New Sample Processor for GC-MS Analysis of VOCs in Water and Soil Samples

Xylem’s (USA) OI Analytical brand is pleased to offer a new water/soil sample processor for purge-and-trap GC-MS analysis of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in drinking water, wastewater, soils, and sediments.

Environmental laboratories performing VOC analysis of drinking water, wastewater, groundwater, soil and sediment samples require a versatile and reliable automation platform to transfer samples to purge-and-trap GC-MS systems.

OI Analytical’s 4100 Water / Soil Sample Processor automates the handling and processing of samples in 40mL VOA vials for purge-and-trap analysis of VOCs in accordance with U.S. EPA methods. The 4100 efficiently processes up to 100 drinking water, wastewater or soil samples and operates with a single or dual OI Analytical Eclipse 4660 purge-and-trap instrument.

Innovative technologies built into the 4100 improve sample processing reliability, analytical performance, laboratory operating costs, and productivity.

The 4100 Sample Processor is equipped with a pneumatically-actuated cylindrical vial gripper that lifts and transports 40mL VOA vials to and from water and soil sampling stations. The VOA Constrictor gripper mechanism surrounds and conforms to each vial ensuring reliable vial handling. The unique design of the VOA Constrictor gripper handles vials with all types of labels and eliminates dropped and broken vials. A built-in sensor enables the gripper to detect and confirm the presence of a vial or signal if a vial is missing. 

A new type of module for addition of internal standards, surrogate and matrix spike standards is integrated into the 4100. This module employs electronically controlled high-speed injection valves to minimise standard usage and decrease laboratory operating costs for expensive standards. The high-speed injection valves inject programmed volumes of standard with no excess overfill volume and waste that fixed-loop based systems require to operate.       

Programming and operation of the 4100 is controlled by VOA View software. VOA View is a WindowsÒ-based graphical user interface (GUI) that enables users to program methods, sequences, and internal standard addition. The VOA View run screen visually depicts water and soil samples, the status of vials that have been processed, and provides details of the method being run.    

VOA View software enables the 4100 to communicate and operate concurrently with two purge-and-trap instruments to improve sample throughput and laboratory productivity.         

A vial cooling option is available to maintain a deck full of 100 sample vials at 10 °C or less prior to analysis for compliance with U.S. EPA method 524.3 requirements. Two 50-position insulated vial racks fit into a cooling base fitted with quick-disconnects for easy connection to a recirculating chiller.