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Save time by using your GC autosampler for sample preparation
By Larry Medina
Agilent Product Manager, GC and Workflow Automation
Busy labs with tight budgets are always looking for new ways to streamline procedures. Many GC labs currently use the Agilent 7683B automatic liquid sampler (ALS) for maximum unattended operation and precision. But many of you are interested in further automating the time-consuming sample handling procedures that precede a GC analysis. The new Agilent 7693A automatic liquid sampler can help, because this autosampler performs many sample preparation procedures for you.
The 7693A ALS (Figure 1) delivers the precise automation you have come to expect from Agilent, but with new capabilities that enhance productivity. This sampler performs steps such as dilution, internal standard (ISTD) addition, heating, and mixing (Figure 2), which reduces rework and frees up lab personnel.
Applications show the value of automated sample preparation
The analysis of free and total glycerin in biodiesel illustrates how you can gain productivity with this new sampler. This analysis involves complicated, time-consuming sample preparation, plus the use of a multicomponent calibration solution and two internal standards. In addition, the standards and samples must be derivatized. The method variability is compounded when several different bench chemists run this analysis on a day-to-day basis.
By taking advantage of the built-in capabilities of the Agilent 7693A ALS, you can automate the entire process – including preparation of calibration standards, derivatization, and sample injection. The step-by-step setup is intuitive, and the benefits are immediate and dramatic: elimination of analyst-to-analyst variability, reduced analyst time, 90 percent lower solvent and waste expense, and minimal operator exposure to potentially harmful reagents.
The preparation and analysis of a high-temperature simulated distillation (SIMDIS) calibration standard provides a second example that shows the value of the Agilent 7693A ALS. An optional single-vial heater/mixer/bar code reader lets you automatically heat samples up to 80°C and mix them prior to injection, significantly improving high molecular weight performance and chromatographic results (Figure 3).
Performance and productivity
In addition to the new sample preparation capabilities, the 7693A ALS provides more ways to get better data, faster.
- Greater solvent capacity (> 20 mL) and the ability to load up to 150 samples (when the injector is purchased with a tray) means even longer unattended operation.
- Dual simultaneous injection doubles your sample throughput.
- Exclusive fast-injection technology minimizes needle discrimination and sample degradation, and ensures the best possible peak shape while maximizing the accuracy of your results.
- Self-aligning injector mounts in seconds, without the use of tools. It can easily be moved between inlets and GCs when workloads change.
- The lightweight, removable design permits easy inlet maintenance.
Boost your productivity and flexibility
Like the 7673 and 7683 autosamplers, the Agilent 7693 ALS runs day and night with minimum operator attention and without the need for calibration or adjustment. Know that you can count on the 7693A ALS, as you always have counted on your 7673 and 7683 ALS. But you can do much more with this new autosampler. If your sample preparation involves dilution, standard addition, heating, mixing, or derivatization, the new Agilent 7693A ALS system may be just what you need to raise your productivity and ensure that your lab is ready for anything that comes its direction. For more information, visit our product page.
New syringes and Certified Vials expand the capabilities of your ALS
Our new “blue line” syringes are specifically designed to increase the productivity of Agilent’s new 7693A ALS, with features that extend the plunger lifetime, reduce inlet septa wear, and decrease carryover between samples. Agilent Certified Vials and Caps are designed to work perfectly with our instruments to ensure consistency of results throughout your analysis workflow. Look for the Agilent logo printed on the vials to ensure that you have Agilent-certified quality.
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