Thermo Scientific TriPlus RSH Autosampler - Product Specifications

Importance of the Topic

The automation of sample preparation and injection in gas chromatography (GC) and GC–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) is critical to improving analytical throughput, precision and reproducibility. The Thermo Scientific TriPlus RSH autosampler addresses these needs by integrating advanced liquid, headspace and solid-phase microextraction workflows into a single robotic platform. This capability is particularly valuable for high-volume laboratories in environmental, pharmaceutical, food safety and quality-control sectors where unattended, around-the-clock operation and method flexibility drive productivity and data quality.

Objectives and Article Overview

This specification sheet presents the key design goals and performance characteristics of the TriPlus RSH autosampler. The primary objectives are to demonstrate how multi-technique sampling modes, automatic tool changes and scalable sample capacities can be combined to streamline GC and GC–MS workflows. The document outlines system configurations, method options, performance metrics and upgrade paths to configure the unit for specific laboratory needs.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The TriPlus RSH employs a robotic X-Y-Z arm with automatic syringe switching to perform:

• Liquid injections with programmable speeds from 0.1 μL/s to 2000 μL/s and volumes from 0.1 μL up to 10 mL
• Static headspace sampling in vials from 2 to 20 mL with temperature-controlled incubation (40 °C–200 °C)
• Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) with fiber conditioning and gas purged stations
• Automatic Tool Change (ATC) for up to six different syringes to support dilutions, calibrations and multiple injection modes in one sequence

The system supports large sample trays (up to 972 2 mL vials or 6912 well‐plate wells) and optional Peltier or external bath cooling/heating modules. Integration with Thermo Scientific chromatography data systems enables full software control and method transfer.

Main Results and Discussion

Under standard conditions, the TriPlus RSH achieves relative standard deviations (RSD) below 0.3 % for liquid injections and below 0.7 % for headspace sampling. High throughput configurations allow a single autosampler to serve dual GC or GC–MS systems, increasing laboratory efficiency. Automated cleaning and wash stations minimize cross-contamination risk. The modular design and upgrade kits ensure that laboratories can adapt the instrument to evolving analytical requirements without major hardware changes.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Unattended 24/7 operation with large sample and solvent capacities
• Reduced manual interventions and improved reproducibility
• Wide dynamic range of injection volumes and modes for trace analysis
• Seamless method development across liquid, headspace and SPME techniques
• Scalable configurations for laboratories of all sizes

Future Trends and Applications

Emerging trends include integration of real-time remote monitoring, predictive maintenance through IoT connectivity, machine-learning–driven method optimization and further miniaturization of fluidic pathways to reduce solvent use. Expanding compatibility with two-dimensional GC (GC×GC) and high-resolution MS detectors will broaden application scopes in metabolomics, petrochemical analysis and advanced food screening.

Conclusion

The TriPlus RSH autosampler stands out as a versatile, high-precision platform for automated GC and GC–MS sample handling. Its combination of multi-technique capability, high throughput, robust performance and modular upgrades supports modern laboratory demands for reliability, flexibility and efficiency.

Used Instrumentation

• Thermo Scientific TriPlus RSH autosampler
• Thermo Scientific TRACE 1300/1310 GC, TRACE GC Ultra or FOCUS GC
• Thermo Scientific GC–MS systems (e.g., ISQ series)
• Optional Peltier modules, vortexer and barcode reader accessories

References

No external literature references were cited in this specification document.