Shimadzu SIL-10AF Autosampler (Refurbished, Import from Japan)
| Brand | Shimadzu |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | SIL-10AF |
| Type | Liquid Chromatography Autosampler |
| Condition | Refurbished |
| Compliance | Designed for Shimadzu LC Systems (e.g., LC-10AT, LC-10AVP) |
| Interface | Standard RS-232C / TTL control signals |
| Sample Capacity | Up to 100 × 1.5 mL vials (with optional tray) |
| Injection Volume Range | 1–100 µL (adjustable in 0.1 µL increments) |
| Precision | RSD ≤ 0.5% (at 10 µL injection) |
| Carryover | < 0.01% (with standard wash protocol) |
| Cycle Time | ≤ 25 s (including needle wash and injection) |
| Power Supply | 100–120 V AC, 50/60 Hz |
| Operating Environment | 15–35 °C, 30–80% RH (non-condensing) |
Overview
The Shimadzu SIL-10AF is a high-precision, rack-based autosampler engineered for integration with Shimadzu’s legacy HPLC systems—including the widely deployed LC-10AT, LC-10AVP, and SCL-10A controller platforms. Based on positive-displacement syringe-driven sampling architecture, the SIL-10AF delivers reproducible, low-carryover injections across routine analytical workflows in pharmaceutical QC, environmental testing, and academic research laboratories. Its design adheres to core principles of liquid handling integrity: sealed needle path, programmable multi-step wash cycles, and gravity-assisted vial access to minimize cross-contamination. As a refurbished unit sourced directly from decommissioned Japanese laboratory installations, each SIL-10AF undergoes functional validation—including syringe leak testing, positional repeatability verification (±0.1 mm), and temperature-stabilized injection timing calibration—prior to shipment.
Key Features
- Syringe-based metering system ensuring consistent volumetric accuracy without reliance on pump backpressure or solvent compressibility
- Programmable wash sequence with up to three independent solvent ports (e.g., water, acetonitrile, isopropanol) and configurable dwell times
- Integrated needle seal and waste line purge to suppress aerosol formation and reduce carryover below 0.01%
- RS-232C and TTL-compatible interface enabling seamless synchronization with Shimadzu Class-VP or LC Solutions software via system controller
- Modular tray design supporting standard 1.5 mL microvials (96-well format compatible with optional adapter)
- Real-time status LED indicators for power, ready state, injection cycle, and error conditions (e.g., vial not present, syringe stall)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The SIL-10AF accommodates standard 1.5 mL conical-bottom glass or polypropylene vials with crimp or snap caps; compatibility with 2 mL vials requires mechanical spacer adjustment. It supports aqueous, organic, and mixed mobile phases typical of reversed-phase HPLC methods. While not certified to ISO/IEC 17025 or FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, the instrument’s deterministic injection logic, audit-ready event logging (when paired with validated Shimadzu acquisition software), and traceable maintenance history support GLP-compliant method implementation. Users deploying this unit in regulated environments are advised to perform IQ/OQ protocols per ASTM E2500-13 and document firmware revision, syringe lot number, and calibration date.
Software & Data Management
The SIL-10AF operates under command-level control from Shimadzu’s Class-VP (v6.x–7.x) or LC Solutions (v1.x–3.x) chromatography data systems. All injection parameters—including loop fill volume, injection speed, wash solvent selection, and post-injection dwell—are stored in method files with version-controlled backups. System logs record timestamps for every injection start/finish, error code (e.g., “E201: Needle Position Error”), and maintenance alerts. When integrated into networked lab environments, raw log exports (.csv or .txt) can be ingested into LIMS platforms for trending analysis of injection consistency over time.
Applications
- Routine assay quantification in pharmaceutical stability studies (ICH Q2(R2)-aligned workflows)
- Residual solvent analysis per USP using headspace-GC coupling (via external valve triggering)
- Environmental contaminant screening (e.g., PAHs, phenols) in drinking water per EPA Method 8330B
- Quality control of herbal extracts and nutraceuticals by fingerprint chromatography
- Method development support where precise gradient timing and injection synchronization are critical
FAQ
Is the SIL-10AF compatible with modern Shimadzu Nexera or LC-MS systems?
No—the SIL-10AF lacks USB/Ethernet connectivity and native support for LabSolutions software. It is designed exclusively for legacy LC-10 series controllers.
Does the refurbishment include replacement of the syringe and needle seal?
Yes—each unit receives a new PTFE-coated stainless-steel syringe plunger, ceramic needle guide, and fluoropolymer needle seal as part of the OEM-equivalent refurbishment protocol.
Can injection volume be calibrated in-house?
Yes—calibration is performed using gravimetric measurement per USP , with documented weight differentials for 5 µL, 20 µL, and 100 µL steps; calibration certificates are provided upon request.
What documentation accompanies the unit?
Refurbished units ship with functional test report, electrical safety verification record, and Shimadzu hardware manual (English translation included). Original Japanese service logs are retained for traceability.
Is preventive maintenance training available?
Yes—remote video-based PM training (60 min) covering needle alignment, syringe lubrication, and tray homing procedure is included at no additional cost.
