Status:
Advanced ReviewerMember since: 2016
Organization: Univ. Of Texas At Arlington
Amazing Flexibility for R&D, Multi-Application Labs
Application Area: Hands-free Headspace Groundwater and Wastewater Analysis by GC
"This multi-technique autosampler is a great option to allow method versatility in our core lab. The options for which we have purchased accessories are liquid injection (up to 10 µL), headspace (up to 2.5 mL), and SPME. We most often use the headspace setup on our two systems. The agitating oven can hold 6 vial, 10 or 20 mL. A great feature is that the timing considers the GC method time, heating future samples while previous run in an effort for each sample to be ready for injection at the end of the oven cool down. This nearly eliminates experimental design concerns and shortcuts taken in choosing sample heating times. This allows me to heat samples for 60 minutes with some methods with the only non-separation time being the heating of the initial sample. The syringe can also be heated to reduce concerns of sample condensation once drawn from the vial. A gas purge is also plumbed to the system to flush the syringe post injection. We have performed liquid injections in the past which include capabilities of standard spiking and rinsing methods beyond typical injection. The 4 star rating on Ease of Use is due to the fact that this isn't the easiest autosampler to plug-and-play if interested for non-technical users. As with most Shimadzu software, there are numerous options available which is great for research enviroments but can be intimidating in non-technical settings. By no means do we find it difficult to use, but understand we may be beyond the average user and don't want to be misleading. Service is quite skilled in Texas for these systems. The TX Dept of Public Safety use these same samplers across the state for their blood alcohol content analyses. A last word of advice, only use the stock HS syringe for mild-syringe heating <80 C. The heater limit is 150 C and the syringe stated limit is 150 C. This is just a rating for the suction of the plunger. The glue that holds the needle is only rated to 90 C. We had many needles pulled out of the barrel once piercing the septa until we discussed this with Hamilton. We have since moved to a threaded over the glued needle attaching style."
The AOC-5000 Plus is the only GC sample injection system that combines liquid, large volume and headspace injection in one single instrument.
This unique capability allows quick switching from one application to another on the same GC workstation. Regardless if your samples may be processed in headspace or liquid mode, or if your method requires split/splitless or on-column injection, your new instrument setup is ready in a few minutes.
The AOC-5000 Plus provides a fully automated SPME (solid phase microextraction) sample preparation process.
All movements of the SPME fiber, from precondition, adsorption and desorption are precisely controlled for optimum precision. Prior and during extraction the samples can be shaked and heated, which dramatically reduces analysis time for semivolatile compounds. Variable vial penetration depth allows to extract the compounds in liquid sample itself or in the headspace extract the compounds are thermally desorbed inthe hot GC injector, the fiber may be fully cleaned again in a special heated and purged cleaning station.