Shimadzu Gas Chromatograph - GC Autosamplers Consumables

Significance of the Topic

In modern analytical laboratories, gas chromatograph autosamplers rely on a wide array of consumable parts and accessories to achieve reproducible and high-throughput sample introduction. A clear and comprehensive catalog of syringes, vials, racks, mounting hardware, and control modules is essential for minimizing downtime and ensuring data quality.

Objectives and Overview

This document compiles key components and consumables for Shimadzu AOC-20i/s and AOC-5000 autosampler systems, as well as the GC-2010 Plus gas chromatograph. It provides part numbers, descriptions, and application notes to facilitate efficient procurement, configuration, and maintenance of autosampler workflows.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The source material structures consumables by system and function:

• AOC-20i/s Autosampler assemblies: plunger holders, barrel holders, syringe barrels, turret and vial racks (short and long), and stabilizing brackets.
• Mounting hardware and communication cables: tailored kits for GC-14, GC-17, GC-2010 series, and GCMS interfaces, including power, ready/start, and RS-232C cables.
• Syringes for liquid and headspace injection: volumes from 1.2 µL to 500 µL, teflon tips, gas-tight options, removable needles, and SPME fiber holders.
• AOC-5000 Sample Injection System: terminal controllers, flush gas regulators, wash/waste stations, agitators with inserts, tray and trayholder sets, needle guides, and preventative maintenance kits.
• Consumable vials and septa: 1.5 mL to 20 mL vials in clear, amber, silanized, and MT-IT formats with compatible caps, septa, and inserts for optimized sample integrity.
• GC-2010 Plus gas chromatograph features: ultra narrow-bore columns, advanced flow controller up to 140 psi, multidimensional GC, backflush, and detector splitting for fast, high-sensitivity analyses.

Main Findings and Discussion

The catalog demonstrates a modular approach to autosampler configuration, allowing users to select components that match their sample types and analytical methods. Syringe and vial diversity supports liquid injection, headspace sampling, and SPME protocols. Dedicated mounting kits and cables ensure seamless integration across multiple GC platforms, while the GC-2010 Plus enhances throughput and sensitivity through rapid oven cooling and precise flow control.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Streamlined inventory management and reduced instrument downtime through precise part identification.
• Enhanced reproducibility by matching syringe type and vial format to sample matrix and volume.
• Flexible autosampler setups support a broad spectrum of analyses from routine QA/QC to trace-level research applications.
• Advanced GC accessories enable faster run times, improved resolution, and confident peak assignment in complex matrices.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Integration of digital tracking for consumable usage to predict maintenance cycles and optimize supply chains.
• Development of inert materials and surface treatments to further minimize sample adsorption and carryover.
• Expansion of fully automated workflows combining robotics, AI-driven method optimization, and real-time monitoring.
• Advances in multidimensional chromatography and inline sample preparation to tackle increasingly complex analytical challenges.

Conclusion

This comprehensive consumables compendium empowers laboratories to configure, maintain, and upgrade GC autosampler systems efficiently. By providing clear part numbers and functional descriptions, it supports consistent method performance and accelerates analytical throughput across diverse applications.

References

No specific references were provided in the original text.