Agela ATS-051 Multifunctional Autosampler for Preparative Liquid Chromatography
| Brand | Agela |
|---|---|
| Origin | Tianjin, China |
| Model | ATS-051 |
| Instrument Type | Preparative HPLC/LC Autosampler |
| Maximum Sample Capacity | 5 vials |
| Minimum Sample Volume per Injection | 1 mL |
| Loop Volume Range | 2–20 mL |
| Positioning Accuracy | ±0.1 mm (verified by encoder feedback) |
| Drive Mechanism | Precision Syringe Pump |
| Needle Wash | Integrated Solvent Flush with Dual-Path Solvent Selection |
| Repeat Injection Capability | Unlimited cycles per sample |
| Maximum Single Injection Volume | 50 mL |
| Compatibility | Standalone operation or integration with third-party preparative LC systems (e.g., Gilson, Biotage, Teledyne ISCO, Shimadzu, Waters) |
Overview
The Agela ATS-051 Multifunctional Autosampler is an engineered solution for automated, high-reproducibility sample introduction in preparative liquid chromatography workflows. Designed around a closed-loop syringe pump actuation system, it delivers precise volumetric delivery across a wide dynamic range—from discrete 1 mL injections to large-volume 50 mL loadings—without mechanical reconfiguration. Unlike conventional autosamplers built for analytical-scale UHPLC/HPLC, the ATS-051 employs a robust fluidic architecture optimized for medium- to high-pressure preparative applications (up to 20 MPa), supporting both isocratic and gradient elution systems. Its modular interface supports analog voltage (0–10 V), TTL trigger, and RS-232/485 communication protocols, enabling seamless synchronization with external fraction collectors, UV detectors, and system controllers from multiple OEM platforms.
Key Features
- Precision syringe-driven sampling with encoder-based position verification ensures <1% RSD in volume delivery across the full 2–50 mL injection range.
- Zero-cross-contamination design: integrated dual-solvent wash station (A/B path selection) performs pre- and post-injection needle rinsing using programmable solvent sequences, validated per ASTM D7097-22 for residual carryover assessment.
- Flexible injection modes: supports sequential single-sample injection, cross-injection (interleaved vial access), and continuous loop-based repeated injection—enabling up to 1,000+ identical injections from one vial without manual intervention.
- Modular mounting and standardized electrical/mechanical interfaces allow direct integration with Agela’s own PrepChrom series as well as third-party systems including Biotage Isolera, Teledyne ISCO Combiflash, Gilson PLC 2020, and Shimadzu LC-8A.
- Onboard non-volatile memory stores method parameters and audit trail metadata; firmware supports remote configuration via USB-C or Ethernet (optional).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ATS-051 accommodates standard 10–30 mL glass or polypropylene sample vials (threaded or snap-cap). Its chemically resistant fluid path—comprising PEEK, sapphire, and Hastelloy C-276 components—ensures compatibility with aggressive solvents (e.g., THF, DCM, TFA, concentrated acids/bases) commonly used in natural product isolation and pharmaceutical purification. The system meets mechanical safety requirements per IEC 61010-1 and is designed to operate within GLP-compliant laboratories. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified out-of-the-box, its firmware architecture supports electronic signature implementation and full audit trail logging when deployed with compliant LIMS or CDS software.
Software & Data Management
The ATS-051 operates via Agela’s PC-based PrepControl Suite (Windows 10/11, 64-bit), which provides method editor, real-time status monitoring, and event-triggered scripting (e.g., auto-start fraction collection upon UV threshold detection). All injection events—including timestamp, loop volume, syringe position, wash cycle completion, and error codes—are logged in CSV and SQLite formats. Raw data files include SHA-256 checksums for integrity verification. Optional OPC UA server module enables interoperability with industrial automation environments (e.g., DeltaV, Emerson DeltaV, Siemens Desigo).
Applications
- Preparative purification of synthetic intermediates and APIs under cGMP-aligned processes.
- High-throughput fractionation of botanical extracts and fermentation broths in natural product discovery.
- Method development for chiral separations requiring repetitive loading to optimize resolution and recovery.
- Automated column regeneration studies involving cyclic solvent strength modulation.
- Support for multi-dimensional LC workflows where primary column effluent is directly re-injected onto secondary columns.
FAQ
Does the ATS-051 support gradient-compatible injection timing?
Yes—via external TTL or analog trigger input synchronized to pump gradient profile, enabling injection at user-defined %B points.
Can the system be validated for GMP use?
It supports IQ/OQ documentation templates and includes calibration certificates traceable to NIST standards; PQ must be performed in situ per user-defined acceptance criteria.
Is needle clogging detection available?
The syringe pump monitors backpressure in real time; sustained pressure >15 MPa triggers automatic abort and diagnostic log generation.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Syringe seal replacement every 10,000 injections; rotor seal inspection every 6 months or 500 hours of operation.
How is positional accuracy verified during qualification?
Using certified gauge blocks and optical encoder readout, with tolerance set to ±0.1 mm per ISO 9001:2015 clause 7.1.5.
