Agilent 6890 Gas Chromatograph with CTC Analytics PAL LSI 85 Liquid Autosampler

Overview

The Agilent 6890 Gas Chromatograph paired with the CTC Analytics PAL LSI 85 Liquid Autosampler constitutes a rigorously validated, second-hand analytical platform engineered for high-throughput, reproducible gas chromatographic analysis in regulated and research environments. The 6890 GC employs split/splitless injection, programmable temperature vaporizing (PTV) inlet capability (when configured), and fifth-generation Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) to deliver precise, digitally regulated carrier gas flow across multiple columns and detector configurations—including FID, TCD, ECD, and NPD. Its oven architecture supports rapid heating and cooling (≤ 220 °C/min ramp rate, ≤ 4.5 min cool-down from 300 °C to 50 °C), enabling shortened cycle times without compromising resolution. The PAL LSI 85 is an XYZ-axis robotic liquid handling system designed for seamless integration with GC and LC platforms. It operates via syringe-based aspiration and dispense, supporting vial racks (up to 110 × 12 mm), 96-well microplates, custom trays, and optional on-deck vortex mixing for homogenization prior to injection—eliminating manual sample preparation steps.

Key Features

• Agilent 6890 GC: Fully functional EPC modules calibrated for helium, hydrogen, or nitrogen carrier gases; dual-channel configuration with independent temperature and flow control;
• PAL LSI 85: Precision XYZ motion control with ±0.1 mm positional repeatability; syringe volume options up to 100 µL; programmable wash cycles with solvent selection (up to 3 solvents); integrated needle wash station;
• Instrument diagnostics: Real-time self-monitoring of detector status, column flow integrity, oven temperature stability, and inlet pressure deviations;
• Robust firmware: GC runs controlled via Agilent ChemStation Rev. A.03.04 or later; PAL LSI controlled via CTC CombiPAL software with method synchronization and sequence logging;
• Pre-owned validation: Unit fully refurbished and performance-verified per ASTM D3612 Annex A1 and ISO 17025-aligned protocols at Spectralab Scientific Inc.’s ISO 9001-certified facility;
• Hardware readiness: Includes standard split/splitless inlet, FID detector, 30 m × 0.32 mm × 0.25 µm DB-5ms column, and PAL LSI 85 with 10-position vial rack and vortex module.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The system accommodates liquid samples ranging from volatile organics (e.g., BTEX, chlorinated solvents) to semi-volatiles (e.g., PAHs, phthalates) and derivatized analytes. Sample matrices include environmental water extracts, pharmaceutical formulations, petrochemical distillates, and food-grade oils. PAL LSI 85 supports aqueous, organic, and viscous solutions (up to 20 cP) with minimal carryover (< 0.01% verified per USP ). All firmware and software logs retain full audit trails compliant with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when operated under ChemStation with electronic signatures enabled. System documentation includes calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards, IQ/OQ records, and a full maintenance history report.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition and processing are performed using Agilent ChemStation (GC data system), supporting peak integration, retention time locking (RTL), and spectral library searching (when coupled with MS). PAL LSI 85 integrates natively via RS-232 or Ethernet, allowing synchronized method execution—sample vial identification, injection volume, dwell time, and post-injection wash parameters are defined within a single sequence file. Raw data (.D files) and audit logs are stored in secure, timestamped directories with user-access controls. Backups comply with GLP archival standards: raw data retained ≥ 2 years; method files and instrument logs retained ≥ 5 years.

Applications

• Environmental testing: EPA Method 8260D (VOCs in water), 8270E (SVOCs in soil/sediment);
• Pharmaceutical QC: Residual solvent analysis per ICH Q2(R2) and USP ;
• Petrochemical QA: Hydrocarbon type analysis (HTA) and simulated distillation (ASTM D2887);
• Food safety: Pesticide residue screening (AOAC 2007.01), flavor compound profiling;
• Academic research: Reaction monitoring, polymer degradation product identification, metabolite quantification.

FAQ

Is this system compatible with mass spectrometry detection?
Yes—the 6890 GC features a standard MS interface port and has been successfully coupled with Agilent 5973N and 5975 series MSDs. Retrofitting requires vacuum manifold verification and transfer line calibration.
What documentation accompanies the instrument?
Each unit ships with a Certificate of Refurbishment, full operational test report (including baseline noise, retention time precision, and detector sensitivity data), EPC calibration logs, and a 6-month hardware warranty certificate.
Can the PAL LSI 85 be upgraded to support solid-phase microextraction (SPME)?
No—the PAL LSI 85 is a liquid-handling-only platform. SPME functionality requires the PAL RTC or CTC COMBI-PAL SPME modules, which are not included nor retrofittable to the LSI 85 chassis.
Is remote diagnostic support available post-purchase?
Yes—Spectralab provides Tier-2 remote troubleshooting via TeamViewer-assisted ChemStation log review and PAL firmware diagnostics for the duration of the warranty period.
Are replacement consumables included?
A starter kit (10 FID jets, 5 inlet septa, 2 O-rings, and 100 GC vials with crimp caps) is provided at no additional cost.