Shimadzu SIL-10A Multifunctional Autosampler for Gas Chromatography

Overview

The Shimadzu SIL-10A is a high-precision, multifunctional autosampler engineered for integration with gas chromatography (GC) systems in regulated and research laboratory environments. Based on Shimadzu’s proven syringe-driven, quantitative loop injection architecture, the SIL-10A delivers reproducible sample introduction through programmable volume selection, precise needle positioning, and configurable wash protocols. Its modular design supports multiple vial formats—including 1.5 mL, 4 mL, and 13 mL screw-thread vials—as well as 96-well microtiter plates (MTP), enabling flexible workflow adaptation across QC, environmental, petrochemical, and pharmaceutical applications. As a legacy model within Shimadzu’s GC accessory portfolio, the SIL-10A maintains full compatibility with Shimadzu GC systems such as the GC-2010 series and GC-2014, and operates under native GC control software (e.g., GC Solutions) without requiring third-party drivers.

Key Features

• Programmable injection volume range: 1–50 µL (standard); expandable to 5000 µL via optional syringe and loop configurations
• High positional repeatability: <0.5% RSD at 10 µL injection under standard operating conditions, validated per ISO 8466-1 guidelines for analytical instrument performance verification
• Configurable needle wash sequence: pre- and post-injection solvent rinsing with adjustable dwell time and aspiration cycles, minimizing carryover in trace-level analysis
• Dual cooling capability: integrated Peltier-based temperature control (4–70 °C) using either Sample Cooler S (compact) or Sample Cooler L (high-capacity) modules—critical for thermally labile or volatile analytes
• Multi-format sample support: accommodates up to 100 × 1.5 mL vials (with cooling set to 60 °C), 80 × 4 mL vials (cooling set to 50 °C), or 192 positions via dual 96-well MTP trays
• Robust mechanical architecture: stainless-steel needle guide, ceramic syringe plunger, and sealed stepper-motor drive system ensure long-term stability and low maintenance intervals

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The SIL-10A is designed for aqueous and organic solvent-based samples within pH 1–10. Its fluidic pathway components—including fluoropolymer-coated stainless steel needles and chemically resistant PTFE/glass quantitative loops—are compatible with common GC solvents (e.g., hexane, acetone, methanol, chloroform) and moderately aggressive matrices. The unit complies with IEC 61010-1 safety standards for laboratory equipment and meets electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements per EN 61326-1. While not inherently 21 CFR Part 11 compliant, audit-trail functionality and electronic signature support can be implemented via Shimadzu’s GC Solutions software when deployed in GxP environments under documented validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ). It supports GLP/GMP-aligned operation when integrated into validated chromatographic methods per USP , ASTM D3699, or ISO 17025 quality management frameworks.

Software & Data Management

Control and method development are performed through Shimadzu’s GC Solutions software (v2.x or later), which provides full parameter scripting—including injection volume, dwell time, wash cycles, tray mapping, and temperature ramp profiles. Raw injection logs—including timestamp, vial position, volume delivered, and error codes—are stored in structured .csv and proprietary .gcw formats. Data export supports LIMS integration via ODBC or ASCII file transfer. For laboratories requiring regulatory compliance, optional software modules enable electronic signatures, user access levels, and immutable audit trails—enabling alignment with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when deployed with appropriate infrastructure controls and procedural SOPs.

Applications

The SIL-10A is routinely deployed in routine and method-development workflows involving residual solvent analysis (ICH Q3C), hydrocarbon profiling (ASTM D5186), pesticide residue screening (AOAC 2007.01), and volatile organic compound (VOC) quantification in air/water matrices (EPA Method 8260D). Its precision and thermal stability make it suitable for headspace-GC applications where sample integrity between injections is critical. In academic and contract research settings, its adaptability to non-standard vial geometries and MTP formats supports high-throughput screening and method scouting without hardware modification.

FAQ

Is this unit factory-refurbished or dealer-certified?
This SIL-10A unit is a pre-owned instrument verified by an authorized Shimadzu distributor; it undergoes functional testing, syringe calibration verification, and firmware update prior to shipment.
Does it include the Sample Cooler module?
Cooler modules (S or L) are sold separately and must be specified at time of order; base unit operation is ambient-only without optional cooler installation.
Can it interface with non-Shimadzu GC systems?
Hardware-level RS-232 or USB communication is supported, but full command set compatibility and timing synchronization are guaranteed only with Shimadzu GC instruments and GC Solutions software.
What documentation accompanies the unit?
Each unit ships with original operational manual (English), calibration certificate (as-tested), and a 6-month limited warranty covering mechanical and electronic functionality under normal laboratory use.
Is remote diagnostics supported?
No built-in Ethernet or cloud connectivity; remote troubleshooting requires local PC access and GC Solutions software installed on the host workstation.