HT280T Headspace, Liquid and SPME Autosampler

The HT280T is a single unit combining static headspace analysis, liquid sample injection and SPME (Solid Phase Micro extraction)!

As the successor to the popular HT250D, the HT280T effectively combines the operations of the HT200H Headspace Autosampler and the HT300A Liquid Autosampler, with the addition of SPME.

Changing between liquid, headspace and SPME modes is very simple. It takes about 5 minutes and there's no need to remove the sampler from the GC.

Headspace Operation

The system uses a heated syringe to extract headspace samples from the 6 position orbital oven/shaker. This eliminates tubing, dead volume and sample absorption.

No expensive magnetic caps are required.

No transfer lines are required and the unit mounts directly on the GC thus reducing bench space requirements. Operation is via the simple keypad or by HT-COMSoft software. Up to 40 headspace vials of 20ml or 10ml may be stored in the standard tray.

Key Features:

• No transfer lines means no sample crossover
• Rotating head design leaves injection port free for manual injection
• Progressive sample transfer means samples always ready when previous run completed
• May be configured for left or right operation
• Gas flush of syringe between injections 

Liquid Sampler Operation

Up to 110 samples may be processed as single or batch injections using one or more analysis methods. Any 12x32mm vial may be used with any cap type. All parameters from the sampling depth through to the injection speed, depth and dwell times may be programmed through the front panel or via the HT-COMSoft software.

The automatic injection sequence may have up to 15 steps which can be programmed to include:

• First and last samples of group
• Injection method
• Number of injections for each sample
• Pre- and Post-washing solvent position
• Internal Standard (if used)

Key Features:

• No transfer lines means no sample crossover
• Syringe may be washed with solvent or sample
• Injections may be made on two columns (high throughput and confirmation mode)
• Rotating head design leaves injection port free for manual injection
• Internal standard sampling
• Memory stores 10 different methods
• Variable fill speed allows for wide range of sample viscosities
• Sampling system eliminates air bubbles
• Programmable sampling and injection speed

SPME: When placed into the headspace gas or a liquid, the compounds adsorb onto the fiber.

SPME Operation

SPME is a unique sample analysis technique for complex matrices and for analytes requiring lower levels of detection. SPME eliminates most of the drawbacks associated with extracting organics. SPME requires no solvents or complicated apparatus.

SPME has gained widespread acceptance as the technique of preference for many applications including: flavors, fragrances and contaminants in food; forensic and toxicology applications; environmental and biological matrices; organic volatiles in pharmaceutical compounds.

Automated SPME with the HT280T delivers more accurate results with greater throughput than manual SPME. The HT280T can extract volatile and non-volatile compounds in both liquid and headspace samples using variable vial penetration depth. Samples can be derivatised pre- or post-extraction as the application requires.

The extraction is performed by exposing the fiber into the sample vial. Samples can be agitated by orbital rotation and heated during extraction. Both the shaking speed and oven temperature are programmable.

After the compounds have been thermally desorbed in the GC injector, the fiber may be fully cleaned again in the optional heated fiber cleaning station positioned at the back of the unit.

Key Features:

• Single step extraction (reduces sample preparation time by up to 70%)
• Minimal use of solvents
• Programmable extraction depth to perform both headspace and liquid extraction
• Oven door kept closed during extraction to keep temperature constant