Tekmar Velocity XPT Purge and Trap System with 72-Position Autosampler

Overview

The Tekmar Velocity XPT Purge and Trap System is a high-performance, EPA-compliant volatile organic compound (VOC) preconcentration platform engineered for laboratories requiring rigorous regulatory adherence, reproducible trace-level analysis, and scalable automation. Based on the fundamental principle of dynamic headspace extraction—where inert gas (N₂ or He) purges VOCs from aqueous or solid-phase samples into a thermally desorbable trap—the Velocity XPT implements advanced fluidic architecture, real-time thermal management, and closed-loop diagnostics to minimize carryover, maximize recovery, and ensure method robustness across US EPA Methods 502.2, 524.2, 8260D, and TO-15. This refurbished unit retains full factory-specification hardware integrity, including its proprietary FFC (Focusing Flow Control) pre-focusing system, which dynamically adjusts carrier gas flow during desorption to sharpen chromatographic peaks and suppress breakthrough—critical for low-concentration environmental and drinking water testing.

Key Features

• Integrated 72-position autosampler enabling unattended, multi-day batch processing with programmable vial agitation and temperature-controlled sample staging
• Electronic mass flow controller (MFC) delivering precise, mode-specific gas regulation (5–500 mL/min) across purge, dry-purge, and bake phases—eliminating manual flow calibration drift
• DryFlow moisture management system operating from ambient to 350 °C, removing ≥90 % of water vapor while preserving recovery of polar VOCs (e.g., vinyl chloride, acrylonitrile)
• Thermally isolated trap assembly with rapid heating (≤350 °C) and cooling (≥127 °C/min), reducing cycle time to ≤15 minutes (11-min purge standard)
• Automated leak detection via embedded pressure transducer with pass/fail reporting, diagnostic mode for pinpointing leakage points, and log-traceable validation records
• Corrosion-resistant front panel (pH 1–10 tolerance) and chemically inert fluidic path (PEEK, electropolished stainless steel, high-temp elastomers) suitable for aggressive matrices including wastewater and landfill leachate
• Optional foam sensor and mechanical defoamer—prevents column contamination and instrument downtime during high-surfactant sample analysis

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The Velocity XPT accommodates aqueous samples (drinking water, groundwater, wastewater), soil/sediment slurries (per EPA 5035), and solid-phase microextraction (SPME) eluates. Its trap design conforms to ASTM D3699 and US EPA specifications for trap geometry (0.123″ ±0.002″ OD), adsorbent composition (multi-bed Tenax TA/Carbopack B/Carboxen 1000), and thermal desorption profiles. All operational parameters—including purge time, bake temperature, desorption ramp rate, and transfer line dwell—are fully programmable and locked within validated methods. The system meets 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures when paired with Tekmar’s compliant software suite, supporting audit-ready GLP and GMP workflows in contract testing labs and municipal water authorities.

Software & Data Management

Control and data acquisition are managed via Tekmar’s Windows-based TO-15/8260D-compliant software, featuring method templates aligned with EPA SW-846 protocols, user-role access controls, and immutable audit trails. Each run logs instrument status (trap temp, pressure, flow, leak test result), operator ID, timestamp, and sequence position. Raw data files include embedded metadata for LIMS integration, and all method changes trigger version-controlled backups. Software supports IQ/OQ/PQ documentation packages and includes built-in calibration verification tools—ensuring continued compliance after refurbishment and reinstallation.

Applications

• Regulatory monitoring of VOCs in drinking water per EPA 524.2 and 502.2
• Groundwater and surface water assessment under CERCLA and RCRA programs
• Soil gas and landfill leachate screening per EPA Method 5035A
• Pharmaceutical residual solvent analysis (ICH Q3C) in purified water and excipient matrices
• Food and beverage safety testing for chlorinated solvents and benzene derivatives
• Method development and validation in ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratories

FAQ

Is this Velocity XPT unit certified for EPA-compliant analysis?
Yes—this refurbished system retains full conformance with US EPA Methods 502.2, 524.2, 8260D, and TO-15 when operated with validated methods and calibrated using NIST-traceable standards.
What does the 6-month warranty cover?
The warranty covers parts and labor for defects in materials or workmanship, including MFC, trap heater, thermal sensors, valve actuators, and autosampler mechanics—excluding consumables (traps, septa, O-rings) and damage from improper operation or non-Tekmar gases.
Can the system be integrated with third-party GC or GC-MS platforms?
Yes—the Velocity XPT uses standard 1/16″ Swagelok fittings and outputs a 0.5–1.0 mL desorption pulse compatible with all major GC inlet types (split/splitless, PTV, cold injection); Tekmar provides interface schematics and timing synchronization protocols.
Does the refurbished unit include original software licenses and method libraries?
Yes—each unit ships with licensed Tekmar software (v4.5+), preloaded EPA method templates, and full documentation including service history, calibration logs, and refurbishment certification.
How is performance verified post-refurbishment?
Each unit undergoes full functional testing: trap desorption efficiency (>95 % recovery for BTEX at 0.5 µg/L), leak integrity (<0.5 sccm at 30 psi), thermal ramp linearity (±1 °C), and autosampler positional accuracy (±0.2 mm)—results documented in the Certificate of Refurbishment.