The BestAutosamplers to Purge and Trap
The autosampler is a device that automates the loading process of laboratory samples in the sample injectors of chromatographs. The autosampler is used in conjunction with the sample injector to create the autosampler system. This system separates compounds out of the sample for the chromatograph to detect. There are five types of hplc autosampler injector systems:
S/SL (split/splitless) injection systems
Inlet systems for columns
PTV injector systems
Gas inlet systems
Purge and trapsystems
Purge and trap systems are used to purge samples that contain compounds at low ppb levels (parts per trillion). Many laboratories choose the Centurion/OI Model4552 Autosampler or the Archon/OI Model4552 Autosampler when choosing an autosampler to purge and trap. The comparisons will help you evaluate these autosamplers.
Centurion WS Autosampler vs. Archon Autosampler
Compare the Centurion to the Archon/OI Model 4552 using criteria that will determine the overall value to the user of the autosampler. These criteria include:
Superior analytical ability
Mechanical robustness
Productivity
Easy of Use
Easy maintenance
Superior Analytical Ability
Centurion WS is equipped with electronic delivery in three positions, programmable delivery from 1ul to 100ul, and it does not need priming. This makes it one of most reliable, consistent and economic IS/Surr systems available. It also reduces carryover by using a fast, hot water rinse with a fixed-volume loop to keep the water hot in the pathway, and flushing P&T's bake gas through the soil needle and the transfer line.
The Archon/OI Model4552 has a mechanical, two-position, 1ul delivery and requires priming. This makes it less reliable, consistent and cost-effective than the Centurion WS. The slow, hot water rinsing with a syringe offers less protection against carryover.
Mechanical Robustness
Centurion WS is a very robust machine due to its following specifications:
The X-YZ arm is fully supported
Water vials being sampled in the tray
Fiber optic vial sensor
Only soil samples can be transported with a Vial Sensor
Elevator that only transports soil
Modular electronic design
The P&T concentrator manages flow control
Most autosamplers do not have a syringe mechanism.
The specs of the Archon/OI Model4552 are:
Unsupported left arm
Do not place water vials on the tray
The vial is equipped with a mechanical switch, not a fiber-optic sensor.
The elevator can move both soil and water samples
The electronic design is modular instead of using a printed circuit board.
Separate pressure and flow control
The syringe can be faulty.
Ease Of Use
Centurion WS autosamplers are easy to use, thanks to their remote control and Windows XP Software displayed on a 15-inch smart monitor. The Archon/OI Model4552, on the other hand, cannot be controlled remotely and has an interface that can only be manipulated by a small keyboard.
Ease in Maintenance
Centurion WS has three features which make it easier to maintain. These are an error tracking log and sample log on board, real-time flow charts onboard, and onboard diagnostic checks. These features are not available on the Archon/OI Model 4502.