PAL RSI and PAL RTC Sample Prep and Injection

Significance of the Topic

Automated sample preparation is essential to reduce manual errors and save time in chromatographic analysis. Sample preparation can account for up to 61% of total analysis time and contribute to 30% of laboratory errors. Integrating robotics and modular tools ensures consistent, high-throughput workflows with full traceability.

Objectives and Overview

The PAL RTC and PAL RSI platforms represent a new generation of sample preparation and handling instruments. PAL RTC offers robotic tool change for unattended, multi-step workflows and enhanced flexibility. PAL RSI provides laboratories with a robust, cost-effective solution that can be upgraded to full RTC functionality as needs evolve.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• PAL RTC and RSI Platforms: Modular autosamplers supporting 24/7 operation, tool recognition, and position monitoring.
• Sampling Tools: Liquid syringes (1.2 µL to 10 mL), headspace syringes (1 mL–5 mL), SPME/SPME Arrow, ITEX DHS, pipette and dilutor tools.
• Supporting Modules: Agitator (40–200 °C), vortex mixer, Peltier stacks (4–40 °C), valve drives, fast and large wash modules, barcode reader, decapper.
• Software: PAL Sample Control for routine scheduling and overlapping of sample preparation and data acquisition; PAL Method Composer for drag-and-drop method design and automated validity checks.

Main Results and Discussion

Automated workflows demonstrated significant gains in productivity and reliability:

• Robotic Tool Change enabled ultrafast injections (as low as 100 ms) and automatic selection of the optimal syringe to minimize carryover.
• Large vial capacity: up to 9 216 samples in cooled Peltier stacks or nearly 2 000 vials on extended tray holders.
• Process safety features such as bottom sensing, constant force needle seating, and barcode verification guard against errors.
• Application case studies include automated protein precipitation with direct LC-MS injection, liquid–liquid extraction, fatty acid methyl ester derivatization, Bligh and Dyer metabolomics extraction, and real-time SPME-GC-MS/MS monitoring of off-flavour compounds.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Up to three-fold reduction in overall sequence runtime through overlapping of preparation and analysis steps.
• Enhanced reproducibility and traceability via fully automated workflows and integrated software controls.
• Flexibility to handle diverse matrices and techniques including GC, LC, GC-MS, LC-MS, headspace, SPME, SPE, and more.
• Scalable configurations to match laboratory throughput requirements, from routine QA/QC to advanced research applications.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

• Integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning for predictive maintenance and automated method optimization.
• Expansion of on-line coupling techniques such as SPE-LC-MS and multidimensional separations.
• Miniaturization and high-density formats (384-well plates) for ultra-high throughput screening.
• Cloud-based data management and remote monitoring for distributed laboratory networks.

Conclusion

The PAL RTC and PAL RSI systems deliver a flexible, reliable, and high-throughput solution for modern sample preparation challenges. Their modular design and intuitive software maximize laboratory productivity, safety, and reproducibility across a wide range of analytical applications.

References

• Agilent Technologies. Sample Preparation Fundamentals for Chromatography.
• Varesio E., Jahn S., Cudré S., Hopfgartner G., Picenoni R., Boehm G. Automated Bligh and Dyer Extraction for Metabolomics Analyses. Life Sciences Mass Spectrometry, University of Geneva and Lausanne.
• Choi J., Ahn S.-Y., Kim Y., Choi I., Lee W., Park J. Real-Time Monitoring of Off-Flavour Compounds Using SPME-GC-MS/MS. Water Analysis & Research Center, K-water; Euro Science.