We have developed an automated AAA preparation system for radiocarbon dating of buried samples. Ten samples can be prepared simultaneously with a programmable timer control. Chemicals are in contact with system components made of fluoroplastics in order to prevent reactions. It has been shown that this system can be operated with negligible contamination during preparation. We can use this system to easily and safely carry out AAA treatments. It is especially useful for small sample sizes. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.