Autosamplers for Purge and Trap: The Best Ones
An autosampler automates the loading of laboratory samples into the sample injector of a chromatograph. In combination, the autosampler and the sample injector are identified as the autosampler injection method – a method that separates compounds from the sample so the chromatograph can detect them. There are 5 key forms of autosampler injection systems:
S/SL (split/splitless) injection systems
On-column inlet systems
PTV injector systems
Gas source inlet systems
Purge and trapsystems
With its dynamic capacity to trap low level compounds, the purge and trap system is employed for samples whose compounds happen at low-ppb (parts per billion) levels. When they choose an autosampler for purge and trap, several laboratories narrow their selections to the Centurion WS Autosampler and the Archon/OI Model 4552 Autosampler. If you are evaluating these autosamplers, the comparisons below will aid your evaluation.
Centurion WS Autosampler vs. Archon Autosampler
Comparing the Centurion WS to the Archon/OI Model 4552 ought to be carried out making use of criteria that ascertain the overall value of an autosampler to the user. These criteria are:
Analytical superiority
Mechanical robustness
Productivity
Ease of use
Ease of maintenance
Analytical Superiority
The Centurion WS functions electronic, 3-position delivery, a programmable 1ul-100ul delivery, and does not require priming. These features give it one of the most versatile, dependable, constant, and economical IS/Surr delivery systems on the marketplace. By using a fast hot water rinse in a fixed volume loop that keeps water in the pathway hot, and flushing the minimizer parameter soil needle and transfer line with P&T’s Bake gas, it also characteristics exceptional carryover reduction.
The Archon/OI Model 4552 capabilities mechanical, two-position delivery, a 1ul delivery, and requires priming. These attributes make it much less versatile, reliable, consistent, and cost powerful than the Centurion WS. Its slow hot water rinse with a syringe also offers less carryover protection.
Mechanical Robustness
The Centurion WS displays a high level of mechanical robustness due to the following specs:
A totally supported X-Y-Z arm
Water vial sampling that occurs in the tray
A fiber optic vial sensor
Vial sensing during transport only for soil samples
An elevator mechanism that only carries soil
Modular electronic style
A P&T concentrator that manages flow handle
Elimination of the syringe mechanism discovered in most autosamplers
In comparison, the specs for the Archon/OI Model 4552 are that it:
Has an arm whose left side is unsupported
Does not sample water vials in the tray
Features a mechanical switch (not a fiber optic sensor) that must be manipulated in the course of vial transport
Has an elevator that moves each water and soil samples
Consists of an all-in-a single printed circuit board as an alternative of modular electronic design
Characteristics separate pressure and flow manage
Makes use of a syringe mechanism, which can lead to syringe errors.
Productivity
The Centurian WS achieves higher productivity due to its dual concentrator mode for liquid and soil samples, and its generous sample positioning of 100 water samples and 90 soil samples. These options generate cost savings for the GC/MC procedure and enhance unattended autosampler operation. The Archon/OI Model 4552 lacks a dual concentrator mode and only characteristics positioning for 51 samples.
Ease of Use
Featuring remote control and intuitive Windows XP Computer software that is displayed on a 15″ clever monitor, the Centurion WS is one particular of the easiest autosamplers to use. In contrast, the Archon/OI Model 4552 can’t be controlled remotely, and capabilities an interface that is manipulated via a modest keypad.
Ease of Maintenance
The Centurion WS possesses 3 characteristics that make it quick to keep: an error tracking and sample log, on-board genuine-time flow diagrams, and comprehensive on-board diagnostic checks. The Archon/OI Model 4552 does not possess these options.
Conclusion
An autosampler for purge and trap is an important investment for independent researchers and laboratories that analyze solids and liquids utilizing the GC/MC course of action. Despite the fact that numerous laboratories use the Archon/OI Model 4552, it does not supply the similar analytical superiority, mechanical robustness, productivity, ease of use, and ease of upkeep as the Centurion WS. For Purge&Trap and independent researchers whose funding depends on analysis expense and quality, the Centurion WS the finest autosampler for purge and trap.
