Specifications for PAL Systems COMBI | GC | LC HTC | HTS | LHX | HTX

Significance of the Topic

Automated sample preparation and injection platforms are critical in analytical chemistry for ensuring reproducibility, precision, and throughput in high-volume laboratories. The PAL System specifications provide benchmark performance data for gravimetric dosing, gas chromatography (GC) modes, headspace analysis, and HPLC injections, which are essential for quality control, method validation, and routine workflow optimization.

Objectives and Study Overview

This specification document aims to define and verify performance criteria of the PAL COMBI platform in various configurations (GC, LC, headspace). Key objectives include establishing repeatability, linearity, and carry-over limits for different syringe volumes and analytical tests, ensuring compliance with stringent laboratory standards.

Methodology and Instrumentation

The study employs multiple standardized tests:

• Gravimetric Test: Water transfers at 10, 100, 1 000, and 2 500 µL with relative standard deviations (RSD) of 0.20–0.10 % and linearity R ≥ 0.9999 over defined ranges.
• GC High Split Ratio Test: Iso-octane injections (1 µL) using a 10 µL syringe, split 1:1000, RSD 0.30 %, retention gap column, Agilent 6890.
• GC Split Mode with Analytical Column: Alkene mix C14–C16, split 1:50, RSD 0.80 %, carry-over <0.08 %, HP5 column, Agilent 6890.
• Headspace GC: Iso-octane in capillaries, split 1:100, RSD <1.00 %, carry-over <0.05 %, retention gap column.
• HPLC Test: Loop overfill and partial loop fill (20 µL loop), RSD 0.10–0.20 %, linearity R > 0.9999, benzophenone standard, Agilent 1100.

Main Results and Discussion

All tested modes met stringent repeatability and linearity criteria, demonstrating sub-one-percent RSD in volumetric dosing across platforms. Carry-over was negligible in GC split/headspace and HPLC tests. Fast runtimes and stable temperature controls ensured consistent chromatographic performance. Gravimetric validation confirmed accurate metering over a wide volume range.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The validated specifications support high-throughput sample handling in pharmaceutical, environmental, and food laboratories. Reliable repeatability and low carry-over improve data quality and reduce downtime for cleaning and recalibration. The modular PAL system adapts to varied analytical methods, enabling method development and routine analysis on one platform.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances may include integration with advanced detectors (MS, ICP-MS), AI-driven error detection, miniaturized syringe designs for micro-volume dosing, and expanded headspace capabilities for volatile organic compound screening. Connectivity with laboratory information management systems will streamline data handling.

Conclusion

The PAL COMBI platform delivers robust, reproducible performance across gravimetric, GC, headspace, and HPLC applications. Defined specifications ensure users can rely on precise volumetric control and minimal carry-over, enhancing method consistency and laboratory efficiency.

Used Instrumentation

• PAL System COMBI with various syringe modules (10, 100, 1 000, 2 500 µL, HS module).
• Agilent 6890 GC with FID and retention gap or analytical columns (HP5, 5 m uncoated).
• Agilent 1100 HPLC with binary pump and UV-VIS detector.
• Precisa XB 120A analytical balance.
• Agilent ChemStation Software v6.03.

References

Formulas for mean, standard deviation, and relative standard deviation as defined in the specification document.