Thermo Fisher Dionex AS-HV Multifunctional Autosampler

Overview

The Thermo Fisher Dionex AS-HV Multifunctional Autosampler is an engineered solution for high-volume, low-level ion chromatography (IC) and liquid chromatography (LC) applications requiring rigorous reproducibility, minimal carryover, and full method automation. Designed specifically for integration with Thermo Scientific Dionex IC systems—including the ICS-6000, ICS-5000+, and RFIC™ platforms—the AS-HV implements a modular, all-PEEK™ fluid path architecture to ensure chemical inertness across a broad pH range (0–14) and compatibility with aggressive eluents such as potassium hydroxide, methanesulfonic acid, and organic modifiers. Its core operational principle relies on precise volumetric displacement via programmable syringe, peristaltic, or piston-pump-driven sample introduction, enabling both large-volume injection (up to 250 mL total reservoir capacity) and sub-microliter precision for trace analyte quantification. Unlike conventional autosamplers optimized for small-vial throughput, the AS-HV supports heterogeneous container formats—vials, bottles, flasks—and accommodates up to three simultaneously loaded racks of identical geometry, facilitating unattended batch processing in regulated QC/QA and environmental testing laboratories.

Key Features

• Robust large-volume sample handling: Supports direct aspiration from primary containers up to 250 mL, eliminating manual dilution or transfer steps that introduce error and contamination.
• Chemically inert all-PEEK™ needle and flow path: Ensures long-term stability with corrosive IC eluents and prevents metal leaching, critical for ultra-trace anion/cation analysis.
• Programmable dual-mode loading: Selectable “push” (pressure-driven) or “pull” (vacuum-assisted) aspiration adapts to viscosity, surface tension, and headspace constraints of diverse matrices (e.g., seawater, digested soil extracts, biological fluids).
• High-speed robotic arm with sub-millimeter repeatability: Achieves 100,000 cycles.
• Compact footprint (38 × 48 × 43 cm): Optimized for shared benchtop environments without compromising accessibility or serviceability.
• Modular pump selection: Choose syringe (for highest precision), peristaltic (for particulate-laden samples), or piston-pump (for high-pressure, continuous-flow applications) configurations to match analytical workflow requirements.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AS-HV accepts standard and custom container geometries including 10–60 mL vials, Nalgene™ polyethylene terephthalate (PETG) bottles, and tissue-culture-grade flasks—enabling direct analysis of field-collected or pre-processed samples without secondary transfer. Rack options support GLP-compliant labeling and barcoded tracking when paired with Thermo Scientific SampleManager™ LIMS interfaces. The system meets key regulatory expectations for chromatographic instrumentation: its firmware supports audit trails, electronic signatures, and user-access controls aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 requirements. All wetted components comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards and are certified free of extractables per ASTM D4296. When configured with the optional trace analysis cover, airborne particulate ingress is reduced by >99.9% (tested per ISO 14644-1 Class 5), supporting EPA Method 300.1, ISO 10304-1, and ASTM D4327 validation protocols.

Software & Data Management

Controlled via Chromeleon™ CDS (Chromatography Data System) v7.3 or later, the AS-HV integrates natively into method sequences with real-time status monitoring, error logging, and automated recovery routines. Sequence files embed rack type, position mapping, aspiration volume, rinse cycles, and dwell times—all editable via drag-and-drop workflow builder. Chromatographic data acquisition synchronizes with injector trigger signals at microsecond resolution, ensuring retention time stability across multi-day runs. For regulated environments, Chromeleon provides full 21 CFR Part 11 compliance: role-based permissions, immutable audit trails, and digital signature capture for instrument method approval. Optional integration with Dionex AutoPrep™ enables fully automated matrix elimination (e.g., inline filtration, dialysis, solid-phase extraction) and concentration enrichment prior to injection—reducing manual intervention while preserving analyte integrity.

Applications

• Environmental monitoring: Quantification of ppq-level bromate, perchlorate, and iodide in drinking water per EPA Method 300.0 and ISO 10304-3.
• Pharmaceutical quality control: Residual catalyst metal analysis (e.g., Pd, Pt, Ni) in APIs using chelation-enhanced IC-ICP-MS coupling.
• Fuel and lubricant testing: Sulfur species profiling (sulfate, sulfite, thiosulfate) in biodiesel per ASTM D7237.
• Food safety: Nitrate/nitrite determination in infant formula and dairy products under EU Commission Regulation (EU) No 2023/915.
• Geochemical research: Anion exchange fractionation of carbonate-rich groundwater samples with automated pH adjustment and column regeneration.

FAQ

What sample container types does the AS-HV support?
The AS-HV accommodates 10 mL, 15 mL, 26 mL, 50 mL, and 60/40 mL Dionex ASE™ collection vials; Nalgene™ PETG bottles; and sterile tissue-culture flasks—each with dedicated rack configurations.
Can the AS-HV perform automated sample preparation?
Yes—when integrated with the Dionex AutoPrep™ system, it executes inline filtration, dialysis, SPE cleanup, and analyte concentration without manual intervention.
Is the AS-HV compatible with non-Thermo IC systems?
It is designed for native integration with Thermo Scientific Dionex IC platforms; third-party connectivity requires hardware-level TTL/RS-232 signal adaptation and may limit software-level method synchronization.
How is carryover minimized during high-sensitivity analysis?
The all-PEEK™ flow path, programmable multi-stage needle wash (up to 5 solvents), and vacuum-assisted purge between injections reduce carryover to <0.005% for chloride and fluoride across 1000+ injections.
Does the AS-HV support temperature-controlled sampling?
No—ambient-temperature operation only. For thermally labile samples, external chillers or cooled rack modules must be deployed upstream of the autosampler inlet.