HTA HT4000L Multifunctional Liquid Chromatography Autosampler
| Brand | HTA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Italy |
| Model | HTA HT4000L |
| Sample Capacity | 176 × 2 mL vials |
| Minimum Injection Volume | 0.1 µL |
| Loop Volume | 2 mL |
| Positioning Accuracy | < 0.1 mm |
| Motion System | XYZ three-axis robotic arm |
| Needle Wash | Internal & external hydrogen gas purge |
| Compatibility | Universal interface for all HPLC, UHPLC, IC, nanoLC, and LC/MS systems |
Overview
The HTA HT4000L is a high-precision, modular multifunctional autosampler engineered for universal integration into liquid chromatography workflows—from routine QC analysis to advanced LC/MS method development and automated sample preparation. Based on Couette-flow–optimized syringe-driven injection and XYZ robotic positioning architecture, it delivers sub-microliter volumetric accuracy and nanoliter-level repeatability across diverse injection volumes (0.1–2000 µL). Its open-architecture design supports bidirectional communication via industry-standard protocols (RS-232, Ethernet, TTL), enabling seamless interoperability with third-party chromatography data systems (CDS) including Waters Empower, Thermo Chromeleon, Agilent OpenLab, and Shimadzu LabSolutions—without proprietary lock-in.
Key Features
- Universal sample carrier compatibility: accommodates 2 mL, 4 mL, 6 mL, 10 mL, 20 mL, and 40 mL vials; Eppendorf® tubes; Vacutainer® collection tubes; 96-well and 384-well microplates; and custom Well Format Tubes.
- High-density rack configuration: up to 176 × 2 mL vials per run, with interchangeable rack modules enabling rapid reconfiguration between analytical, preparative, or high-throughput screening layouts.
- Sub-0.1 mm XYZ positioning repeatability ensures consistent needle insertion depth and minimal carryover—critical for trace-level LC/MS quantitation and regulated bioanalysis.
- Integrated hydrogen-purged needle wash system cleans both internal lumen and external needle surface in real time, reducing cross-contamination risk below ISO 17025 detection limits.
- Modular expansion support: field-installable options include refrigerated sample compartment (4–15 °C), vortex-assisted homogenization module, heated vial holder (up to 80 °C), reaction chamber for on-deck derivatization, barcode reader (BCR) for LIMS traceability, flow cell for inline UV monitoring, and Mini-Uniprep® filtration adapter.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The HT4000L meets the mechanical and functional requirements of ISO/IEC 17025:2017 for accredited testing laboratories and supports audit-ready operation under GLP and GMP environments. Its hardware-level event logging—including timestamped injection records, wash cycle logs, temperature/humidity metadata, and rack ID tracking—enables full traceability aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 electronic record and signature compliance when paired with validated CDS software. All fluidic pathways are constructed from chemically inert PEEK and stainless steel 316L, certified for use with aggressive solvents (e.g., TFA, HFIP, DCM) and biological matrices without degradation or leaching.
Software & Data Management
HTA Autosampler Manager (free desktop application) provides intuitive method building, sequence scheduling, and real-time status monitoring. It exports structured CSV and XML logs compatible with LIMS and ELN platforms. The software supports method version control, user role-based access (admin/operator/auditor), and electronic signature capture for SOP adherence. Optional HTAPREP add-on enables scripting of complex sample prep routines—including multi-step dilution series, column-switching sequences, pH adjustment via acid/base spiking, and internal standard co-injection—executed autonomously without CDS intervention.
Applications
The HT4000L serves as a platform for analytical, preparative, and hyphenated techniques: reversed-phase and HILIC HPLC; ion chromatography (IC); nanoLC for proteomics; two-dimensional LC (2D-LC); and quantitative LC/MS/MS in clinical toxicology, pharmaceutical stability testing, environmental residue analysis, and food safety screening. Its programmable loop volume (2 mL standard, configurable to 5 mL or 10 mL) supports both narrow-bore capillary columns and wide-bore preparative columns. For regulated environments, its deterministic injection timing and hardware-level error recovery ensure uninterrupted sequence execution during unattended overnight runs.
FAQ
Is the HT4000L compatible with my existing HPLC or LC/MS system?
Yes—it features universal analog/digital I/O and software-agnostic trigger protocols, supporting direct integration with all major OEM platforms without requiring firmware modification.
Can I upgrade cooling or heating capabilities after purchase?
Yes—all thermal modules are field-upgradable via plug-and-play connectors and require no recalibration.
Does the system support 21 CFR Part 11 compliance?
When operated with validated CDS and HTA Autosampler Manager v3.2+, it provides electronic audit trails, user authentication, and non-erasable method logs required for regulated submissions.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Needle seal replacement every 10,000 injections; syringe calibration verification quarterly; full fluidic path cleaning after 500 injections with viscous or protein-rich samples.
Is custom rack design available?
Yes—HTA offers CAD-supported rack engineering services; typical lead time is 12–16 business days from approval.
