The GERSTEL Automated Liner EXchance ALEX technology automates the task of replacing liners in the GERSTEL Cooled Injection System CIS. The ALEX system enables fully automated GC analysis of samples with a high matrix load as well as “dirty” extracts, which can be directly injected into the CIS using the GERSTEL MultiPurpose Sampler MPS. Specially designed trays can hold up 40 CIS 4 liners in individually sealed, contamination-free storage compartments.

In connection with the MPS, the ALEX system enables automated CIS 4 liner exchange at user defined intervals in a sequence.

The GERSTEL MAESTRO-Software provides integrated control of the MPS, ALEX system and CIS. In combination with the Agilent ChemStation, a single method and sequence table control the entire system including GC and MS.

The used liner and transport adaptor are then easily and quickly manually removed and replaced by a clean liner and transport adaptor. The ALEX sampling head is then pneumatically locked and the system is ready for the next direct sample injection into the liner through the septum in the transport adaptor. In order to fully automate the liner exchange process, eLEX can be upgraded to the Automated Liner EXchange (ALEX) system, which performs automated exchange of up to 14 or 98 CIS liners at user-defined intervals in one automated sequence.

Features And Benefits:

• Add-on available for all common GC & GC/MS systems
• Easy replacement of contaminated liners provides reliable results and high system utilization
• Upgrade of eLEX to fully Automated Liner EXchange ALEX using the MultiPurpose Sampler MPS

The GERSTEL CIS provides two essential system-functions:

• Universal injection system for all injection techniques: split, splitless, on-column and large-volume up to 1000 µl.
• Cryotrap enrichment system in combination with sample preparation systems, for example, the GERSTEL Thermal Desorption System TDS, the GERSTEL Dynamic Headspace DHS, the GERSTEL Thermal Desorption Unit TDU or the GERSTEL MultiPurpose Sampler MPS.

The CIS is easily and conveniently controlled from the GERSTEL MAESTRO Software – stand alone or through the Agilent Technologies ChemStation software.

The CIS can be cooled to temperatures as low as – 180 °C making it uniquely suitable as cryo-trap for VOC analyte concentration in combination, for example, with Thermal Desorption. Additionally, the CIS can be used to concentrate analytes through Large Volume Injection (LVI) with solvent venting. This provides significantly lower limits of detection. PTV and LVI injections are typically performed using GERSTEL exclusive cryogen-free Universal Peltier Cooling (UPC) or cryostatic cooling using the Cryostatic Cooling Device (CCD 2).

Depending on the required starting temperature, cryogenic cooling may also be used. At the other end of the temperature scale, the CIS 4 operates up to 450 °C for determination of SVOC, PAHs and some waxes. The high temperature version (CIS 6) scales the heights up to 650 °C, enabling pyrolysis of polymers in suspension following initial evaporation of the solvent. Whichever version the analyst is using, all CIS inlets are based on patented heating and cooling systems and optimized inlet liner dimensions that provide uniform temperature profiles throughout the entire – 180 °C to 650 °C temperature range for controlled evaporation and best possible results.

CIS Benefits:

• Multiple cooling options offer optimal adaption to the individual needs.
• Improved quantitation due to controlled evaporation and discrimination free analyte transfer.
• Improved limits of detection, improved identification and improved quantitation through sharper peaks.
• Lower background signal, no septum bleed, improved detection limits thanks to patented Septum-Less Head (SLH).
• Best possible transfer and recovery of thermally labile analytes due to patented heating system and freely programmable heating rates.
• Reliable analysis of samples with high matrix load using Automated Liner EXchange (GERSTEL ALEX).