Thermo Scientific Dionex UltiMate WPS-3000TSL Temperature-Controlled Plate Autosampler

Overview

The Thermo Scientific Dionex UltiMate WPS-3000TSL is a high-performance, temperature-controlled plate autosampler engineered for precision liquid chromatography workflows—particularly ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC), nanoLC, capillary LC, and microflow applications. Built on the UltiMate 3000 platform, it employs a dual-needle sampling mechanism to ensure minimal sample loss, exceptional injection reproducibility, and compatibility with thermally or photo-labile analytes. Unlike conventional vial-based autosamplers, the WPS-3000TSL accepts standard microtiter formats (96-well and 384-well plates, sealed or unsealed) as well as vial trays—enabling direct transfer of samples from preparation to analysis without reformatting. Its pressure-stable design supports operation at up to 90 MPa, making it fully compatible with sub-2-µm particle columns and high-backpressure UHPLC methods. The integrated Peltier cooling system maintains sample integrity at 4°C, while programmable needle depth control ensures accurate aspiration from variable well depths or vial geometries.

Key Features

• Dual-needle sampling architecture: Stainless steel outer needle pierces septa; fused-silica inner sampling needle extends to bottom of well or vial for quantitative aspiration.
• Flexible sample handling: Supports up to three 96-well or 384-well plates simultaneously—or mixed configurations with vial trays—enabling up to 1,152 discrete injections per run.
• Precision temperature control: Thermostatically regulated sample compartment operates from 4°C to 45°C, or up to 22°C below ambient temperature, ensuring stability for sensitive biomolecules and labile compounds.
• Ultra-low carryover: Typically <0.01%, validated using stringent gradient wash protocols compliant with ICH Q2(R2) and USP method validation guidelines.
• High reproducibility: Injection precision <0.5% RSD at 5 µL (commonly <0.15% RSD), meeting requirements for GLP/GMP-regulated bioanalysis and pharmacokinetic studies.
• μL-pickup mode: Enables 1:1 volume aspiration and dispensing (e.g., 1 µL injected per 1 µL aspirated), critical for undiluted protein analysis where adsorption or denaturation must be avoided.
• On-the-fly plate replacement: Allows uninterrupted sequence execution—even mid-run—by enabling hot-swap of microtiter plates without pausing the LC system.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The WPS-3000TSL accommodates standard ANSI/SLAS-compliant 96-well and 384-well plates (flat, V-bottom, or round-bottom), as well as 1.5 mL and 2 mL screw-thread or crimp-top vials. Its covered, thermostatted sample deck provides UV shielding and thermal insulation—essential for light-sensitive metabolites, peptides, and oligonucleotides. The system complies with key regulatory frameworks including FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (when paired with Chromeleon CDS software with audit trail enabled), ISO/IEC 17025 for testing laboratories, and ASTM D7097 for chromatographic performance verification. All mechanical and thermal calibrations are traceable to NIST standards, and instrument qualification documentation (IQ/OQ/PQ) templates are available upon request.

Software & Data Management

Fully integrated with Thermo Chromeleon Chromatography Data System (CDS) v7.3 or later, the WPS-3000TSL supports automated method-driven sample scheduling, real-time status monitoring, and electronic signature-enabled sequence submission. Audit trails record all user actions—including parameter changes, plate swaps, and maintenance events—with time/date stamps and operator IDs. Data export conforms to CDISC SDTM and ASAM OASIS standards for seamless integration into LIMS and ELN environments. Remote diagnostics and firmware updates are supported via secure TLS 1.2–encrypted connections, ensuring compliance with institutional cybersecurity policies.

Applications

This autosampler is routinely deployed in pharmaceutical QC/QA labs for stability-indicating assays, peptide mapping, and residual solvent analysis; in academic proteomics cores for label-free quantitation and phosphoproteomics workflows; and in environmental testing facilities for multi-residue pesticide screening by LC-MS/MS. Its low-volume precision and thermal control make it especially suitable for clinical biomarker validation studies involving cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), plasma exosomes, and single-cell lysates—where sample scarcity and degradation risk demand maximum recovery and consistency.

FAQ

Is this unit refurbished or used—and what testing has been performed?
This WPS-3000TSL is a pre-owned instrument fully tested and functionally verified by SpectraLab Scientific’s certified service engineers using Thermo-recommended diagnostic protocols, including pressure ramp tests, temperature uniformity mapping, and injection precision validation across full volume range.
Does it include original accessories and documentation?
Yes—each unit ships with its original power supply, communication cables, mounting hardware, and factory calibration certificate. Electronic copies of the user manual, safety guide, and maintenance log are provided.
Can it be integrated with non-Thermo HPLC systems?
While optimized for UltiMate 3000 and Vanquish platforms, the WPS-3000TSL supports external triggering via TTL and RS-232 interfaces, permitting integration with third-party pumps and detectors when configured with appropriate interface modules.
What does the 6-month warranty cover?
The warranty covers parts and labor for defects in materials or workmanship under normal laboratory use. It excludes consumables (needles, seals, fuses), damage from improper installation or environmental conditions, and software licensing.
Is remote support available post-purchase?
Yes—SpectraLab Scientific offers optional extended technical support packages, including remote troubleshooting, method optimization consultation, and on-site service coordination through Thermo-certified field engineers.