The right sample prep solution for every application
Transcription
The right sample prep solution for every application
GERSTEL Solutions Worldwide News GERSTEL MultiPurpose Sampler MPS and MAESTRO software The right sample prep solution for every application Robert Collins, President, GERSTEL Inc. GERSTEL provides analysis laboratories with unique and comprehensive automated sample preparation solutions based on the MultiPurpose Sampler (MPS). Depending on the customer‘s needs, the MPS can be connected to a GC/MS or LC/MS system, combining automated sample prep with sample introduction. Alternatively, the MPS is available as a WorkStation to perform independent sample preparation for one or more GC/MS or LC/MS systems in the laboratory. C GERSTEL SPE Solution for GC Easy sample prep with MAESTRO MAESTRO software simplifies the task of generating sample prep methods using the PrepBuilder function. Sample prep steps are selected from a pull-down menu and added to the method, enabling sample prep by mouseclick with minimal effort. The intelligent Scheduler in the MAESTRO software helps the analyst to optimize timing of both Sample Prep and analysis. Productivity and total run time for each batch of samples can be determined at a glance on the scheduler screen, you always know exactly when to have the next batch of samples ready thereby ensuring maximum throughput. This convenience and productivity feature is a great help when planning the laboratory work-flow. Sample Prep steps are performed during the GC or LC run of the preceding sample for best possible productivity and highest system utilization. The sample prep techniques performed by the MPS range from standard addition and derivatization through Twister (SBSE) and Dynamic Headspace (DHS) to Automated Solid Phase Extraction (SPE). ontract laboratories operate in a highly competitive environment. Prices are under pressure while customer expectations are on the rise. Labs are expected to deliver results ever faster, providing ever higher quality in terms of reproducibility and reliability – and, of course, combined with ever lower limits of detection. The outlook is that the market will demand even more even faster. Therefore it is no surprise that many labs are looking to automating their sample preparation as much as possible. As a logical consequence, a large number of laboratory automation products and robots will be on display at analytical chemistry related exhibitions, among them the upcoming PittCon 2008 (March 3 to 6, 2008) in New Orleans and the Analytica 2008 in Munich, Germany. GERSTEL offers the discerning analyst novel technologies for extraction and analyte concentration as well as high-performance integrated systems for sample preparation and introduction including GC/MS or LC/ MS. The following offers some detail: GERSTEL SPE Solution for GC The GERSTEL SPE Solution for GC has a lot to offer the user. It is based on the MultiPurpose Sampler (MPS), a modular autosampler and sample preparation robot that can be upgraded with a series of sampling and sample preparation options as the need arises. Among the available options are: • Liquid introduction of up to 3456 samples • Standard addition, derivatization, dilution and extraction • Stirring, agitation, heating and cooling of samples • Automated Weighing Option • Dynamic Headspace (DHS), Headspace and SPME • Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction(SBSE) using the GERSTEL Twister • Thermal extraction of liquids in micro-vials (ATEX) • Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) Ralf Bremer, Managing Director, GERSTEL GmbH & Co. KG David Singer, National Sales Manager, GERSTEL, Inc. The MPS is available as a completely integrated system with a GC/MSD from Agilent Technologies. The sampler can be operated independently through the GERSTEL MAESTRO software control or fully integrated with the ChemStation from Agilent Technologies. Just one method and one sequence table is required to operate the complete system from sample preparation through sample introduction to GC/MS analysis providing efficient operation with less risk of error. GERSTEL SPE Solution for LC The GERSTEL SPE Solution for LC enables automated sample preparation and sample introduction using a number of techniques: • Liquid introduction of up to 3456 samples • Standard addition, derivatization, dilution and extraction • Stirring, agitation, heating and cooling of samples • Automated Weighing Option • SBSE and Twister Back Extraction (TBE) • Membrane Assisted Solvent Extraction (MASE) • Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) The MPS is available as a completely integrated solution with an LC/MS system from Agilent Technologies. The sampler can be operated independently through the GERSTEL MAESTRO software control or GERSTEL Solutions Worldwide – February 2008 18 GERSTEL Solutions Worldwide News Thermal Desorption System (TDS) On-line derivatization for Thermal Desorption To learn more about GERSTEL solutions, please visit GERSTEL at the 59th Pittsburgh Conference, March 1 – March 7, 2008, Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, Louisiana. The GERSTEL-Team is looking forward to welcoming you on Booth # 4827. P.S. Further information about GERSTEL and our products is available on the web under www.gerstel.com and www.gerstelus.com (USA). fully integrated with the ChemStation from Agilent Technologies. Just one method and one sequence table is required to operate the complete system from sample preparation through sample introduction to LC/MS analysis providing efficient operation with less risk of error. Depending on the customer preferences, GERSTEL can provide the complete system or just the sample preparation and sample introduction solution. Everything is available from a single source including application support, maintenance and service support such as IO/OQ-PV. GERSTEL SPE WorkStation Solution A WorkStation SPE Solution is available for laboratories that want high-performance, flexible sample preparation independent of their GC/MS or LC/MS systems. The GERSTEL SPE WorkStation Solution is based on the GERSTEL MultiPurpose Sampler (MPS), a modular sample preparation robot. The system can be upgraded with one or more of a series of sampling and sample preparation options as the need arises. In short, the SPE WorkStation adapts to, and grows with, your laboratory productivity needs. And, of course, the MAESTRO software runs everything at the click of a mouse. Samples can be weighed automatically, agitated, stirred, cooled or heated. A standard or a derivatization reagent can be added automatically; samples can be processed in any order to best serve the needs of the laboratory; sample prep steps can be performed in parallel for maximum productivity and throughput. Sample Prep was never this easy. GERSTEL Solid Phase Extraction Solution for Liquid Chromatography In order to determine semi-volatile or thermally labile compounds by gas chromatography (GC), these must often be derivatized prior to analysis. While derivatization is routinely performed by many laboratories, it is not a trivial matter. Depending on the analysis and the derivatization agent used, it can be cumbersome and difficult to perform. Mostly, derivatization is performed in solution. In the case of thermal desorption analysis, it is preferable to add a gaseous derivatization reagent. GERSTEL has developed a module for the Thermal Desorption System (TDS 3), that enables online derivatization of analytes during the thermal desorption phase. The on-line derivatization module delivers a reagent into the carrier gas flow and thereby to the thermal desorption tubes. Analytes are derivatized and volatilized for subsequent GC or GC/ MS determination. The derivatization agent is added during thermal desorption only and can be switched off by deselecting the function in the MAESTRO software TDS method page. The on-line derivatization module for the GERSTEL TDS; it has been used successfully in forensic applications, determining residual solvents and other chemical compounds in ink in order to determine the age of printed or handwritten text. Examples could be parts of signatures or numbers in a document that may have been added after the document was originally signed. Automated Liquid Sample Introduction Direct Thermal Extraction in disposable micro-vials Automated TDU-Liner Exchange (ATEX) is a new sample preparation option for the GERSTEL MultiPurpose Sampler (MPS) in combination with the GERSTEL Thermal Desorption Unit (TDU). The ATEX option enables the introduction of liquid samples directly into micro-vial inserts used for thermal extraction / thermal desorption in the TDU. Extracted analytes are refocused and concentrated in a Cooled Injection System (CIS) sys inlet prior to introduction to the GC/MS system. Efficient extraction and concentration ensures highest possible sensitivity and lowest detection limits. After the concentrated analytes have been introduced to the GC/MS system, the microvial sample cup with the remaining high-boiling or solid residue is automatically removed. ATEX helps to ensure maximum uptime and best possible analysis results by keeping involatile or complex matrix material out of the GC/MS system. ATEX micro-vials can be used for liquid or so solid samples. Up to 196 sampl ples can be processed automatica ically for determination of VOCs an and SVOCs in heavy or involatile m matrices. Standard addition and ot other sample preparation steps ca can be performed automatically by the MPS. The complete system is opera rated through the GERSTEL M MAESTRO software either st stand-alone or integrated with th the Agilent ChemStation. Just on one method and one sequence ta table controls the complete proce cess from sample introduction through thermal d desorption to GC/MS analysis ensuring the simplest possible and most productive operation. Suggested applications are the determination of VOC or SVOC concentrations in high-boiling or involatile matrices by thermal extraction, also referred to as dynamic headspace analysis or stripping. Examples are: Residual solvents in packaging material; plasticizers in packaging material and in foods such as edible oils; and flavor and fragrance compounds in household products or personal care products. GERSTEL Solutions Worldwide – February 2008 19