Cohesive/CTC Twin HTS PAL Automated Liquid Handling System
| Origin | Canada |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Origin Category | Imported |
| Model | Cohesive/CTC Twin HTS PAL |
| Price Range | USD 6,800 – 13,600 (FOB) |
| Product Category | Chromatography Instrumentation |
| Operational Age | 5–7 years |
| Warranty | 6 months limited parts and labor |
Overview
The Cohesive/CTC Twin HTS PAL is a high-throughput, dual-robot automated liquid handling platform engineered for integration into modern analytical workflows—particularly as an autosampler and sample preparation module for high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), high-throughput liquid chromatography (HTLC), and hyphenated systems such as LC-MS and LC-MS/MS. Based on CTC Analytics’ proven PAL (Programmable Auto-sampler) architecture and enhanced by Cohesive’s system-level integration expertise, this refurbished unit combines robust mechanical design with precise syringe-driven fluidics to deliver reproducible sample introduction, dilution, derivatization, and column switching across diverse assay formats. Its modular configuration includes an Agilent G1312A binary pump, G1310A isocratic pump, Cohesive 3-position switching valve module, and G1322A vacuum degasser—enabling flexible gradient and isocratic elution control directly at the front end of chromatographic separation.
Key Features
- Dual robotic arms (PAL-RSI and PAL-xt) operating in parallel to maximize throughput—capable of simultaneous vial picking, needle washing, and injection sequence execution.
- Integrated binary and isocratic pumping modules compliant with Agilent 1100/1200-series control protocols, supporting flow rates up to 10 mL/min and pressure tolerance up to 400 bar.
- Cohesive 3-way switching valve module enabling automated method switching between multiple columns, solvents, or derivatization reagents without manual intervention.
- Onboard G1322A vacuum degasser ensuring consistent mobile phase composition and minimizing baseline noise during extended gradient runs.
- Refurbished and fully function-tested per ISO/IEC 17025-aligned internal QA procedures—including syringe calibration verification, valve leak testing, and positional repeatability assessment (±0.1 mm XY accuracy).
- Compatible with standard 96-well and 384-well microplates, 1.5 mL and 2.0 mL screw-cap vials, and custom tube racks via configurable gripper tooling.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The Twin HTS PAL accommodates aqueous, organic, and mixed-phase samples within typical HPLC solvent compatibility limits (e.g., water, acetonitrile, methanol, THF, DMSO). It supports injection volumes from 0.1 µL to 100 µL with <2% RSD precision (n=6) under standardized conditions. All fluidic components are chemically resistant to common HPLC-grade solvents and low-concentration acids/bases. The system meets general requirements for GLP-compliant laboratories when deployed with audit-trail-enabled software (see Software & Data Management). While not certified to specific FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, its hardware architecture supports validated configurations when integrated with compliant LIMS or CDS platforms.
Software & Data Management
The system operates under CTC’s PAL Control Software v3.x or later, supporting method programming via intuitive graphical workflow editors and script-based automation (PAL Script language). It communicates via RS-232, USB, or Ethernet to third-party chromatography data systems (CDS), including Agilent OpenLab CDS, Thermo Chromeleon, Waters Empower, and Shimadzu LabSolutions. Audit trail generation, electronic signatures, and user access control can be implemented through host CDS validation packages. Raw log files—including timestamped valve actuation events, syringe position traces, and pump status flags—are retained locally and exportable in CSV or XML format for regulatory review.
Applications
- High-throughput screening (HTS) in pharmaceutical discovery pipelines requiring rapid, unattended analysis of >1,000 compounds/day.
- Automated sample prep for bioanalytical LC-MS quantification (e.g., plasma, urine, tissue homogenates) with integrated protein precipitation or solid-phase extraction (SPE) routines.
- Method development support for multidimensional LC (2D-LC), heart-cutting, and comprehensive LC×LC configurations using synchronized valve switching.
- Quality control labs performing routine stability-indicating assays where injection precision and carryover minimization (<0.005%) are critical per ICH Q2(R2) guidelines.
- Academic core facilities serving multiple research groups with shared instrumentation needs across metabolomics, proteomics, and environmental analysis.
FAQ
Is this unit compatible with non-Agilent HPLC systems?
Yes—the Twin HTS PAL uses industry-standard TTL and RS-232 trigger signals and supports generic command sets, enabling integration with Shimadzu, Waters, Thermo, and other vendor platforms via custom protocol mapping.
What documentation accompanies the refurbished unit?
Each system ships with a full refurbishment report, functional test summary, calibration certificates for syringe volume and positional accuracy, and original OEM manuals (English). No original purchase invoices are included.
Can the system be upgraded with newer firmware or additional modules?
Firmware updates are available directly from CTC Analytics upon registration; optional add-ons include cooled sample trays (-10 °C to 40 °C), barcode readers, and robotic arm extensions for larger deck configurations.
Does the 6-month warranty cover software-related issues?
The warranty covers hardware defects and factory-refurbished component failures only; software licensing, configuration, or CDS integration support is provided separately under technical assistance agreements.
