The Multisampler transport mechanism uses a Cartesian robot. The X-Y drive together with the Z drive optimize the grabbing and positioning for the sample trays and the needle handling inside of the Multisampler. The sample coupler moves the sample container from the sample hotel which stores all the samples and places it on the central workspace. Then the needle coupler of the Z drive takes over and grabs the needle assembly from the needle station and performs the analytical procedures inside of the Multisampler. Due to the uncoupled needle design, the robot can do other liquid handling jobs during the analysis.
The multisampler employs an active vial/plate pusher mechanism to hold down the vial or the plate while the needle is drawn back from the sample vessel (a must in the case a septum is used). This active vial/plate pusher employs a sensor to detect the presence of a plate and to ensure accurate movement regardless of the plate used. All axes of the transport mechanism are driven by very fast BLCD motors. Optical encoders ensure the correct operation of the movement.
The Multisampler has a 100 µL metering device. With this instrument setup, it is possible to inject a maximum volume of 100 µL. For minimum internal carry-over, the entire injection flowpath is always flushed by the mobile phase.
In addition, you have two different possibilities to reduce the carry-over. First the external needle wash. In the Standard configuration, the needle flush station is equipped with a peristaltic pump to wash the outside of the needle. This reduces already low carry-over for very sensitive analysis. The bottle containing the mobile phase for the wash procedure will be located in the solvent bottle cabinet. Produced waste during this operation is channeled safely away through a waste drain.
The six-port injection valve unit is driven by a high-speed hybrid stepper motor. In the sampling sequence the valve unit bypasses the Multisampler, and connects flow from the pump to the column directly. For analysis it is crucial that all of the sample is injected onto the column and that the flow path is clean. Depending on the method, different mechanismes ensure this:
In HPLC mode the valve unit directs the flow through the Multisampler
In SFC mode the flushpump rinses metering device, loop, needle and needle seat
The Cooling Control of the vial/plate temperature in the Multisampler is achieved by using an additional Agilent Sample Cooler module. The sample cooler is a micro compressor-based refrigerator. A fan draws air from the central workstation above the sample container of the Multisampler. It is then blown through the fins of the cooling module, where it is cooled according to the temperature setting. The cooled air enters the Sampler Hotel through a recess underneath the special designed base plate. The air is then distributed evenly through the Sample Hotel ensuring effective temperature control, regardless of how many sample containers are in the drawer. In cooling mode, condensation is generated on the cooled side of the Sample Cooler. This condensed water is safely guided into a waste bottle for condensed water that is located underneath the working bench.
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