Doubling the sample throughput with AI/AS 1610 Gemini configuration
Simplified operational modes and Chromeleon CDS control

Goal

To illustrate the simplified usability of the Thermo Scientific™ AI/AS 1610 autosampler in the Gemini configuration to meet high-throughput demand for analytical testing laboratories.

Introduction

通过强大、可靠、易于使用的自动进样器，在GC或GC- ms中实现液体样品注入的自动化，是高通量测试实验室应对繁重工作所需要的。Thermo Scientific AI/AS 1610液体自动采样器的易用性增强(图1)使该平台成为一种适合目的的解决方案，操作简单，注射方式灵活。为了支持面对高样品通量需求的分析测试实验室，双塔AI/AS 1610 Gemini配置允许在两个通道上同时注入，使单个GC系统的吞吐量翻倍，或在两个同时运行中确认相同的样品。
本技术说明总结了Gemini配置与Thermo Scientific™Chromeleon™色谱数据系统(CDS) 7.3版本的主要特点，描述了不同的操作方法。
Figure 1. (A) AI 1610 autoinjector with 8-vial capacity; (B) AS 1610 autosampler with 155-vial capacity.
Figure 2. Thermo Scientific TRACE 1610 GC equipped with (A) Gemini AI 1610 (total of 8-vial capacity); (B) Gemini AS 1610 (total of 310-vial capacity).

AI/AS 1610 Gemini operational modes

在Gemini配置中，两台AI 1610自动进样器(共16瓶容量)或两台AS 1610自动进样器(共310瓶容量)可以在Thermo Scientific™TRACE™1600系列GC上同时操作，每个自动进样器都使用一个专用进样器(图2)。该系统由Chromeleon CDS完全控制，提供了一系列功能，以简化Gemini模式下的操作。
The Gemini configuration allows operation in two different modes, which display some key differences according to the way they exploit the Gemini setup (Table 1).
High-throughput mode: In this modality, the system is considered as composed of two autosamplers separately configured. Autosampler methods can be the same for the two channels or they can vary: in both cases, sample handling is synchronised in such a way the injections take place simultaneously. The injections follow two separate sample sequences, with data acquisition and processing achieved separately. The two channels (inlet, column, detector) may also have different components. The only obvious limitation is that the GC oven program needs to be the same in the two methods. This mode is generally used to support processing of large batches of samples, and therefore the two sample trays are typically loaded with different samples.
确认模式:在这种模式下，两个通道的注入器、柱和检测器仍然可以是不同的，但两个流动通道都配置一个自动采样器，这样两个通道的自动采样方法是相同的。此模式通常用于在两个通道上运行相同的示例，以进行确认。这种操作方式的独特之处在于，从两个同时运行的通道获得的数据存储在一个数据集中，从而简化了直接比较结果。通常，两个托盘中给定的位置都被含有相同样品的小瓶占据。
表1。Main differences between the AI/AS 1610 Gemini operation modes

AI/AS 1610 Gemini: easy configuration path

Hardware setup

In the Gemini configuration, regardless of the operational mode, the two autosamplers are placed on the front and back injectors by means of a dedicated mounting bracket with a quick and easy slide-in installation and self-alignment on the inlet port and the vials. The setup is further simplified with power supply, communication, and handshaking carried out through a single-cable connection between each autosampler and the GC system. Either in a single tower or Gemini configuration, the design of the AI/AS 1610 autosampler allows for an easy access to the inlet port, facilitating maintenance operations. This is achieved through a sliding support to easily move aside the tower from the injector (Figure 3).

Configuration in Chromeleon CDS

Gemini configuration in Chromeleon CDS is carried out differently according to the operation mode.
在High-throughput模式下，需要配置两个自动采样器，分别对应“Front”和“Back”通道，设置相同的IP地址并指定使用哪个com端口连接到GC。使用“确认”模式时，需要配置单个自动进样器。Its method parameters will be fully shared between the two autosamplers.

Confirmation mode data review

When working in Confirmation mode, data obtained from the same sample on the two channels can be easily visualised for direct comparison. Data originating from two parallel channels are collected within a single data file, facilitating the data review. This analytical mode is particularly useful for comparing two different detector types having different characteristics in terms of sensitivity and selectivity, or comparing separations achieved on two different analytical columns for identification confirmation. Figure 4 shows an example of the same standard mixture simultaneously analysed on two channels, with different selective detectors as FID and ECD, and the easy comparison of the data from the two channels.
图3。AI/ as1610自动采样器的设计。通过滑动支架可以方便地进入进气口。

Easy switch from dual to single mode operation

When the High-throughput mode is configured, switching from dual to single mode operation is possible by simply flagging the dedicated option in the Instrument pane: each autosampler, either front or back, can be employed in a single-autosampler operation to run sequences on a single channel without changing hardware settings or Chromeleon configuration.
图4。分析使用双子确认模式。使用GC-ECD(上)和GC-FID(下)对含有二氯苯(DCB)、二丁基硫化物(DBS)和硝基苯(NB)的标准混合物进行分析。在两个平行通道上获得的数据被收集到一个单独的数据文件中，通过点击各自的色谱图(这里选择了前通道色谱图)，结果可以被可视化。处理方法可以应用于两个通道，也可以只应用于单个通道。

Enhanced sequence operations with Chromeleon CDS

Chromeleon CDS is a powerful chromatography data system software for qualitative and quantitative applications combining chromatography and MS workflows in a very intuitive and productive way.
Chromeleon CDS 7.3 offers additional features to streamline sequence operations. Those functionalities are of particular interest for users running multiple parallel instruments within the same laboratory, such as in the case of several Gemini configurations.
•通过一个新的Overview选项卡窗口，在单个视图中显示所有仪器及其状态，方便了仪器状态可视化(图5)。
• Streamlined sequences start is achieved with just two clicks from the Overview tab. Also, it is possible to launch eWorkflows and view instrument queues from each line of the tab.
• Enhanced operativity with the Detach View function allows the Overview tab to be visualised as an independent floating window. The user can thus perform other operations on the screen (e.g., data processing) while keeping an eye on the status of the instruments of the lab.
• The monitoring of selected instruments is facilitated by setting them as ‘Favorites’ under Instrument view of the Chromeleon Console. In a laboratory with many instruments, this allows visualisation of only those that are worth monitoring.
图5。概览选项卡在Chromeleon CDS 7.3的截图。用绿色突出显示的线路是指在高通量模式下在两个注入器上运行样品的系统。

Extended applicability of the AI/AS 1610

AI/AS 1610液体自动进样器满足耐用性、可靠性和易用性的最高要求，满足高通量测试实验室的需求。新的操作能力可用于扩展分析测试实验室的适用性，并增加可靠性、健壮性和生产力。
Safe operation and improved usability are guaranteed by:
• The automatic selection of the best injection settings through recognition of the injector type and injection mode
• Easier syringe viewing and replacement thanks to the illuminated syringe compartment
• Facilitated syringe scale reading through a built-in magnifying lens
• At-a-glance monitoring with enhanced colour-coded instrument status indication
The AI/AS 1610 autosampler offers the flexibility to cover a wide variety of applications, methods, and samples thanks to enhanced sample handling capabilities and high-throughput features:
• Minimised injection-to-injection cycle time with pre-injection operations performed in advance the GC ready conditions
• Expanded applicability with large sample volume injections up to 80 μL
• Optimised solvent consumption with modifiable syringe washing volumes
• Optimised solvent washing capabilities with the selection of up to four different solvents
• Optimised viscous samples management with selectable sample drawing speed (Fast/Slow) and programmable viscosity delay (0–7 s)
• High sampling flexibility with two-layer injection mode, with layers and air gaps user definable volumes (for sandwich injection, internal standard addition, or in-needle derivatisation)

Conclusions

The Gemini configuration provides a simple and cost-effective solution to increase laboratory throughput. The simultaneous injections in two channels for unattended analyses of up to 310 samples is achieved with easy-on/off set up and connectivity thanks to the usage of a single, multi-purpose connection between each autosampler and the GC. High-throughput mode or Confirmation mode are easily enabled through Chromeleon CDS, which facilitates the monitoring of multiple parallel sequences on the same GC as well as multiple systems within the same laboratory.
Additional usability features and benefits of AI or AS 1610 liquid autosamplers in single tower or Gemini configuration, in combination with the TRACE 1600 Series GC are key to streamlining daily operations and providing what is required in a high-throughput laboratory for liquid sample injection automation.
Find out more at thermofisher.com/aias