MNK MQ701-6S Automated Gas Bag Autosampler for GC and GC-MS

Overview

The MNK MQ701-6S Automated Gas Bag Autosampler is a dedicated, network-enabled sampling interface engineered for precise, reproducible introduction of gaseous samples from Tedlar® or fluoropolymer gas bags into gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) systems. It operates on a vacuum-driven, pressure-balanced sampling principle: a corrosion-resistant diaphragm pump draws sample gas from pre-collected bags through inert, SilcoNert®-passivated stainless-steel tubing directly to the GC’s gas sampling valve—minimizing adsorption, memory effects, and analyte degradation. Designed for unattended batch analysis, it replaces manual bag-to-valve transfer, reducing operator variability and enabling strict adherence to time-sensitive environmental monitoring protocols such as EPA TO-15 (Volatile Organic Compounds in Ambient Air) and ISO 16000-6 (Indoor Air – Determination of Volatile Organic Compounds). Its modular architecture supports scalable deployment across laboratory workflows—from field-deployed air quality screening to regulated emissions testing in petrochemical and tobacco research facilities.

Key Features

• Vacuum-controlled, pulse-free sample aspiration using a maintenance-free diaphragm pump ensures high inter-bag reproducibility (RSD < 3% for C₂–C₆ hydrocarbons at 1 ppmv level)
• Full-system inertness: 1/16″ stainless-steel flow path treated with SilcoTek SilcoNert® coating to suppress adsorption of reactive sulfur compounds (e.g., H₂S, COS), aldehydes, and nitrogen oxides
• Modular position configuration: Standard 6-, 16-, or 32-bag capacity; custom configurations available to match lab throughput requirements
• Multi-interface control architecture: Supports RS-232 serial command protocol, hardware-triggered EVENT input, BCD position encoding, and local touchscreen operation
• Real-time system status monitoring via embedded GUI—displaying bag position, valve actuation status, vacuum pressure, and GC handshake signals
• Seamless GC integration: Native compatibility with Agilent, Thermo Fisher, Shimadzu, PerkinElmer, and domestic GC/GC-MS platforms via standard GC start/stop and sequence synchronization signals

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The MQ701-6S accommodates standard 0.5 L to 10 L gas sampling bags with polyvinyl fluoride (Tedlar®) or FEP film construction. Its low-dead-volume, low-adsorption pathway maintains integrity of trace-level VOCs, SVOCs, and reactive inorganics—including hydrogen sulfide, carbonyl sulfide, formaldehyde, and nitric oxide—critical for compliance with EPA Method TO-14A (ambient air), TO-15 (canister/bag-based VOCs), and ASTM D5504 (sulfur compounds in natural gas). The system supports GLP-aligned audit trails when operated with compliant GC data systems (e.g., OpenLab CDS, Chromeleon), and its deterministic trigger logic meets FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records when paired with validated software environments.

Software & Data Management

The included MNK AutoSampler Control Suite (Windows-based, English UI) provides method-driven sequence programming, real-time run log export (CSV/Excel), and remote operation over LAN/WAN. Users define injection volume (via timed vacuum draw), dwell time per bag, purge cycles, and GC synchronization parameters. All commands are timestamped and logged with operator ID and system event codes. The software supports automated calibration sequence insertion (e.g., zero air, span gas), batch reprocessing, and error recovery protocols—including automatic bag skip on vacuum failure or valve timeout. Exported logs integrate natively with LIMS platforms via ODBC or REST API.

Applications

• Ambient and indoor air quality monitoring (VOCs, odorants, sulfur species)
• Stack and fugitive emission testing per EPA 40 CFR Part 60 and ISO 14064
• Tobacco smoke and mainstream sidestream aerosol profiling
• Soil vapor intrusion assessment and landfill gas composition analysis
• Cooling tower drift and HVAC duct air characterization
• Refinery flare gas and process stream screening in petrochemical QA/QC labs

FAQ

Does the MQ701-6S support quantitative internal standard addition?

Yes—when integrated with a dual-valve GC configuration, the autosampler can be programmed to introduce internal standard gas pulses prior to sample injection using optional auxiliary gas ports.
Can it be used with cryogenically cooled GC injectors?

Yes—the inert, room-temperature transfer line design avoids condensation issues common with chilled interfaces; users should confirm GC inlet temperature compatibility per manufacturer specifications.
Is firmware update capability available remotely?

Yes—firmware upgrades are delivered via secure HTTPS download and installed through the control software’s maintenance module, with version rollback and checksum verification.
What vacuum level does the diaphragm pump achieve?

The pump delivers stable vacuum down to 50 mbar absolute, sufficient for complete bag evacuation without over-pumping or membrane deformation.
How is carryover mitigated between high-concentration and trace-level samples?

Three-stage automated purging is configurable: post-injection carrier gas flush, vacuum evacuation, and programmable hold time—validated per ASTM D6196 for residual contamination assessment.