REFERENCE GUIDE - Waters Autosampler Vials, Plates, and Seals for use with the ACQUITY UPLC Systems Family

Importance of Topic

The proper choice of autosampler vials, plates, and seals plays a pivotal role in ensuring optimal resolution, sensitivity, and throughput in UPLC workflows. Minimizing sample loss, adsorption, and carryover directly impacts data quality and reproducibility, which is critical for applications ranging from trace-level analysis to high-throughput screening.

Objectives and Overview of Document

This reference guide aims to recommend compatible vials, well plates, and sealing options for the Waters ACQUITY UPLC Systems family. It covers configurations for Fixed Loop (FL) and Flow-Through Needle (FTN) Sample Managers, various needle materials (metal, PEEK, PEEKsil), and presents product numbers, well volumes, residual volumes, and sealing formats.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Compatibility tables were assembled from instrument qualification data and ANSI/SBS standards. Key parameters include:

• Maximum injectable and residual volumes per vial type
• Well geometry, depth, and material for 96- and 384-well plates
• Chemical cleanliness certification methods (HPLC-UV, MS scan, GC headspace)
• Plate sealing techniques (heat seals, cap mats, adhesive seals)

Used Instrumentation

• ACQUITY UPLC System family (Sample Managers: FL, FTN, H-Class, I-Class)
• Waters Heat Sealer (115 V and 240 V models)
• HPLC-UV, MS/MS, TOF instruments for vial certification

Main Results and Discussion

The guide specifies eight vial formats (clear/amber glass, PP, septumless) with injectable volumes from 210 µL to 1.6 mL and residuals as low as 4 µL. Recommended plate models cover well volumes from 100 µL up to 2 mL, with residual volumes between 8 µL and 35 µL. Sealing options address solvent compatibility and temperature requirements: clear polyester, aluminum foil laminate, PTFE/silicone pre-slit, and a new adhesive seal for buffered samples.

Benefits and Practical Applications of the Method

Standardizing vial and plate selection streamlines method development, reduces downtime from carryover or injection failures, and enhances data consistency across laboratories. Certified vials minimize background contaminants, while trisilanized or deactivated variants reduce analyte adsorption. Tailored sealing methods protect sample integrity under varying temperature and solvent conditions.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances may include microplate formats with even lower residual volumes, novel polymer or glass coatings to further suppress adsorption, and integrated sensors for real-time seal integrity monitoring. Automation-friendly designs will enable faster changeover and higher throughput in pharmaceutical, environmental, and clinical analysis.

Conclusion

This guide provides a comprehensive framework for selecting autosampler consumables that align with ACQUITY UPLC configurations and analytical requirements. Adhering to these recommendations enhances performance, reliability, and reproducibility in high-throughput liquid chromatography applications.

References

• Waters Corporation. Waters Autosampler Vials, Plates, and Seals for ACQUITY UPLC Systems Family. Reference Guide, March 2012, 720004278EN.