PAL3 Series 2 Autosampler

Significance of the Topic

Automation of gas chromatography sample handling streamlines workflows, enhances reproducibility, and ensures precise temperature and agitation control across diverse sample types.

Objectives and Study Overview

This document presents the technical specifications, performance characteristics, and control methods of the PAL3 Series 2 autosampler designed for comprehensive automation of GC and headspace analyses.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• PAL3 Series 2 autosampler available in 85, 120, or 160 cm X-axis configurations with interchangeable modules
• Temperature control via ambient and Peltier stacks (4 – 40 °C) and heated agitator (30 – 200 °C)
• Agitation modules: orbital shaker, vortex mixer, cycloid heat-stirrer
• Sample preparation modules: centrifuge, dilutor, SPME/SPME Arrow, ITEX dynamic headspace, micro-SPE
• Auxiliary modules: barcode reader, tray cooler, fast/large wash modules
• LCMS-P pump module with dual self-priming diaphragm pumps for liquid sample transfer
• Detector interfaces: GC split/splitless injector, FID, headspace syringe system

Main Results and Discussion

• Liquid injection repeatability: RSD ≤0.6% for C14–C16 alkanes under specified GC conditions
• Carryover performance: ≤40 ppm in first blank, undetectable in second blank for alkanes
• Headspace injection precision: <1% RSD with 2,500 µL syringe at 90 °C incubation
• LC injection precision: ≤0.1% RSD with full loop, ≤0.5% with partial loop
• Sample capacity: up to 1,890 ×1 mL vials or 36 deep-well plates depending on X-axis length
• Operational environment: 5 – 40 °C for use, –30 – 65 °C for storage, altitude up to 3,000 m

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High throughput and minimized manual intervention for QA/QC and research laboratories
• Consistent and reproducible sample treatment for liquid, headspace, and LC-MS workflows
• Flexible configuration supports a wide range of analytical methods and sample formats
• Integrated modules reduce carryover and cross-contamination risks
• Built-in barcode reading and temperature control enhance traceability and sample integrity

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances may include tighter integration with laboratory information management systems, real-time process monitoring via advanced software, expansion of automated sample preparation techniques (e.g., online SPE), and coupling with multidimensional chromatography and mass spectrometry to broaden analytical capabilities.

Conclusion

The PAL3 Series 2 autosampler delivers robust, modular, and precise automation for gas chromatography and related analytical workflows, meeting diverse throughput and quality requirements in modern laboratories.

References

• Agilent Technologies. PAL3 Series 2 Autosampler Data Sheet (Document 5994-5111EN), 2024.