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Instrument Database:
CTC Analytics GmbH - Combi PAL - GC Autosampler
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| Year of introduction |
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| Status |
available |
| Company |
CTC Analytics GmbH
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| Categories |
Automation: Autosampler (GC/Head Space)
Automation: Autosampler (GC/Liquid)
Automation: Autosampler (GC/SPME)
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Application range
- Environmental
- Food/Beverages/Consumer Products
- Forensics
- Chemicals/Polymers
- Pharmaceuticals
Highlights
- Static Headspace, SPME, In-Tube Extraction and Liquid Injection combined in one single instrument
- Liquid injection volume up to 500µl for LVI applications
- Syringe only concept, no sample loops, transfer lines or valves
- Injects into 4 different Injectors without hardware modifications
- Top mounted, saves bench
- Uncompromising precision and sample capacity
- Interfaces with any major GC/GC MS system
The headspace mode
With the syringe only concept of the CombiPAL a headspace technology has been introduced to eliminate the headaches commonly associated with conventional autosamplers. The robotic vial processing operation allows sample analysis in a
straightforward and simple way. Sample vials are transported into the heated six position incubator for preconditioning. After reaching the equilibration, a heated gas-tight syringe is moved over the incubator and the headspace sample is withdrawn. After sample injection the hot syringe is automatically cleaned by purging with inert gas. No complicated error prone operations e.g. vial
pressurization, valve switching, loop filling or heated transfer lines are involved. For maximum throughput, the intelligently controlled vial transfer into the incubator oven ensures that a sample is always ready to be injected when the previous run is completed.
Beside the simple and transparent sample operation the CombiPAL offers even more advantages over conventional headspace sampling:
- eliminates dead volume and adsorption effect in sample loops and transfer lines
- permits adjustable sample volumes without sample loop changes
- no sample dilution due to vial pressurization
The SPME mode
In the few years since it's introduction, solid phase microextraction (SPME) has become established as a practical alternative for sample preparation for gaschromatography. SPME reduces the time required for sample preparation and eliminates the use of large volumes of extraction solvents. In SPME, analytes establish equilibria among the sample matrix, the headspace above the sample, and a stationary phase coated on a fused silica fiber, then are thermally desorbed from the fiber to a capillary GC column. Because no solvent is injected, and the analytes are rapidly desorbed onto the column, minimum detection limits are improved and resolution is maintained. SPME is useful in many different analysis, including characterization of environmental, forensic, food/flavor and pharmaceutical compounds. The CombiPAL provides a fully automated SPME sample preparation process*. All movements of the SPME fiber from precondition, adsorption and desorption are precisely controlled for optimum performance. 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 samples itself or in the headspace
area above liquid/solid samples. After the compounds are thermally desorbed in the hot GC injector, the fiber may be fully cleaned again in a special heated and purged Fiber Conditioning Station.
With software control
Intelligent Automation
The Windows 98/NT4/2000/XP software Cycle Composer provides remote control for the CombiPAL GC Front End liquid handling systems. The Cycle Composer software allows the operator to easily setup, edit and run CombiPAL methods for even very complex Prep and Load applications.
Easy to use
The Cycle Composer affords complete control over sequence and location of liquid handling steps, thereby increasing throughput and productivity of the CombiPAL System. The point and click operation quickly directs the user through programming steps that configure instrument setup, methods and sample lists. For routine daily use, no special programming skills are needed. The Cycle Composer contains a library of common liquid handling procedures including
sample transfer, reagent/standard addition, mixing and dilution steps.
Customize your CombiPAL
As with the PAL hardware concept the Cycle Composer is already prepared for individual application requirements. Additional flexibility can be assigned to sample prep procedures by using the powerful Cycle Composer macro language, which expands the application range of every CombiPAL System.
Single keyboard operation
The Cycle Composer can be used as an independent standalone software platform or if required fully integrated in leading GC-MS data acquisition systems. Currently the following control drivers are available either through CTC Analytics or your instrument vendor.
Cycle Composer specifications:
Minimum PC requirements:
- Pentium III processor >1.0GHz
- 256 MB RAM
- 1 free RS232 serial interface
- 1 CD ROM drive
- installed Windows 98/NT 4 / 2000 / XP®
- 10 MB free Harddisk space
- Compatible PAL Instruments:
- CombiPAL, GC PAL
- (including PAL Firmware 2.0 or higher
Third party software PAL GC Version
- Agilent ChemStation
- DataApex Clarity
- Dionex Chromeleon
- Justice Software Chromperfect
- Leco ChromaTOF
- Shimadzu GCMSsolution
- ThermoFinnigan Xcalibur
- Varian Star
- Varian Galaxie
- Waters Masslynx
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| Specifications |
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System type:
XYZ robot with syringe only concept, no tubing in sample path
Local user interface:
Control panel with 4 function keys, graphical LCD display,
unique scroll knob for teach functions
Remote control:
Cycle Composer control software Windows 98/NT4/2000/XP®
Electrical control:
2 RS232C ports,
3 TTL Input/3 TTL Output,
2 Opto Coupler Input,
2 Relay Output Power Requirements:
100-240 V, 120W, 50/60 Hz Environment:
4°C-40°C constant temperature, < 80% humidity (non condensing)
Dimensions:
L: 828mm D: 385mm H: 648mm
Weight:
10kg (without accessories)
GC mounting kits:
Agilent 5890 / 6850 / 6890
ThermoFinnigan Trace 2000 / GC 8000 top
Varian GC 3400 / 3600 / 3800 / 3900
Shimadzu GC 14 / 17 / 2010
Perkin Elmer Autosystem XL / Clarus 500
Options :
Cooled Trayholders for 1ml/2ml/10ml/20ml vials
Barcode Reader (for common industry standard bar code symbols)
SPME Fiber Cleaning Station
Stacks for 96/384 well micro- or deepwell plates
Solvent/Reagent reservoir
Large Volume Wash Station
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