Shimadzu Auto Injector/Auto Sampler AOC-20i/AOC-20s

Importance of the Topic

Automated sample handling in gas chromatography is vital to ensure reproducibility, traceability, and high throughput in modern laboratories. Precise injection techniques and robust autosamplers minimize human error and enhance data quality, addressing ever-decreasing detection limits and diverse sample matrices.

Aims and Overview of the Document

This note details the design objectives, performance characteristics, and practical applications of the Shimadzu AOC-20i Auto Injector and AOC-20s Auto Sampler. It covers system integration with GC-2010, GC-2014, and GC-MS platforms, highlighting solutions for flexible injection modes, capacity management, and maintenance simplicity.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• AOC-20i Auto Injector: Supports split/splitless, direct, cool on column, and PTV injection ports; accommodates micro syringes of 10, 50, and 250 µL; plunger speeds adjustable for traditional and large volume injection.
• AOC-20s Auto Sampler: Handles up to 150 of 1.5 mL or 96 of 4 mL vials; intelligent vial recognition via tray encoding; robotic arm transport with self-correcting position calibration.
• Software: LabSolutions GC solution with intuitive interface, Assistant Bar, Data Explorer; GLP/GMP compliance features and flexible report generation.

Main Results and Discussion

Performance evaluation using a 500 ppm Grob mix standard injected ten times demonstrated a coefficient of variation below 0.3% across all components, indicating reproducible injection performance and inert sample path. Large volume injection tests (5×200 µL injections of a 2 ppb pesticide mix) validated trace-level analysis capability. Needle guide enhancements and programmable solvent flush modes prevent needle bending and minimize sample evaporation. Cross contamination was quantified below 10⁻⁴ after four rinses.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enhanced throughput: Dual-tower option doubles sample processing capacity on GC-2010/Plus systems.
• Flexible injection strategies: Traditional, solvent flush with single or dual solvents, and large volume modes address boiling point discrimination and require minimal manual intervention.
• Maintenance simplicity: Front-access syringe replacement and automatic tower calibration reduce downtime.
• Quality compliance: Integrated user management and audit trails support regulatory requirements.

Future Trends and Opportunities

The next generation of autosampler systems may incorporate AI-driven method optimization, deeper integration with laboratory information management systems, expanded multidimensional GC workflows, and enhanced cloud connectivity for remote monitoring and data processing.

Conclusion

The Shimadzu AOC-20 series offers a comprehensive automation solution for GC laboratories, delivering reliable, versatile, and user-friendly sample introduction. By combining robust hardware design with advanced software, it addresses the challenges of high-throughput analysis and low-level detection requirements.

Reference

1. Shimadzu Corporation. AOC-20i/AOC-20s Auto Injector/Auto Sampler Application Note (C189-E021J), 2012.