Shimadzu autosampler AOC-30 Series

Significance of the Topic

The automation of sample injection and handling is essential for modern gas chromatography workflows. Reliable autosamplers reduce operator workload, improve reproducibility, and support continuous, high-throughput analyses while minimizing maintenance and downtime.

Objectives and Overview

This application note introduces the Shimadzu AOC-30 Series autosampler/autoinjector, designed to address evolving laboratory demands. It reviews system performance goals: high injection reproducibility, long-term stability, flexible cleaning, space efficiency, and user-friendly presets.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The AOC-30 system integrates with Nexis GC-2030 and LabSolutions software to automate up to 150 samples in various configurations (single or dual towers, samplers). Key design features include a patented injection mechanism that protects septa and liners, a multi-solvent washing tower, and an overlap function for parallel sample prep and GC runs.

Used Instrumentation

• AOC-30 Series autosampler/autoinjector
• Nexis GC-2030 gas chromatograph
• LabSolutions Direct control software

Main Results and Discussion

Injection reproducibility studies (n = 10) show area %RSD values below 0.21% for diverse analytes. The Xtra Life inlet septa deliver up to 1,000 injections—ten times longer than standard septa—while maintaining area RSD below 5%. Customizable cleaning solvents and sequences reduce carryover and eliminate downtime caused by solvent depletion. The overlap feature cuts per-sample cycle time by ~20 minutes.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High reproducibility supports trace-level quantitation.
• Extended septa life and low maintenance maximize uptime.
• Flexible cleaning protocols adapt to sample matrices and minimize carryover.
• Compact tower/sampler layouts save up to 553 mm of bench space per system.
• Preset methods via Sampler Navigator accelerate method setup, even for viscous or challenging samples.

Future Trends and Possibilities

Integration of IoT and AI enables predictive maintenance, self-diagnosis, and expert-level method optimization. Remote monitoring through LabSolutions Direct supports telework and distributed laboratory models. Further digitalization can drive autonomous GC-MS platforms with adaptive sequencing.

Conclusion

The Shimadzu AOC-30 Series addresses critical requirements for modern chromatographic analysis, delivering exceptional reproducibility, robustness, and efficiency. Its modular design, advanced consumables, and intelligent software support high-throughput, low-downtime operations across research and quality-control environments.