Specifications for PAL Systems COMBI | GC | LC HTC | HTS | LHX | HTX

Significance of the Topic

Automated Prep and Load platforms play a critical role in modern analytical chemistry by ensuring precise, reproducible, and high-throughput sample introduction across various chromatographic techniques. These systems minimize manual intervention, reduce operator error, and support stringent quality requirements in research and industrial laboratories.

Objectives and Overview of the Document

This document presents detailed performance specifications and validation protocols for PAL Prep and Load systems (COMBI GC, LC, HTC, HTS, LHX, HTX). It covers gravimetric syringe tests, gas chromatographic injection modes (high-split ratio, split mode, headspace), and HPLC loop-filling assessments to demonstrate system precision, linearity, and carry-over characteristics.

Methodology

• Gravimetric tests: Evaluation of repeatability and linearity for syringe volumes from 10 to 2500 µL by transferring water into target vials and measuring mass on a microbalance.
• Gas chromatographic high-split ratio injection: Iso-octane injections with split ratios up to 1:1000 on an Agilent 6890 GC.
• Gas chromatographic split mode: Analysis of an alkene C14–C16 test mix on an HP5 analytical column with specified temperature program.
• Gas chromatographic headspace injection: Volatile solvent sampling via capillary introduction into a headspace vial for FID detection.
• HPLC loop filling: Assessment of loop overfill (20 µL loop filled at 80 µL) and partial fill (10 µL) using benzophenone in water/methanol on an Agilent 1100 platform.

Used Instrumentation

• PAL Prep and Load Platform (COMBI | GC | LC | HTC | HTS | LHX | HTX modules)
• Agilent 6890 Gas Chromatograph with FID, retention gap and analytical columns (BGB fused silica, HP5)
• Agilent 1100 HPLC system with UV-VIS detector and Zorbax XDB-C8 column
• Precisa XB 120A analytical balance (0.1 mg readability)
• Agilent ChemStation software, version 6.03 for data acquisition

Main Results and Discussion

• Syringe repeatability across all volumes achieved RSD values between 0.1 % and 0.3 %, with linearity coefficients ≥0.9999.
• High-split ratio GC injections showed negligible carry-over and rapid cycle times (runtime ≤0.5 min).
• Split mode analyses on the HP5 column delivered RSD ≤0.8 % and carry-over <0.08 % for C14 peaks.
• Headspace mode exhibited RSD <1 % and carry-over <0.05 % with 7 min incubation at 80 °C.
• HPLC loop filling tests demonstrated RSD of 0.10 % for overfill and 0.20 % for partial fills, with linearity >0.9999 over 4–12 µL.

Benefits and Practical Applications

These validated protocols confirm that PAL automated sampling systems deliver consistent, high-precision performance for routine and high-throughput chromatographic workflows. Adoption of these platforms improves data quality, accelerates analytical throughput, and standardizes procedures in pharmaceutical, environmental, and food safety laboratories.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging directions include integration with mass spectrometry detectors, expansion of automated headspace and static-headspace modules, and deployment of artificial intelligence algorithms for dynamic method optimization and predictive maintenance, further enhancing efficiency and analytical robustness.

Conclusion

The defined specifications and test results demonstrate that PAL Prep and Load platforms provide robust, reproducible, and flexible sample preparation solutions, meeting rigorous analytical and quality-control demands across multiple chromatographic techniques.