Specifications for PAL-xt Systems

Significance of the topic

The PAL-xt system is a versatile automated platform for precise sample preparation and injection in analytical laboratories. Reliable performance in liquid handling and chromatographic injection is critical for quality control, method validation, and high‐throughput analyses across pharmaceutical, environmental, and industrial applications.

Objectives and overview of the document

This specification sheet presents performance characteristics of the PAL-xt system in various test modes: gravimetric volume transfer, gas chromatographic injections (split, high‐split, headspace) and HPLC loop filling techniques (standard, DLW, DLW-2). It defines repeatability, linearity and carry‐over benchmarks under controlled conditions.

Methodology and instrumentation

Gravimetric tests measured transferred water volumes using a precision balance. Chromatographic tests employed iso‐octane and alkane mixtures for GC, and caffeine or benzophenone in aqueous/methanol matrices for HPLC.

• Gas chromatography: Agilent 6890 with split/splitless injector, FID detector, helium carrier, retention gap or HP-5 columns.
• Headspace GC: Agilent 6890 with capillary glass microcaps sampling.
• HPLC standard injections: Agilent 1100 UV‐VIS system, Zorbax XDB-C8 column.
• HPLC DLW / DLW-2: Dionex Summit with integrated degasser and variable wavelength detector, Zorbax SB-C18 and Halo C18 columns.

PAL-xt parameters such as syringe volume, fill speed, injection delays and wash cycles were optimized for each mode.

Main results and discussion

Gravimetric volume transfers achieved relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 0.10–0.20% across 10–2500 µL ranges and linearity correlations ≥ 0.9999. GC injection repeatability ranged 0.30–0.80% RSD, with carry‐over below 0.08% for split mode and ≤ 0.05% for headspace. HPLC loop overfill and partial‐loop filling methods exhibited RSDs ≤ 0.20% for standard injections and ≤ 0.50% for DLW techniques, with carry‐over below 40 ppm.

Benefits and practical applications

The demonstrated precision and low carry‐over of the PAL-xt platform support routine QA/QC tasks, calibration series, and trace‐level analyses. Automated control of sample volume and timing enhances throughput and reproducibility in environmental monitoring, food safety, clinical testing, and pharmaceutical laboratories.

Future trends and possibilities

Ongoing developments may include integration of miniaturized valves, expanded solvent compatibility, and adaptive software for real‐time injection optimization. Coupling with mass spectrometry and advanced analytics could further broaden applications in metabolomics and high‐throughput screening.

Conclusion

The PAL-xt system meets stringent specifications for liquid handling and chromatographic injections, providing reliable repeatability, excellent linearity, and minimal carry‐over. Its flexibility and performance make it a valuable tool for diverse analytical workflows.

Reference

No external literature references provided in the source.