The AQUATek 100 waters-only purge and trap autosampler from Teledyne Tekmar is designed to automate sample preparation using a fixed-volume sample loop and pressurized gas. The system can add two independent volume programmable internal standards to the sample, transferring the entire aliquot to the purge and trap for compound concentration and subsequent separation and detection using a GC/GC-MS quantification system.

The interchangeable loop system is available in 5 ml, 10 ml, 20 ml and 25 ml sizes.

Water samples can be run from any position in the sample sequence. Internal standards are stored in two 15 ml amber glass vessels that prevent transmission of UV radiation. Vessels are sealed with a PEEK cap to prevent adsorption and contamination. The automated internal standards and surrogate process eliminate waste.

Designed for standard 40 ml volatile organic analysis (VOA), the unit’s 100-position carousel drive is electronically controlled and has a removable tray for easy loading of vials.

“Traditionally, it takes operators time to load these samples into the concentrator one at a time using a glass syringe,” says Thomas Hartlein, product line manager. “If the system can do that for them, they save time on just the loading and cleanup between samples. Therefore, the next sample is ready to go without any cross-contamination.”

Quality-control blanks can be added automatically via the controlling software platform. Auto-blanking frees up vial space for increased throughput. A High-Temperature OptiRinse heats blank water to 90 degrees C for complete pathway rinsing.

Customized TekLink software integrates the autosampler and purge and trap for seamless operation. Logs give users a status report that notes the processing of the sample. In case of a data detection discrepancy, the logs can be cross-referenced to determine if the discrepancy is in the sample preparation or in the detection system. The unit also can be configured to send an e-mail when analysis is complete or if there was an error.

The software records a complete history of all samples, schedules and method information. It also records and saves changes to methods, schedules and configurations. A vial chiller tray is provided for sample cooling (recirculating bath required).

A slide-out compartment provides access to plumbing, tubing and connections, helping facilitate a turnaround time of less than 10 minutes when switching between loops. The unit measures 28.5 inches high, 18 inches wide and 19 inches deep and weighs 39 pounds. It has an operating temperature of 10 to 30 degrees C and storage temperature of -20 to 60 degrees C.

The front cover and carousel tray are corrosion-resistant to water with a pH range of 1 to 10. The water heater has a variable control of 35 to 90 degrees C. 513/229-7000; www.teledynetekmar.com.