An autosampler automates the loading of laboratory samples into the sample injector of a chromatograph. In mixture, the autosampler and the sample injector are recognized as the autosampler injection system – a method that separates compounds from the sample so the chromatograph can detect them. There are 5 major forms of autosampler injection systems:

S/SL (split/splitless) injection systems
On-column inlet systems
PTV injector systems
Gas supply inlet systems
Purge and trapsystems
With its dynamic capability to trap low level compounds, the purge and trap method is used for samples whose compounds happen at low-ppb (components per billion) levels. When they pick out 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 under will aid your evaluation.

Centurion WS Autosampler vs. Archon Autosampler

Comparing the Centurion WS to the Archon/OI Model 4552 should really be carried out working with criteria that figure out 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 features electronic, three-position delivery, a programmable 1ul-100ul delivery, and does not require priming. These capabilities give it a single of the most versatile, dependable, consistent, and economical IS/Surr delivery systems on the marketplace. By applying a quickly 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 capabilities fantastic carryover reduction.

The Archon/OI Model 4552 functions mechanical, two-position delivery, a 1ul delivery, and demands priming. These characteristics make it significantly less versatile, trustworthy, consistent, and cost effective than the Centurion WS. Its slow hot water rinse with a syringe also provides much 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 happens in the tray
A fiber optic vial sensor
Vial sensing throughout transport only for soil samples
An elevator mechanism that only carries soil
Modular electronic design
A P&T concentrator that manages flow handle
Elimination of the syringe mechanism identified 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
Capabilities a mechanical switch (not a fiber optic sensor) that have to be manipulated for the duration of vial transport
Has an elevator that moves each water and soil samples
Includes an all-in-1 printed circuit board as an alternative of modular electronic design
Characteristics separate pressure and flow control
Utilizes 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 features create expense savings for the GC/MC approach and boost unattended autosampler operation. The Archon/OI Model 4552 lacks a dual concentrator mode and only options positioning for 51 samples.

Ease of Use
Featuring remote manage and intuitive Windows XP Application that is displayed on a 15″ intelligent monitor, the Centurion WS is 1 of the easiest autosamplers to use. In contrast, the Archon/OI Model 4552 cannot be controlled remotely, and attributes an interface that is manipulated through a compact keypad.

Ease of Purge&Trap possesses three capabilities that make it easy to maintain: an error tracking and sample log, on-board actual-time flow diagrams, and full on-board diagnostic checks. The Archon/OI Model 4552 does not possess these features.

Conclusion
An autosampler for purge and trap is an essential investment for independent researchers and laboratories that analyze solids and liquids utilizing the GC/MC process. Although a lot of laboratories use the Archon/OI Model 4552, it does not present the similar analytical superiority, mechanical robustness, productivity, ease of use, and ease of upkeep as the Centurion WS. For significant laboratories and independent researchers whose funding depends on research cost and excellent, the Centurion WS the best autosampler for purge and trap.