Acrichi ATD I-26 Automated Single-Stage Thermal Desorber
| Brand | Acrichi |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Product Category | Domestic |
| Model | Acrichi ATD I-26 |
| Instrument Type | Single-Stage Thermal Desorber |
| Desorption Temperature Range | Ambient to 420 °C |
| Temperature Control Accuracy | ±1 °C (desorption furnace, 6-port valve, transfer line) |
| Desorption Pressure/Flow Range | 0–300 mL/min (continuously adjustable) |
| Desorption/Injection/Activation Time | 0–99 min |
| Sample Capacity | 26 positions |
| Sorbent Tube Dimensions | 6.35 mm OD × 88.9 mm L (1/4″ × 3.5″) |
| Power Consumption | 500 W |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 605 × 350 × 520 mm |
| Weight | ~30 kg |
| Desorption Recovery Efficiency | >98% |
| Flow Display | Digital electronic mass flow indication |
| Control Interface | Integrated 7-inch capacitive touchscreen |
| Method Storage | Up to 10 user-editable and recallable methods |
| Automation | Fully automated unattended operation with GC and data system synchronization |
| Leak Detection | Built-in automatic leak check routine |
| Fault Monitoring | Real-time thermal and pneumatic fault diagnostics |
Overview
The Acrichi ATD I-26 is a fully automated single-stage thermal desorption system engineered for precise, reproducible release of volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds (VOCs and SVOCs) from sorbent-packed tubes prior to gas chromatographic analysis. Operating on the principle of controlled resistive heating under inert carrier gas flow, the instrument thermally desorbs analytes trapped on standard 1/4″ OD × 3.5″ sorbent tubes—compatible with widely adopted formats including Tenax TA, Carbopack B/C, and multi-bed configurations. Its architecture integrates three independently temperature-controlled zones (desorption furnace, 6-port switching valve, and transfer line), each stabilized to ±1 °C, ensuring minimal thermal degradation and optimal analyte transfer integrity. Designed for seamless integration into regulated laboratory environments, the ATD I-26 supports method-driven workflows aligned with EPA TO-17, ISO 16017-1, and ASTM D6196 requirements for indoor air, workplace monitoring, and environmental emissions testing.
Key Features
- Fully automated batch processing of up to 26 sorbent tubes without manual intervention—ideal for high-throughput QC labs and routine environmental monitoring.
- Triple-zone independent temperature control (desorption furnace: ambient–420 °C; valve & transfer line: ambient–220 °C), all calibrated to ±1 °C accuracy for consistent desorption kinetics and peak shape fidelity.
- Digital mass flow control (0–300 mL/min) with real-time electronic display enables precise optimization of desorption purge flow and cold trap focusing (when interfaced with optional cryo-focusing modules).
- Integrated 7-inch capacitive touchscreen interface with intuitive icon-based navigation, contextual status feedback, and on-screen method editing—no external PC required for basic operation.
- Hardware-level event synchronization: triggers GC oven ramp, detector activation, and chromatography data system (CDS) acquisition via TTL or contact closure signals—fully compliant with Agilent, Thermo Fisher, Shimadzu, and PerkinElmer GC platforms.
- Comprehensive system diagnostics: automated leak verification at startup and during idle cycles; continuous thermal sensor validation; and fault logging with actionable error codes displayed on-screen and exportable via USB.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The ATD I-26 accommodates industry-standard 1/4″ OD × 3.5″ stainless steel or glass sorbent tubes, supporting both single-bed (e.g., Tenax GR) and multi-bed (e.g., Carbopack X + Carbosieve SIII + Carbopack B) configurations. It meets mechanical and operational prerequisites for EPA Method TO-17 compliance when paired with a GC–MS or GC–FID system meeting specified resolution and sensitivity criteria. The instrument’s firmware implements audit-trail-capable method execution logging—including timestamped parameter sets, operator ID (via optional network login), and thermal/pneumatic event records—facilitating alignment with GLP and ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements. While not FDA 21 CFR Part 11–certified out-of-the-box, its deterministic control logic and non-volatile method storage support validation protocols for regulated pharmaceutical or contract lab use.
Software & Data Management
Operation is managed via embedded firmware with no dependency on proprietary PC software. All 10 user-defined methods—including desorption time, flow rate, valve timing, and cooling delay—are stored in non-volatile memory with checksum verification. Each method includes full thermal and flow parameter locking, preventing accidental override during run sequences. Run logs (start/stop times, actual zone temperatures, measured flow rates, and fault events) are saved automatically to internal flash memory and exportable as CSV files via USB-A port. For laboratories requiring centralized instrument management, optional Ethernet connectivity (via third-party serial-to-Ethernet adapter) enables remote status polling and scheduled method pushes using standard Modbus TCP or ASCII command sets—compatible with LabVantage, STARLIMS, and custom SCADA integrations.
Applications
- Indoor air quality assessment per ISO 16000-6 and EPA TO-17: quantification of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylenes (BTEX), aldehydes, and terpenes from building materials and HVAC duct samples.
- Workplace exposure monitoring: analysis of occupational VOCs (e.g., styrene, chloroform, trichloroethylene) in breathing-zone air collected on sorbent tubes.
- Product emissions testing: determination of volatile organic compound emissions from automotive interior components, furniture foams, and polymer coatings.
- Environmental forensics: identification and quantification of hydrocarbon markers (e.g., n-alkanes, PAHs) in soil headspace or landfill gas screening studies.
- Method development and validation labs: platform for optimizing desorption parameters (temperature ramp rate, hold time, flow profile) across diverse sorbent chemistries and analyte classes.
FAQ
Does the ATD I-26 support cold trapping or cryofocusing?
No—the ATD I-26 is a single-stage thermal desorber and does not include an integrated cryogenic trap. However, its transfer line outlet is configured with standard 1/8″ Swagelok fittings to interface directly with external cryo-focusing units (e.g., Markes UNITY-xr or Gerstel CIS-4) for enhanced sensitivity and resolution.
Can it be used with GC–MS systems requiring splitless injection?
Yes—by configuring desorption flow and transfer line temperature to match GC inlet conditions, and using appropriate backflush or timed-event programming, the ATD I-26 delivers quantitative, reproducible injections compatible with splitless, pulsed splitless, and cold-on-column GC–MS methods.
Is method validation documentation provided?
A comprehensive hardware specification sheet, electrical safety certification (CE-marked per EN 61010-1), and factory calibration report (including temperature uniformity maps and flow linearity verification) are supplied. IQ/OQ protocol templates are available upon request for laboratory-specific validation.
What maintenance intervals are recommended?
Valve rotor seal replacement every 10,000 cycles; quartz liner cleaning after every 200 runs; annual verification of temperature sensor calibration and flow meter linearity using NIST-traceable references.
Is remote monitoring supported natively?
Not natively—the embedded controller lacks built-in Ethernet or Wi-Fi. However, serial (RS-232) output enables connection to industrial gateways or PLCs for status telemetry and alarm forwarding in automated lab environments.
