Headspace sampler

[vovdrengen]

Hi all.

I am looking for an autosampler which is able to do some dynamic headspace analysis. I have looked at the Gerstel DHS and the Tekmar HT3. The Gestel solution is quite expensive. Does anyone have experience with the systems??
The sampler should be coupled to a GC-MS, Agilent, perkin Elmer or Thermo Scientific
Morten

[tlahren]

The benefit I see to the Gerstel one is that you get an autosampler that is more flexible along with the DHS. It is capable of liquid or HS-SPME, liquid injection, pyrolysis-GC, Thermal Desorption, Twister, adaptable for LC operation, can be used for sample prep, and the list goes on.

If you are only needing a HS-VOC instrument then there is no way to justify buying the Gerstel in my opinion. My guess is that the Tekmar (Agilent also makes one) Headspace samplers are probably better for dynamic headspace as they are built for this function primarily. The Gerstel is an add-on to their MPS autosampler system.

I have never used any of them personally. I do mostly liquid injections.

[Alexandre]

I have hands-on with Gerstel. I had one together with Agilent MS and second on Shimadzu dual FPD. The beauty of this is that you have L inj. as well as SPME, it also does automatic things like LL extraction for you!, addition of ISTD and derivatization. System is very reliable, Swiss made, so it is like clockwork. But now you can get it from all major players, some just rebatch it. You can have Combipal from Agilent, and it will be from one vendor so service is easy.

[nvalentine]

I will preface this since I work for Tekmar, but it really depends on your use. You have a dedicated headpace analyzer versus an option of a sample prep system. If you are only interested in dynamic headspace, then an HT3 (or equivalent HS analyzer) will be more than adequate. It will configure to any GC/MS with the appropriate cables.

A GERSTEL has a lot of options, which obviously come at a price, so you would be some additional cost/benefit analysis involved. It gives you flexibility, but again you have to determine your needs.

If you have any specific questions about dynamic headspace analysis, please to let me know.