Thermo Fisher Dionex AS-HV High-Volume Autosampler

Overview

The Thermo Fisher Dionex AS-HV High-Volume Autosampler is a precision-engineered liquid handling module designed for integration with ion chromatography (IC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) systems—particularly those deployed in environmental, pharmaceutical, food safety, and clinical laboratories requiring robust, trace-level anion and cation analysis. Operating on a programmable syringe-based sampling architecture, the AS-HV employs precise volumetric displacement to deliver reproducible injection volumes ranging from microliter-scale preconcentration loops to full-volume injections up to 250 mL. Its core functionality centers on automated, high-fidelity sample introduction under inert or controlled-atmosphere conditions—critical for minimizing analyte degradation, oxidation, or airborne contamination during trace analysis of labile species such as nitrite, sulfite, or iodide. The system’s mechanical design incorporates a rigid aluminum frame, servo-controlled robotic arm with sub-millimeter positional repeatability, and PEEK fluidic pathways compliant with aggressive eluents (e.g., KOH, methanesulfonic acid), ensuring long-term chemical resistance and low metal leaching.

Key Features

• High-volume capacity: Supports single-sample volumes up to 250 mL via modular bottle rack configurations—including compatibility with Thermo Scientific Dionex ASE-series vials (60/40 mL), Nalgene polyethylene bottles, and tissue-culture-grade containers to minimize adsorptive losses.
• Configurable aspiration mode: User-selectable “push” (positive displacement) or “pull” (vacuum-assisted) sampling—optimized for viscous, particulate-laden, or volatile matrices without compromising accuracy.
• Modular rack support: Accepts multiple standard rack formats simultaneously—21-position for 50 mL vials (30 mm O.D.), 24-position for 26 mL vials (24 mm O.D.), 40-position for 15 mL vials (20 mm O.D.), and 60-position for 10 mL vials (16 mm O.D.)—enabling unattended batch processing of heterogeneous sample sets.
• Integrated matrix elimination: Optional AutoPrep™ interface enables in-line dilution, filtration, pH adjustment, and solid-phase extraction prior to IC injection—reducing detection limits by up to two orders of magnitude for complex environmental waters or biological extracts.
• RFIC™-ESP compatibility: Fully interoperable with Thermo Scientific Reagent-Free IC systems, supporting automatic eluent generation, gradient calibration, and electronic suppression control—eliminating manual reagent preparation and enhancing method robustness.
• Compact footprint: Occupies < 0.25 m² bench space while maintaining full accessibility for maintenance and rack loading—ideal for labs with constrained instrumentation layouts.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AS-HV accommodates aqueous, organic-aqueous, and mildly acidic/basic samples across pH 2–12. All wetted components—including syringe barrels, needle assemblies, and valve rotors—are constructed from PEEK, titanium, or chemically passivated stainless steel—meeting ASTM D4327 and ISO 10304-1 requirements for IC sample introduction integrity. When paired with RFIC-ESP and AutoPrep modules, the complete workflow supports GLP-compliant data acquisition per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when operated with compliant CDS software (e.g., Chromeleon 7.3+). System validation documentation—including linearity, carryover (< 0.05%), and precision (RSD < 0.8% for 10 µL injections)—is available upon request for audit readiness.

Software & Data Management

Controlled via Chromeleon Chromatography Data System (CDS) v7.3 or later, the AS-HV supports method-driven scheduling, audit-trail-enabled event logging, and electronic signature workflows. Sequence tables permit conditional logic (e.g., skip injection if pressure exceeds threshold), dynamic volume adjustment based on conductivity feedback, and real-time status monitoring through embedded Ethernet/IP connectivity. Raw metadata—including rack ID, vial position, aspiration time, and temperature-stamped timestamps—is embedded in .cdf files for traceability. Remote diagnostics and firmware updates are supported via secure HTTPS channel.

Applications

• Environmental monitoring: Automated analysis of anions (F⁻, Cl⁻, NO₂⁻, Br⁻, NO₃⁻, PO₄³⁻, SO₄²⁻) and cations (Li⁺, Na⁺, NH₄⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺) in drinking water, wastewater, and soil leachates per EPA Methods 300.0, 300.1, and 315.0.
• Pharmaceutical QC: Quantitation of counterions in APIs and excipients; residual acetate or chloride in biologics formulations per USP and .
• Food & beverage safety: Nitrate/nitrite profiling in processed meats, dairy, and infant formula per AOAC 997.03 and ISO 14284.
• Power generation: Trace sulfate and chloride monitoring in ultrapure boiler feedwater to prevent stress corrosion cracking.

FAQ

Is the AS-HV compatible with non-Thermo IC detectors?
Yes—via analog voltage output (0–10 V) and TTL trigger signals, enabling synchronization with third-party conductivity, UV-Vis, or mass spectrometric detectors.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the AS-HV?
Syringe lubrication and needle seal inspection every 3 months; rotor seal replacement every 12 months or after 10,000 injections—documented in the preventive maintenance log within Chromeleon.
Can the AS-HV perform internal standard addition?
Yes—using dual-syringe configuration (optional) or sequential aspiration from dedicated IS vials, programmable via sequence table with volume-ratio precision ±0.5% CV.
Does the unit include factory calibration certificates?
All refurbished units ship with NIST-traceable volumetric verification report and system suitability test (SST) results against certified reference materials (CRMs) for Cl⁻ and SO₄²⁻.
Is remote support available post-installation?
Yes—24/7 web-based technical assistance, including screen-sharing diagnostics and firmware patch deployment, covered under the 6-month warranty period.