RELIANCE™
HIGH THROUGHPUT AUTOSAMPLER
PHILOSOPHY
WHEN CHOOSING AN AUTOSAMPLER,
PHARMACEUTICAL LAB MANAGERS ASK FOR HIGH THROUGHPUT,
HIGH INJECTION SPEED AND SHORTER PROCESS TIMES.
THESE ARE ONLY A BENEFIT IN COMBINATION WITH A MINIMUM
OF CARRY-OVER AND TROUBLE-FREE OPERATION OF THE INSTRUMENT.
FOR OVER TWO DECADES, SPARK HAS BEEN ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN THE
DEVELOPMENT OF LEADING TECHNOLOGY USED IN AUTOMATION OF
SAMPLE HANDLING AND SAMPLE INTRODUCTION.
TODAY, SPARK INTRODUCES THE FIRST
TRULY TEMPERATURE-CONDITIONED HIGH THROUGHPUT AUTOSAMPLER
THAT WILL CHANGE THE WAY PEOPLE IMPLEMENT AUTOMATED
SAMPLE HANDLING IN THEIR LAB: RELIANCE™.
The introduction of modern fast detection and data acquisition
methods has caused a significant increase in the number
of samples processed in laboratories. In contrast, labor
resources and process time frames are severely under pressure.
Speed, Quality and Reliability of the installed instrumentation
are therefore more important than ever.
5th generation autosampler
The experiences gained from 15,000 installed units formed the input for
our ambition to develop a new autosampler that would satisfy the most
stringent requirements for accurate analytical results in a high throughput
LC-MS environment. The Reliance™ High Throughput conditioned autosam-
pler offers maximum throughput and flexibility in sample introduction. The
highest quality and reliability standards are met.
Reliance™ features include:
• A new high-speed injection mode reducing cycle time by more than
50% for a partial loopfill injection including needle wash. Cycle time
including wash is less than 35 seconds.
• Superior precision and market leading carry-over performance.
• Standard provisions for reducing carry-over of difficult compounds.
• New high-capacity stacker for a maximum of 9,216 samples.
• Integrated cooling in both stacker and autosampler guarantees a
constant temperature for stacked and processed samples.
• User-selectable viscosity levels for optimization of cycle time
and performance.
• Programmed and user-definable templates allow use
of all commercially available (micro) well plates.
• Modular design for easy integration in a customized system.
• Symbiosis™ and XLC-MS ready.
• Improved user interface includes most MS data packages support.
RELIANCE™
High throughput capability is not only determined by the batch
size of the autosampler. It is also influenced by instrument
downtime and the degree of integration with other peripherals
such as LC Pumps and Mass Spectrometers.
Reliable and service-friendly
The Reliance™ is designed to withstand the toughest demands, those of
the contract laboratory, with on-time analytical results as the prevailing rule.
With 24-hour operation all mechanical parts are put to the most severe life
cycle test program. Set up a weekend run and rest assured it will inject,
time and again, reliably. A special service mode enables a service engineer
to check an operations log file. The lifetime records of switching valves,
sample tray, dispenser etc. allow for effective preventive maintenance of the
unit, assuring its trouble-free functioning. Furthermore, the modular design
of electronics and mechanics simplifies replacement and reduces
cost and downtime.
Intelligent master, intelligent slave
For integration with peripheral instruments like LC-pumps and MS detectors,
the Reliance™ control software offers links with all MS data packages. And for
those requiring a true front-end sample prep solution, the Reliance™ fits perfectly
into Spark's novel front-end automated sample handling system Symbiosis™.
HIGH
THROUGHPUT
CAPABILITY
Highly sensitive LC-MS/MS systems and increasingly stringent
FDA directives, make the elimination of carry-over a most
challenging factor in assay development. Spark’s proven injection
concept and thorough needle wash routines are designed to
meet this challenge. Pressure Assisted Sample Aspiration
(PASA™), a dual concentric needle system and inside plus
outside needle wash make the favorable combination of
highest precision and lowest carry-over.
Bio-compatibility and
Multi Wash Solvent Selection
A special Bio-needle is provided for trouble-free
processing of biological samples such as plasma or
urine. In order to create a metal free sampling path,
a PEEK injection valve and PEEK sample needles
are available, making the Reliance™ the perfect
autosampler for bioanalysis. A standard multi-
solvent selection valve allows a choice of up
to 3 different wash solvents.INJECTION
PRECISION
WITH
MINIMAL
CARRY-OVER
The stability of samples is vital for a reliable analytical result, and
loss of sample batches due to degradation frustrate the operator
and lab manager. Many of today’s autosamplers offer sample
cooling options. However, in a high throughput environment with
large numbers of biological samples, cooling and conditioning
performance must meet the highest standards.
The Reliance™ is the first autosampler with a unique storage capacity of
9216 samples in a closed and conditioned stacker, avoiding condensation
and ensuring a constant temperature. A transport feeder automatically picks
up randomly accessible well plates from the stacker for processing
in the autosampler. During processing, a large capacity Peltier cooling unit
maintains internal conditions until the sample is injected.
For fully automated online sample preparation and injection, the Reliance™
is ready to be integrated in Spark’s newly developed XLC (eXtraction Liquid
Chromatography)- MS system: Symbiosis™. Symbiosis™ offers high
throughput autosampling and online extraction with full LC functionality,
truly automating SPE-LC-MS.
COOL
SAMPLE
PREPARATION
CAPABILITIES
Highly versatile reagent addition and mixing routines will automate complex
pre-column derivatizations, dilutions, pH changes, etc. In addition, the
programmable sampling height allows aspiration from two-phase samples
such as liquid-liquid extracts or samples containing a precipitate. With these
capabilities, the Reliance™ is the standard autosampler for Spark's front-end
automated sample handling system Symbiosis™.
Spark’s Reliance™ is offered as a stand-alone unit, but can also be customized
to fit an OEM customer’s HPLC system. For OEM applications, Spark offers
design and software services to transform the autosampler into the desired
system look with a corresponding software interface.
VERSATILITY
AND
CUSTOMIZATION
Conditioned Stacker
Accurate temperature-
conditioned stacker
that holds up to
24 shallow or
12 deep well plates.
Well Plate Waiter
Automatically transports
the required tray to
the autosampler.
HIGH THROUGHPUT AUTOSAMPLER
Integrated
Organizer
Holds LC-solvent
bottles.
SparkLink™ Software
Instrument control
software with integration
for all major MS
data packages.
Closed Environment
Ensures optimal
conditions for storage
and processing.
High speed concen-
tric dual needle
Ensures fast and
reliable sampling.
Reliance™ Autosampler
High Throughput conditioned autosampler offers
maximum throughput and flexibility in sample
introduction. The highest quality and reliability
standards are met.
Autosampler
5th generation high
throughput autosampler
with minimal carry-over.
RELIANCE™ TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Specifications are subject to change without notice.
General specifications
Sample Viscosity 0.3 - 5 cP, user selectable for optimized cycle times.
Sample Capacity 1 plate in autosampler, max. 24 shallow or
12 deep well plates in stacker.
Plate types 48-vial plates, 96 shallow well, 96 deep well,
384 shallow well or user defined well plate.
Vial Dimensions Max. height vials: 47 mm (incl. cap); min. height
vials: 12.5 mm (incl. cap). Note: select plate type
in properties (Sparklink™). Only rigid plate material.
6x8 vials, dimensions base plate
128 x 85.8 mm (optional).
Loop Volume 5-1000 µL.
Plate & Height Detection Missing plate & height detection by vial sensor.
Wash Solvent 3 Solvents selectable on Syringe Dispenser Valve.
Analytical performance
Capped and sealed vials/plates:
Full Loop Injections Reproducibility: RSD ≤ 0.3 %.
Partial Loopfill Injections Reproducibility: RSD ≤ 0.5 %, injection volumes > 5 µL,
with headspace pressure on the vial and 30 µL
pre-flush with air segment.
Zero sample loss Injections
Reproducibility: RSD ≤ 1.0 %, injection volumes > 5 µL,
with headspace pressure on the vial.
Open vials/plates, valid at 1.0 cP:
Full Loop Injections Reproducibility: RSD ≤ 0.3 %.
Partial Loopfill Injections Reproducibility: RSD ≤ 0.5 %; injection volumes > 5 µL,
without headspace pressure on the vial and 30 µL
pre-flush with air segment.
Zero sample loss Injections
Reproducibility: RSD ≤1.0 %; injection volumes > 5 µL.
without headspace pressure on the vial.
Carry-over < 0.01 % with programmable needle wash.
Method programming
Injection Methods • Full loop injections • Partial loopfill injections
• Zero sample loss injections.
Injection Modes • Speed mode • Flex mode.
Injection Volumes
Mode Lower limit (µL) Upper limit (µL)
Full loop Loop volume Loop volume
Partial loop 5 1/2 Loop volume
(max. loopvolume: 200 µL)
Zero sample loss 1.0 200 µL with Bio-needle
Injections per Vial Max. 9 (volumes are programmable for each injection).
Analysis Time Max. 9 hrs. 59 min. 59 sec.
Needle Wash Volume Programmable 700-9999 µL, with 3 solvents.
Options
Temperature Control Built-in Peltier cooling in autosampler and stacker.
Closed conditioned system for guaranteed constant
temperature and humidity suitable for 24-hour
operation. Temperature is software programmable
(Sparklink™) and computer-monitored.
Integrated Column Switching (ISS)
Integrated high pressure stream switching valve.
Biocompatible Option Rheodyne or Valco biocompatible valves, with PEEK
sample needle and PEEK flowpath.
Biocompatible Column Switching Valve ISS
Mistral column oven combined with the Reliance™.
The injection valve and optional column switching
valve fit into the column oven.
Bio-needle Specially designed sample needle for easier sampling
of serum, plasma and urine samples.
0055.0
56-1
0
P. O. BOX 388, 7800 AJ EMMEN, THE NETHERLANDS
PHONE (31) 591 631700, FAX (31) 591 630035
E-MAIL [email protected], WEBSITE WWW.SPARK.NL
TECHNOLOGY LEADER IN AUTOMATED FRONT END SAMPLE HANDLING
Copyright © 2003 Spark Holland BV All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, without written permission from Spark Holland BV. Spark Holland BV reserves the right to make changes to the design and specifications of the Reliance™ without prior notice. Reliance™ and Symbiosis™ are trademarks of Spark Holland BV.
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