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GERSTEL Solutions Worldwide News
GERSTEL MultiPurpose Sampler MPS and MAESTRO software
The right sample prep
solution for every application
Robert Collins,
President,
GERSTEL Inc.
GERSTEL provides analysis laboratories with unique and comprehensive
automated sample preparation solutions based on the MultiPurpose Sampler
(MPS). Depending on the customer‘s needs, the MPS can be connected to
a GC/MS or LC/MS system, combining automated sample prep with sample
introduction. Alternatively, the MPS is available as a WorkStation to perform
independent sample preparation for one or more GC/MS or LC/MS systems
in the laboratory.
C
GERSTEL SPE Solution for GC
Easy sample prep
with MAESTRO
MAESTRO software simpliﬁes the task of generating sample prep methods using the PrepBuilder function. Sample prep steps are selected from a pull-down menu and added to
the method, enabling sample prep by mouseclick with minimal effort.
The intelligent Scheduler in the MAESTRO
software helps the analyst to optimize timing
of both Sample Prep and analysis. Productivity and total run time for each batch of samples
can be determined at a glance on the scheduler screen, you always know exactly when to
have the next batch of samples ready thereby
ensuring maximum throughput.
This convenience and productivity feature
is a great help when planning the laboratory
work-ﬂow. Sample Prep steps are performed
during the GC or LC run of the preceding sample for best possible productivity and highest
system utilization.
The sample prep techniques performed by
the MPS range from standard addition and
derivatization through Twister (SBSE) and Dynamic Headspace (DHS) to Automated Solid
Phase Extraction (SPE).
ontract laboratories operate in a highly competitive environment. Prices
are under pressure while customer
expectations are on the rise. Labs are expected to deliver results ever faster, providing ever higher quality in terms of reproducibility and reliability – and, of course,
combined with ever lower limits of detection. The outlook is that the market will
demand even more even faster. Therefore
it is no surprise that many labs are looking
to automating their sample preparation as
much as possible.
As a logical consequence, a large number
of laboratory automation products and robots will be on display at analytical chemistry related exhibitions, among them the upcoming PittCon 2008 (March 3 to 6, 2008)
in New Orleans and the Analytica 2008 in
Munich, Germany.
GERSTEL offers the discerning analyst
novel technologies for extraction and analyte
concentration as well as high-performance
integrated systems for sample preparation
and introduction including GC/MS or LC/
MS. The following offers some detail:
GERSTEL SPE Solution for GC
The GERSTEL SPE Solution for GC has a lot
to offer the user. It is based on the MultiPurpose Sampler (MPS), a modular autosampler and sample preparation robot
that can be upgraded with a series of sampling and sample preparation options as
the need arises. Among the available options are:
• Liquid introduction of up
to 3456 samples
• Standard addition, derivatization,
dilution and extraction
• Stirring, agitation, heating and
cooling of samples
• Automated Weighing Option
• Dynamic Headspace (DHS),
Headspace and SPME
• Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction(SBSE)
using the GERSTEL Twister
• Thermal extraction of liquids in
micro-vials (ATEX)
• Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)
Ralf Bremer,
Managing Director,
GERSTEL
GmbH & Co. KG
David Singer,
National
Sales Manager,
GERSTEL, Inc.
The MPS is available as a completely integrated system with a GC/MSD from Agilent
Technologies. The sampler can be operated independently through the GERSTEL
MAESTRO software control or fully integrated with the ChemStation from Agilent
Technologies. Just one method and one
sequence table is required to operate the
complete system from sample preparation
through sample introduction to GC/MS
analysis providing efﬁcient operation with
less risk of error.
GERSTEL SPE Solution for LC
The GERSTEL SPE Solution for LC enables
automated sample preparation and sample introduction using a number of techniques:
• Liquid introduction of up
to 3456 samples
• Standard addition, derivatization,
dilution and extraction
• Stirring, agitation, heating and
cooling of samples
• Automated Weighing Option
• SBSE and Twister Back Extraction (TBE)
• Membrane Assisted Solvent
Extraction (MASE)
• Solid Phase Extraction (SPE)
The MPS is available as a completely
integrated solution with an LC/MS system
from Agilent Technologies. The sampler
can be operated independently through the
GERSTEL MAESTRO software control or
GERSTEL Solutions Worldwide – February 2008
18
GERSTEL Solutions Worldwide News
Thermal Desorption System (TDS)
On-line derivatization for Thermal Desorption
To learn more about GERSTEL
solutions, please visit GERSTEL at
the 59th Pittsburgh Conference,
March 1 – March 7, 2008, Ernest N.
Morial Convention Center, New Orleans,
Louisiana. The GERSTEL-Team is looking
forward to welcoming you on Booth # 4827.
P.S. Further information about GERSTEL
and our products is available on the web
under www.gerstel.com and
www.gerstelus.com (USA).
fully integrated with the ChemStation from
Agilent Technologies. Just one method and
one sequence table is required to operate
the complete system from sample preparation through sample introduction to LC/MS
analysis providing efﬁcient operation with
less risk of error.
Depending on the customer preferences, GERSTEL can provide the complete
system or just the sample preparation and
sample introduction solution. Everything
is available from a single source including
application support, maintenance and service support such as IO/OQ-PV.
GERSTEL SPE
WorkStation Solution
A WorkStation SPE Solution is available
for laboratories that want high-performance, ﬂexible sample preparation independent of their GC/MS or LC/MS systems. The GERSTEL SPE WorkStation Solution is based on the GERSTEL MultiPurpose Sampler (MPS), a modular sample preparation robot. The system can be
upgraded with one or more of a series of
sampling and sample preparation options
as the need arises. In short, the SPE WorkStation adapts to, and grows with, your laboratory productivity needs.
And, of course, the MAESTRO software
runs everything at the click of a mouse. Samples can be weighed automatically, agitated,
stirred, cooled or heated. A standard or a
derivatization reagent can be added automatically; samples can be processed in any
order to best serve the needs of the laboratory; sample prep steps can
be performed in parallel for
maximum productivity and
throughput. Sample Prep
was never this easy.
GERSTEL Solid Phase
Extraction Solution for
Liquid Chromatography
In order to determine semi-volatile or thermally labile compounds by gas chromatography (GC), these must often be derivatized prior to analysis. While derivatization is routinely
performed by many laboratories, it is not a trivial matter. Depending on the analysis and the
derivatization agent used, it can be cumbersome and difﬁcult to perform. Mostly, derivatization is performed in solution. In the case
of thermal desorption analysis, it is preferable
to add a gaseous derivatization reagent. GERSTEL has developed a module for the Thermal
Desorption System (TDS 3), that enables online derivatization of analytes during the thermal desorption phase.
The on-line derivatization
module delivers a reagent
into the carrier gas ﬂow and
thereby to the thermal desorption tubes. Analytes are
derivatized and volatilized
for subsequent GC or GC/
MS determination. The derivatization agent is added
during thermal desorption
only and can be switched off by deselecting the function in the MAESTRO software
TDS method page.
The on-line derivatization module for the
GERSTEL TDS; it has been used successfully in forensic applications, determining
residual solvents and other chemical compounds in ink in order to determine the age
of printed or handwritten text. Examples
could be parts of signatures or numbers in
a document that may have been added after
the document was originally signed.
Automated Liquid Sample Introduction
Direct Thermal Extraction in
disposable micro-vials
Automated TDU-Liner Exchange (ATEX) is a new sample preparation option for the
GERSTEL MultiPurpose Sampler (MPS) in combination with
the GERSTEL Thermal Desorption Unit (TDU).
The ATEX option enables
the introduction of liquid samples directly into micro-vial inserts used for thermal extraction / thermal desorption in the
TDU.
Extracted analytes are refocused and concentrated in a
Cooled Injection System (CIS)
sys
inlet prior to introduction to the GC/MS system. Efﬁcient extraction and concentration ensures highest possible sensitivity and lowest detection limits.
After the concentrated analytes have been
introduced to the GC/MS system, the microvial sample cup with the remaining high-boiling or solid residue is automatically removed.
ATEX helps to ensure maximum uptime and best
possible analysis results by keeping involatile or
complex matrix material out of the GC/MS system. ATEX micro-vials can be used for liquid or
so
solid samples. Up to 196 sampl
ples can be processed automatica
ically for determination of VOCs
an
and SVOCs in heavy or involatile
m
matrices. Standard addition and
ot
other sample preparation steps
ca
can be performed automatically
by the MPS.
The complete system is opera
rated through the GERSTEL
M
MAESTRO software either
st
stand-alone or integrated with
th
the Agilent ChemStation. Just
on
one method and one sequence
ta
table controls the complete proce
cess from sample introduction
through thermal d
desorption to GC/MS analysis
ensuring the simplest possible and most productive operation.
Suggested applications are the determination
of VOC or SVOC concentrations in high-boiling
or involatile matrices by thermal extraction, also referred to as dynamic headspace analysis
or stripping. Examples are: Residual solvents
in packaging material; plasticizers in packaging
material and in foods such as edible oils; and
ﬂavor and fragrance compounds in household
products or personal care products.
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