus highlights a growing industry shift toward decentralized, in-field testing options that empower site managers to make real-time operational decisions without waiting weeks for conventional mass spectrometry results.
How the portable screening platform operates in the field
The Salvus PFAS solution transitions complex analytical steps to the field using three specialized modules that automate sample preparation. This rapid PFAS screening setup mitigates the bottleneck of sample preparation by fully automating extraction and concentration immediately prior to analysis.
The first component, the Automated Portable Extraction (APEX) module, prepares and concentrates the sample to bring the limit of detection down to 500 parts per trillion (ppt). Following extraction, the sample mixes with a buffer inside the FLOW module.
The FLOW unit then integrates with the Portable Real-time Interferometric Sensing Module (PRISM) to read the sample and display the final concentration. Operators can utilize the rapid PFAS screening system to process up to seven samples per eight-hour shift by preparing new samples while the optical sensor analyzes the current batch.
- The APEX module automates extraction and concentration to achieve a 500 ppt detection limit.
- The FLOW module manages fluidics and sample-buffer mixing for accurate readings.
- The PRISM unit utilizes interferometric sensing to measure C6 and longer chain compounds.
Implementing the staged deployment process
Organizations successfully adopt novel analytical technology when they validate it against existing site matrices through a structured deployment process. Salvus utilizes a three-staged deployment strategy to help operators establish confidence in the rapid PFAS screening platform before full financial commitment.
The process begins with a feasibility study comparing the platform's performance on customer samples against traditional EPA Method 1633 results. After establishing baseline performance, teams conduct a live field pilot at an active site to evaluate real-world functionality.
"Six months of customer discovery and hands-on work in the field have taught us a staged path lands better," noted Andre Tatar, general manager of Salvus. This deployment model culminates in either equipment purchase, leasing, or a managed service arrangement tailored to the specific project budget.
Why is in-field data critical for remediation?
Securing actionable data at the point of concern prevents compounding expenses related to idle heavy machinery and redundant site mobilizations. The rapid PFAS screening platform bridges the gap between sample collection and laboratory reporting, allowing managers to instantly adjust excavation or water treatment strategies based on recent methodology timelines.
Relying strictly on off-site laboratories often means waiting days or weeks for data to guide the next phase of a project. "For anyone whose plan depends on a PFAS number, timely screening results matter just as much as the number itself. Teams need a result they can act on quickly," Tatar explained.
Workflow parameter | Traditional EPA method 1633 | Salvus PFAS solution |
|---|---|---|
Analysis location | Off-site certified laboratory | On-site point of concern |
Turnaround time | Two to four weeks | Approximately one hour per sample |
Primary utility | Regulatory compliance and reporting | Real-time site characterization |
Analytes detected | 40 distinct PFAS compounds | Sum of C6 and longer PFAS |
While the portable unit provides rapid PFAS screening for immediate decision-making, it does not replace the need for certified compliance data. To support customers requiring greater analyte resolution, Salvus also operates a non-certified analytical laboratory for site characterization with turnaround times as fast as 48 hours.
Optimizing workflows with rapid PFAS screening
Decentralized analytical tools change how site managers approach contaminated areas by accelerating decision-making. By integrating these systems into their workflow improvements, organizations can minimize expensive downtime and optimize resource allocation. Laboratory managers and field directors can leverage this rapid PFAS screening technology to maintain project momentum and improve overall operational efficiency.
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