Gerstel MPS2 Liquid and Headspace Autosampler

Overview

The Gerstel MPS2 Liquid and Headspace Autosampler is a modular, high-precision automated sample introduction platform engineered for seamless integration with gas chromatography (GC) and GC–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) systems. Based on Gerstel’s proven dual-stage robotic arm architecture, the MPS2 implements precise syringe-based liquid injection and pressure-controlled headspace sampling via programmable vial pressurization, equilibration, and transfer—enabling reproducible quantification of volatile and semi-volatile analytes in complex matrices. Designed to meet the operational rigor of regulated laboratories, the system supports method-driven workflows compliant with ISO/IEC 17025, ASTM D3699 (for fuel analysis), USP (residual solvents), and EPA Methods 502.2, 524.2, and 8260. Its mechanical design incorporates stainless-steel fluid paths, temperature-stabilized sample trays (±0.5 °C), and inert PTFE/sapphire valve manifolds to minimize carryover (<0.01%) and adsorption artifacts.

Key Features

• Modular hardware architecture supporting simultaneous configuration of liquid injection, headspace, thermal desorption (TDS/TDU), and derivatization modules
• Remote Start Manager (RSM) enabling instrument-triggered GC sequence initiation via TTL or Ethernet handshake—eliminating manual intervention
• Integrated Agitator/Incubator module with programmable shaking speed (0–1,200 rpm) and temperature control (4–150 °C) for kinetic headspace equilibration
• Universal Peltier Cooling (UPC) unit maintaining vial temperatures from −10 °C to +150 °C with ±0.3 °C stability for cryo-focusing and cold-trap applications
• Pneumatic derivatization interface compatible with BSTFA, HCl, and diazomethane reagents under controlled pressure and timing
• Modular Analytical Systems (MAS) Controller C506 providing centralized firmware management, real-time status monitoring, and hardware diagnostics
• Full bidirectional communication with Agilent ChemStation, OpenLab CDS, and MassHunter via native Gerstel GxControl driver (v4.5+)

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MPS2 accommodates standard 10–22 mL headspace vials (crimp or screw-cap), 1.5–4 mL GC vials, and 96-well microtiter plates. It supports aqueous, viscous, particulate-laden, and high-salinity samples through optional filtration probes and high-pressure syringe pumps (up to 100 bar). All configurations are validated per ICH Q2(R2) guidelines for precision (RSD <1.5% for n=6 injections), linearity (r² ≥0.999 over 3 orders of magnitude), and robustness across ambient humidity (30–70% RH) and lab temperature (15–30 °C) ranges. The system logs full audit trails—including operator ID, method version, timestamped hardware events, and calibration history—in accordance with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements when deployed with electronic signature-enabled CDS.

Software & Data Management

GxControl software provides unified method development, sequence building, and instrument supervision. Methods store complete hardware parameter sets (e.g., incubation time, transfer line temp, syringe wash cycles) as XML-based templates, ensuring cross-platform portability between MPS2 units. Raw data files (.gxd) embed metadata required for GLP/GMP traceability: vial position, actual equilibration temperature, headspace pressure deviation (<±2 kPa), and syringe plunger position feedback. Integration with LIMS via ASTM E1578-compliant ODBC drivers enables automated result routing and QC flagging. Software updates are delivered through Gerstel’s secure firmware portal; no internet connection is required during routine operation.

Applications

• Residual solvent analysis in pharmaceuticals (ICH Q3C) and excipients
• Volatile organic compound (VOC) profiling in environmental water, soil extracts, and air canisters
• Flavor and fragrance compound quantification in beverages, dairy, and essential oils
• Reaction monitoring in catalytic chemistry using time-resolved headspace sampling
• Automated derivatization-GC for fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) analysis per AOAC 996.06
• Thermal desorption of sorbent tubes (Tenax, Carbopack) coupled to GC–MS for indoor air quality testing

FAQ

Is this a refurbished or used unit—and what refurbishment standards apply?
This MPS2 system has undergone full functional validation at SpectraLab Scientific’s ISO 17025-accredited test facility, including syringe accuracy verification (gravimetrically confirmed ±0.5% at 1–100 µL), headspace pressure calibration (NIST-traceable transducer), and robotic arm repeatability testing (±0.1 mm positional tolerance). All consumables (septa, liners, syringes) were replaced; firmware updated to latest stable release.
Does the 6-month warranty cover both hardware and software support?
Yes—the warranty includes onsite labor, replacement of defective modules (controller, agitator, UPC), and remote GxControl troubleshooting. Exclusions: damage from improper installation, third-party modifications, or misuse outside specified operating conditions.
Can the MPS2 be integrated with non-Agilent GC platforms?
Yes—Gerstel provides OEM drivers for Thermo Fisher ISQ, Shimadzu GC-2010 Plus, and PerkinElmer Clarus SQ8 via RS-232, USB, or Ethernet. Custom API integration is available under NDA for proprietary CDS environments.
What documentation is provided with the instrument?
You receive a Certificate of Conformance, full test report (including calibration certificates for pressure and temperature sensors), GxControl license key, and original Gerstel user manuals (English). No Chinese-language documentation is included.