Cleket AS-3901AS Automated Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME) and Liquid Autosampling System

Overview

The Cleket AS-3901AS is a fully automated, modular autosampling platform engineered for high-precision liquid injection and solid-phase microextraction (SPME) workflows in gas chromatography (GC) laboratories. Unlike conventional single-function autosamplers, the AS-3901AS integrates dual operational modes—liquid-phase injection and SPME sample preparation—within a unified mechanical architecture based on a high-stability rotary carousel drive system. Its core measurement principle relies on precise syringe displacement control (for liquid injection) and thermally regulated, position-synchronized SPME fiber handling (for extraction, aging, desorption, and direct GC inlet insertion). Designed for compatibility with all major GC platforms—including Agilent, Thermo Fisher, Shimadzu, and PerkinElmer—the system operates independently of the GC’s injection port, enabling concurrent dual-port operation without hardware modification. The AS-3901AS supports method-driven automation under GLP-compliant environments and is routinely deployed in environmental analysis, food safety testing, forensic toxicology, and pharmaceutical residual solvent quantification.

Key Features

• Dual-mode operation: seamless switching between liquid injection and SPME via interchangeable 160-position (2 mL vial) and 36-position (10/20 mL vial) sample trays—no tooling or recalibration required.
• 6.5-inch high-resolution capacitive touchscreen interface with customizable method templates, real-time status monitoring, and audit-trail-enabled parameter logging.
• High-fidelity motion control using closed-loop stepper motors; achieves positioning repeatability better than ±0.3 mm across full carousel rotation and Z-axis needle depth adjustment (2–30 mm).
• Configurable quantitative loop selection (1–500 µL) and user-defined injection speed profiles (fast/medium/slow/custom), optimized for samples ranging from low-viscosity aqueous standards to high-boiling-point petroleum fractions.
• Integrated SPME module with independent temperature-controlled aging (RT–350 °C, ±1 °C), extraction (RT–150 °C, ±1 °C), and thermal desorption (RT–350 °C, ±1 °C) zones, plus programmable magnetic stirring (0–1500 rpm) and nitrogen purge capability.
• Automated SPME fiber insertion with adjustable penetration depth—enabling headspace (gas-phase), direct immersion (liquid-phase), and membrane-assisted sampling configurations.
• Full-needle cleaning protocol with simultaneous internal and external rinsing using selectable solvents; unlimited cleaning cycles per injection to minimize carryover and cross-contamination.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AS-3901AS accommodates standard GC vial formats (2 mL crimp-top, 10/20 mL screw-cap) and supports industry-standard SPME fibers (e.g., PDMS, CAR/PDMS, DVB/CAR/PDMS) from Supelco, Restek, and other ISO-certified suppliers. All thermal modules comply with IEC 61000-4 electromagnetic compatibility standards and meet CE marking requirements for laboratory instrumentation. Temperature control algorithms adhere to ASTM E2738-20 (Standard Practice for Calibration of Thermal Analyzers) traceability principles. When operated with validated methods and electronic logbook enabled, the system satisfies FDA 21 CFR Part 11 data integrity requirements—including user authentication, electronic signatures, and immutable audit trails—for regulated QC/QA laboratories.

Software & Data Management

The embedded firmware supports ASCII-based method export/import and CSV-formatted run logs compatible with LIMS integration (e.g., LabWare, STARLIMS). Optional Cleket GC-Link software provides advanced scheduling, multi-method queuing, and real-time error diagnostics—including syringe pressure monitoring, vial detection verification, and fiber breakage alerts. All method parameters, execution timestamps, and maintenance records are stored locally with SHA-256 hashing for tamper-evident archiving. Remote monitoring via Ethernet or RS-232 enables centralized fleet management across multi-instrument labs without requiring third-party middleware.

Applications

• Residual solvent analysis in APIs per ICH Q3C guidelines, using headspace SPME coupled with PTV injection.
• Volatile organic compound (VOC) profiling in drinking water per EPA Method 524.4, leveraging automated fiber aging and thermal desorption.
• Flavor compound screening in beverages and dairy products via direct immersion SPME and cold-on-column transfer.
• Forensic toxicology screening for drugs of abuse in blood plasma, applying mixed-mode SPME fibers with online derivatization compatibility.
• High-throughput pesticide residue testing in fruits and vegetables per EN 15662:2018, utilizing large-volume liquid injection (up to 500 µL) with splitless transfer.

FAQ

Does the AS-3901AS support dual GC inlet operation simultaneously?
Yes—its independent injector arm design allows concurrent use of two GC inlets without signal interference or mechanical conflict.
Can SPME fiber aging and extraction be programmed as separate steps within one method?
Yes—each thermal zone (aging, extraction, desorption) operates under independent time/temperature/stirring schedules, fully scriptable via the touchscreen interface.
Is method validation documentation available for regulatory submissions?
Cleket provides IQ/OQ protocols, calibration certificates for temperature and volume modules, and a comprehensive 21 CFR Part 11 readiness guide upon request.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for long-term precision?
Syringe calibration verification every 2000 injections; carousel bearing lubrication annually; SPME fiber holder inspection quarterly.
Can custom vial racks be fabricated for non-standard container formats?
Yes—Cleket offers OEM mechanical interface drawings and supports third-party rack integration under NDA.