Agilent 7697A Headspace Sampler (Refurbished)
| Brand | Agilent Technologies |
|---|---|
| Origin | USA |
| Model | 7697A |
| Sample Capacity | Up to 111 vials (auto-sampler mode) |
| Vial Sizes Supported | 10 mL, 20 mL, 22 mL |
| Oven Temperature Range | Ambient to 200 °C |
| Transfer Line & Valve Temperature Range | Ambient to 200 °C |
| Injection Mode | Six-port valve with fixed-volume loop |
| Carrier Gas Control | Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) for He, N₂, H₂ |
| Software Compatibility | Agilent OpenLAB CDS and ChemStation |
| Compliance | Designed for GLP/GMP environments |
Overview
The Agilent 7697A Headspace Sampler is a precision-engineered, fully automated headspace sampling system designed for seamless integration with Agilent gas chromatographs—including the 7820A, 7890A/B, and 8890 series. It operates on the principle of equilibrium headspace analysis: volatile analytes partition between a liquid or solid sample matrix and its overlying vapor phase under controlled temperature and time conditions. Once equilibrium is achieved, a precise volume of the equilibrated headspace vapor is transferred via a heated six-port valve and fixed-volume loop into the GC inlet. This method eliminates matrix interference, minimizes contamination risk, and delivers high reproducibility for trace-level volatile organic compound (VOC) quantification—critical in regulated analytical workflows.
Key Features
- Programmable temperature control across three independent zones: sample oven (ambient to 200 °C), transfer line (ambient to 200 °C), and injection valve (ambient to 200 °C), ensuring consistent vapor-phase integrity during transport.
- High-capacity autosampler capable of unattended operation with up to 111 standard 10/20/22 mL headspace vials—ideal for environmental monitoring labs processing large batches of water or soil extracts.
- Electronic Pressure Control (EPC) enables precise, repeatable regulation of carrier gas pressure and flow rates for helium, nitrogen, or hydrogen, supporting method transfer and retention time stability.
- Integrated leak detection system performs automatic pressure decay testing prior to each sequence, validating system integrity and preventing erroneous results due to undetected leaks.
- Dual cleaning cycles—vapor path purge and needle wash—minimize carryover between samples, especially essential for high-concentration VOC standards or residual solvent assays.
- Robust mechanical architecture with stainless-steel fluidic pathways and ceramic-coated heating elements ensures long-term thermal stability and corrosion resistance in routine QC environments.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The 7697A accommodates standard crimp-top or screw-cap headspace vials (10 mL, 20 mL, and 22 mL formats), compatible with Agilent’s certified vial kits and septa. It supports both static and dynamic headspace modes (via optional accessories), though its primary configuration is static equilibrium sampling. The system meets foundational requirements for ISO 17025-accredited laboratories and is routinely deployed in applications aligned with EPA Methods 502.2, 524.4, 8260D, and USP <467> for residual solvents. When operated with Agilent OpenLAB CDS configured for 21 CFR Part 11 compliance—including electronic signatures, audit trail logging, and user access controls—the 7697A satisfies GxP data integrity expectations in pharmaceutical and contract research settings.
Software & Data Management
Control and method development are executed through Agilent OpenLAB Chromatography Data System (CDS) or legacy ChemStation software. Both platforms provide graphical sequence setup, real-time status monitoring, and integrated calibration curve generation. OpenLAB CDS offers enhanced security features: role-based permissions, encrypted audit trails with immutable timestamps, and automated backup policies—all configurable to align with internal SOPs and external regulatory inspections. Raw data files (.D directories) retain full acquisition metadata, including vial position, oven ramp profiles, valve timing events, and EPC pressure logs—enabling full forensic traceability.
Applications
- Environmental Analysis: Quantification of chlorinated hydrocarbons, BTEX compounds, and trihalomethanes in drinking water, wastewater, and groundwater per EPA protocols.
- Pharmaceutical Quality Control: Residual solvent testing in active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and final drug products per ICH Q3C guidelines and USP <467>.
- Food & Beverage Safety: Flavor compound profiling, ethanol content verification, and off-odor contaminant screening (e.g., geosmin, 2-methylisoborneol) in beverages and dairy products.
- Chemical Manufacturing: Batch release testing of monomers, catalysts, and reaction intermediates where low-boiling impurities impact polymerization kinetics or product shelf life.
FAQ
Is this unit factory-refurbished or dealer-refurbished?
This Agilent 7697A has undergone comprehensive third-party refurbishment by an Agilent-authorized service partner, including full functional validation, leak testing, temperature calibration verification, and replacement of wear-prone components (valve seals, syringe O-rings, and vial tray actuators).
Does it include a GC interface kit?
Yes—each unit ships with the standard Agilent 7697A-to-GC interface hardware, including heated transfer line, mounting bracket, and EPC communication cable compatible with 7890-series and newer GC models.
Can it be validated for GMP use?
Absolutely. Documentation packages—including IQ/OQ protocols, calibration certificates, and maintenance logs—are available upon request. Optional PQ support and vendor-supervised installation can be arranged.
What is the typical lead time for delivery and startup support?
Units are bench-tested and ready for shipment within 5 business days of order confirmation. Remote startup assistance and basic method transfer guidance are included at no additional cost.
