Introduction of a New, High-quality, Cost-effcient Headspace GC Autosampler, the HS-10

Význam tématu

The analysis of volatile compounds via headspace gas chromatography (HS-GC) is essential across pharmaceutical, environmental, food and beverage testing. Automated headspace sampling improves reproducibility, throughput and safety by minimizing manual handling of vials and by providing precise control of incubation and transfer parameters. A cost-effective autosampler that retains advanced functionality can lower laboratory operating costs while maintaining analytical performance.

Cíle a přehled studie / článku

This application note presents the design, features and performance of the Shimadzu HS-10 headspace autosampler introduced at Pittcon 2016. Objectives include demonstrating key functions—heat-ahead incubation, vial mixing, electronic flow control—and validating performance in common applications: residual solvent testing (USP467), blood alcohol quantification, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in water, and flavor and aroma profiling in beer.

Použitá metodika a instrumentace

The HS-10 is a static, transfer-line headspace sampler equipped with a thermostatted vial oven, electronic flow control and optional sample loops (0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mL). Integration with Shimadzu LabSolutions software ensures 21 CFR Part 11–compliant data handling.

• Vial capacity: 20 (6 active, heat-ahead capable)
• Temperature range: 35 – 225 °C (oven, transfer line, sample line)
• Vial shaking: programmable 3-stage mixing by vertical motion
• Sample loops: standard 1.0 mL, options 0.5 / 2.0 mL
• Transfer line lengths: 1.0 or 1.6 m

The autosampler connects directly to Shimadzu GC-2010 Plus, GC-2014 and similar systems via a heated transfer line and injection port adapter. Maintenance is simplified by modular needle, valve and loop assemblies.

Hlavní výsledky a diskuse

Heat-ahead capability reduces cycle times by staggering vial preheating within a single sequence, increasing sample throughput by up to two-fold over non-overlapped workflows. The vial mixing function accelerates headspace equilibration, preserving thermally labile analytes.

Reproducibility tests using 0.4 % ethanol in water yielded peak-area RSD of 2.0 % (n=10). Method validations demonstrate compliance with USP467 Class 1 and Class 2 residual solvent procedures, achieving S/N ≥ 5 for 1,1,1-trichloroethane and resolution ≥ 1.0 for critical pairs.

Blood alcohol assays produced repeatability of 2.1 % RSD at 40 mg/100 mL ethanol (n=7). VOC quantification in water (10 µg/L) returned RSD values below 3.5 % across 18 target compounds using micro-ECD detection. Beer volatiles analysis by FID illustrated clear separation of key esters, aldehydes and alcohols relevant for quality control in brewing.

Přínosy a praktické využití metody

The HS-10 offers high-value performance with features typically found in premium autosamplers:

• Increased laboratory throughput via heat-ahead incubation
• Improved analyte recovery through active vial mixing
• High reproducibility enabled by precise electronic flow and uniform oven temperature
• Regulatory compliance supported by LabSolutions software
• Reduced maintenance time due to modular design

This versatility makes the HS-10 suitable for routine QA/QC, research labs and environmental monitoring.

Budoucí trendy a možnosti využití

Future developments may include integration with automated liquid handlers for dual headspace-liquid sample worklists, expanded temperature control for cryo-headspace protocols, and advanced scheduling algorithms to further optimize throughput. Coupling with tandem GC-MS systems could enhance trace-level identification of unknown volatiles in complex matrices.

Závěr

The Shimadzu HS-10 headspace autosampler delivers a balance of cost-efficiency and high performance. Its innovative heat-ahead and mixing functions, robust reproducibility, and seamless software integration position it as an attractive solution for diverse volatile analysis tasks. Laboratories can achieve reliable, high-throughput VOC, residual solvent and alcohol determinations without the premium price tag.

Použitá instrumentace

• Shimadzu HS-10 Headspace Autosampler
• Shimadzu GC-2010 Plus and GC-2014 Gas Chromatographs
• LabSolutions Data System (FDA 21 CFR Part 11 compliant)