Shimadzu GC Driver Ver. 3.2 with Waters Empower Compatibility

Importance of the Topic

Gas chromatography remains a cornerstone of analytical chemistry for the separation and quantitation of volatile and semi-volatile compounds across research, quality control, and industrial settings. Seamless integration between instrument control platforms and data systems maximizes operational efficiency and data integrity. The compatibility of Shimadzu’s AOC-30 autoinjectors and GC-2030 series with Waters Empower software not only expands analytical capabilities but also addresses practical needs for space-saving design, flexible sample handling, and sustainable gas usage.

Objectives and Overview of the Study

The primary objective is to demonstrate how Shimadzu GC autoinjectors and packed-column analysis can be fully managed from Waters Empower, enabling:

• Control of space-saving AOC-30 autoinjectors within a single GC-2030 system.
• Support for both capillary and packed column methods, including headspace and liquid injections.
• Minimization of helium consumption via optional gas selectors and Empower-driven carrier gas switching.

Methodology and Used Instrumentation

Shimadzu’s GC-2030 chromatograph, coupled with the AOC-30 autoinjector, is interfaced through Empower’s driver Ver. 3.2. Key hardware elements include:

• AOC-30 autoinjector supporting up to 30 samples in a compact 553 mm-wide tower with four solvent rinse ports.
• Optional gas selector to automate carrier gas exchange between helium and alternatives such as nitrogen.
• Compatibility with headspace modules (HS-20 NX, HS-10) and multiple detector types (FID, TCD, ECD, FPD, FTD, BID, SCD).

Main Results and Discussion

Integration testing confirmed:

• Empower software can successfully sequence and control AOC-30 injections, including packed-column methods, without manual parameter adjustments.
• Sample Navigator in Empower simplifies method creation by enabling one-click assembly of expert-validated protocols.
• Automated switching between carrier gases reduced helium use by up to 70% during idle periods, enhancing sustainability and cost efficiency.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This configuration offers laboratories:

• Space efficiency: one instrument handles capillary, headspace, and packed-column assays.
• High throughput: expandable sample capacity up to 150 vials and 12 rinse solvents.
• Operational simplicity: Empower’s unified interface streamlines method editing and data acquisition.
• Reduced operating cost and environmental footprint through automated gas management.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Ongoing developments may include:

• Enhanced multi-dimensional GC workflows combining heart-cut and backflush techniques.
• Integration with laboratory information management systems (LIMS) for fully paperless operations.
• Machine learning–driven method optimization integrated into Empower for real-time performance tuning.

Conclusion

The interoperability between Shimadzu’s AOC-30/GC-2030 platforms and Waters Empower software significantly broadens analytical flexibility, streamlines workflow, and promotes resource conservation. This integration addresses evolving demands in chromatographic analysis and sets the stage for further digital enhancements.

References

No external literature was cited in this application note.