HUIFEN ALS-24 Automated Liquid Sampler for Headspace Analysis
| Brand | HUIFEN |
|---|---|
| Origin | Shandong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | ALS-24 |
| Instrument Type | Dynamic Headspace Autosampler |
| Automation Level | Fully Automatic |
| Sample Capacity | 24-position |
| Solvent Options | Up to 4 programmable rinse solvents (pre- and post-injection) |
| Thermal Independence | Injection mechanism operates independently of GC inlet temperature |
Overview
The HUIFEN ALS-24 Automated Liquid Sampler is a dedicated dynamic headspace autosampler engineered for seamless integration with gas chromatography (GC) systems in regulated and research-intensive laboratory environments. Unlike static headspace samplers, the ALS-24 employs a continuous purge-and-trap methodology—drawing carrier gas through liquid or solid samples to volatilize analytes, which are then concentrated on a trap and thermally desorbed into the GC column. This dynamic approach delivers superior sensitivity and reproducibility for trace-level volatile organic compound (VOC) analysis, particularly in environmental monitoring, food safety testing, pharmaceutical residual solvent quantification (per USP and ICH Q3C), and forensic toxicology workflows.
Key Features
- Self-Aligning 24-Position Carousel: Precision stepper-motor-driven positioning ensures repeatable syringe needle alignment with vial septa without manual calibration—minimizing carryover and maximizing injection accuracy across extended unattended runs.
- Tool-Free Maintenance Access: The slide-in chassis design allows rapid removal of the sampling arm, syringe assembly, and wash station for routine cleaning or component replacement—reducing instrument downtime and supporting GLP-compliant preventive maintenance logs.
- Single-Cable Integration: A single industrial-grade cable carries RS-485 communication, TTL synchronization signals, and 24 VDC power—eliminating cable clutter, simplifying installation, and improving electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in multi-instrument GC laboratories.
- Multi-Solvent Programmable Rinse Protocol: Supports up to four independent solvent channels (e.g., methanol, acetone, water, ethyl acetate) with customizable pre-injection flush, post-injection wash, and deep-cleaning cycles—effectively mitigating cross-contamination for complex sample matrices such as wastewater extracts or polymer leachates.
- Thermally Decoupled Sampling Mechanism: The syringe drive and needle actuation subsystem operate at ambient temperature regardless of GC inlet conditions (up to 400 °C), ensuring consistent injection volume and minimizing thermal degradation of thermally labile compounds (e.g., formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, low-MW esters).
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ALS-24 accommodates standard 10–22 mL headspace vials with crimp or screw caps (including ASTM D3699-compliant closures) and supports both aqueous and non-aqueous matrices—including soils (EPA Method 502.2), beverages (AOAC 992.17), pharmaceutical intermediates, and polymer packaging extracts. Its firmware architecture enables audit-trail-enabled method storage and execution, aligning with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when paired with compliant GC data systems (e.g., OpenLab CDS, Chromeleon). All mechanical movements comply with ISO 13849-1 PL d safety standards, and electrical design meets IEC 61000-6-3 EMC emission limits.
Software & Data Management
Controlled via HUIFEN’s HS-Control Suite (v3.2+), the ALS-24 supports method-based scheduling, real-time status monitoring (vial position, solvent level, trap temperature), and automatic error logging (e.g., needle clog detection, vial misalignment, pressure fault). Raw event logs—including timestamped injection sequences, solvent usage counters, and maintenance alerts—are exportable in CSV/ASCII format for LIMS integration. Optional OPC UA server module enables bidirectional communication with MES or centralized lab automation platforms, facilitating compliance with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.7 (result reporting) and Annex A3 (equipment management).
Applications
- Regulatory VOC screening in drinking water per EPA Method 524.4 and ISO 15681-2
- Residual solvent profiling in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) per ICH Q3C Class 1–3 limits
- Flavor and fragrance compound profiling in dairy and fermented products (ISO 11015)
- Off-gas analysis from lithium-ion battery electrolytes and cathode materials
- Quality control of epoxy resin curing agents and silicone sealants
FAQ
Does the ALS-24 support cold trapping for enhanced sensitivity?
Yes—the optional cryo-cooling module (ALS-CT-24) integrates with the trap oven to achieve −30 °C trapping temperatures, improving LODs by up to 5× for C2–C6 hydrocarbons.
Can it be used with GC-MS systems requiring high vacuum integrity?
Absolutely—the sampling path features metal-sealed valves and helium-leak-tested manifolds (<1×10⁻⁹ mbar·L/s), validated per ASTM E1912 for ultra-high vacuum compatibility.
Is method transfer possible between different GC platforms?
Yes—HS-Control Suite exports methods as XML templates compatible with Agilent, Thermo Fisher, and Shimadzu GC controllers, enabling cross-platform validation per ICH Q2(R2) guidelines.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for GMP environments?
Daily: Syringe rinse verification; Weekly: Septum penetration depth check; Quarterly: Trap desorption efficiency test using certified benzene standard (NIST SRM 1648a).

