Colintech AutoHSS Automated Headspace-Solid Phase Microextraction Sampler
| Brand | Colintech |
|---|---|
| Origin | Sichuan, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Direct Manufacturer |
| Origin Category | Domestic (China) |
| Model | AutoHSS |
| Quotation | Upon Request |
| Vial Capacity | 20 mL |
| Sample Throughput | 40 samples per batch |
| Extraction Temperature Range | 40–210 °C |
Overview
The Colintech AutoHSS is an automated dual-mode sampling platform engineered for precise, reproducible headspace (HS) and solid-phase microextraction (SPME) sample introduction into gas chromatography (GC) or GC-MS systems. It operates on the principle of equilibrium-based partitioning—where volatile and semi-volatile analytes migrate from the liquid or solid matrix into the headspace above the sample, followed by selective adsorption onto a coated SPME fiber. This thermodynamically controlled process enables quantitative analysis without solvent use, minimizing matrix interference and enhancing sensitivity for trace-level volatiles. Designed for routine QC laboratories and method development environments, the AutoHSS integrates thermal control, robotic autosampling, and programmable sequence execution within a fully sealed transport path—ensuring integrity of low-boiling compounds (e.g., BTEX, chlorinated solvents, ethanol, and light aldehydes) that are prone to loss or degradation in open-loop systems.
Key Features
- Automated dual-mode operation: seamless switching between headspace injection and SPME fiber exposure modes via software-defined method selection
- Hermetically sealed sample pathway: all vial piercing, fiber insertion, and transfer steps occur within a nitrogen-purged, temperature-stabilized chamber to prevent ambient contamination and analyte loss
- Precise thermal management: independently controlled oven (40–210 °C, ±0.5 °C accuracy) with rapid ramping and stable equilibration for optimized partitioning kinetics
- High-throughput sequencing: 40-position sample carousel compatible with standard 20 mL crimp-top headspace vials; supports unattended overnight runs
- Modular fiber handling: motorized SPME fiber holder with auto-retraction, thermal desorption positioning, and wear-compensated needle guidance for extended fiber lifetime
- Robust mechanical architecture: stainless-steel chassis, precision stepper-driven actuators, and maintenance-free linear guides ensure long-term operational stability under GLP-compliant usage
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The AutoHSS accommodates aqueous, viscous, and heterogeneous matrices—including environmental water, fermented beverages, pharmaceutical suspensions, polymer extracts, and food homogenates—without requiring centrifugation or filtration. Its sealed vial interface maintains pressure integrity during equilibration, enabling accurate HS analysis of high-volatility analytes (bp < 100 °C) per ASTM D7622 and ISO 11843-2 guidelines. The system supports compliance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when integrated with validated LIMS or Chromatography Data Systems (CDS), offering full audit trails for method parameters, run sequences, and operator actions. All hardware components meet IEC 61000-6-3 EMC standards and RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU material restrictions.
Software & Data Management
Controlled via Colintech’s HSS-Link™ software (Windows 10/11 compatible), the AutoHSS provides intuitive method building with multi-step thermal profiles (equilibration, extraction, agitation, desorption), customizable hold times, and real-time status monitoring. Sequence files include metadata tagging (sample ID, analyst, date/time stamp, instrument ID) and support CSV export for traceability. Software logs retain ≥18 months of operational history, including temperature deviations, vial recognition events, and fiber deployment cycles—facilitating internal audits and regulatory inspections. Optional API integration allows bidirectional communication with Thermo Fisher Chromeleon, Agilent OpenLab CDS, or Waters Empower for centralized workflow orchestration.
Applications
- Environmental testing: quantification of VOCs in groundwater, soil leachates, and indoor air condensates per EPA Method 502.2 and 8260D
- Pharmaceutical quality control: residual solvent analysis in APIs and excipients (ICH Q3C compliant)
- Food & beverage safety: ethanol profiling in wines, acetaldehyde detection in PET-packaged juices, and off-flavor compound screening in dairy products
- Forensic toxicology: blood alcohol concentration (BAC) determination and volatile metabolite screening in biological fluids
- Materials science: outgassing characterization of adhesives, coatings, and 3D-printed polymers under accelerated aging conditions
FAQ
Does the AutoHSS support both manual and automated SPME fiber loading?
Yes—fibers can be pre-loaded manually into the carrier or installed using the optional FiberLoad™ accessory for fully automated fiber exchange across batches.
Can the system be integrated with third-party GC instruments?
Yes—the AutoHSS features standard GC trigger outputs (TTL), analog signal inputs for oven temperature feedback, and RS-232/USB interfaces compatible with major GC vendors’ external start protocols.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for optimal performance?
Daily: vial septum inspection and chamber purge verification
Monthly: fiber guide cleaning and syringe needle calibration
Annually: full thermal sensor validation and robotic arm positional recalibration per manufacturer’s service manual.
Is method validation documentation available?
Colintech provides IQ/OQ documentation templates aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 and USP guidelines; full PQ support requires site-specific protocol development in collaboration with certified application engineers.
