Application Note: Validation Of USEPA Method 524.2 Using A Stratum PTC And The New AQUATek 100 Autosampler

Automation is the key to increasing laboratory productivity and minimizing costs. It is equally important to prove that the changes in technology to achieve these results may be done without sacrificing sample integrity or data quality. The AQUATek 100 is a new vial autosampler which features many new benefits to help increase productivity, minimize carryover, and provide more flexibility to the end user in terms of maintaining sample integrity and servicing the unit. The data presented in this application note was provided by a large drinking water facility and validates USEPA Method 524.2 with regard to reproducibility, Surrogate percent recovery, and Method Detection Limits (MDLs) using a Stratum Purge and Trap Concentrator (PTC) and the new AQUATek 100 Vial Autosampler interfaced to an Agilent 7890A GC and a 5975C Triple Axis Detector.

The AQUATek 100 is a liquid autosampler that interfaces to a purge and trap concentrator for measuring Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) in drinking water, groundwater and surface water. It includes a 100-sample position carousel for standard 40mL vials and is removable from the drive assembly for easy vial loading It also includes a water reservoir to provide auto-blanking which frees up vial space in the carousel increasing sample throughput. It comes standard with a vial chiller tray which allows for sample cooling to 10°C which is now a requirement for the new USEPA Method 524.32 for preserving sample integrity.

In today's environment, many analysts are being required to troubleshoot and service their own instruments. The systems has a Plumbing Access Compartment (PAC) which is a pullout drawer for easy access to the sample loop, plumbing, tubing, valves, electronic boards, and other hardware components.