Dionex AS50 autosampler advice

[randy]

Hello,

Our lab currently has a Dionex DX500 setup with AS40 autosampler that we use for cation analysis generally, but specifically mostly ammonia. The AS40 isn't really all that easy to use for larger sets of samples, and our recent experience with the AS40 has highlighted this.

I'd like for our lab to consider upgrading, but I don't know much about the AS50. If you are a current user, what are your experiences with this particular autosampler? Will it work with PeakNet v 5.1? We'd like an autosampler that's position-programmable from the software and allows vials to be re-used at different times in a sequence (e.g., continuing calibration verification samples).

We do have another DX500 system with a Dionex AS3500 autosampler, but that has had a habit in the past of dropping vials occasionally, and I was hoping to get something of a more recent vintage.

[goxy43]

I would not recommend the AS50 although I use it. It does not have the best precision and, very often, it performs strange things.

[IC_Gal]

I've used the AS50 autosampler for several years. If you have ALOT of samples to run then I say go ahead and get it but with at least one caveat:

Precision is a problem when using the 2 mL glass vials. The needle does not always hit the center of the septa and septa material builds up in the needle eventually blocking it. This leads to many problems. We have been able to use the 10 mL plastic vials from Dionex with a good deal of success. That tray only holds 49 of the 10 mL vials as opposed to the 2 mL tray which holds 100 vials. I've used the sample prep option on one of my AS50's and it seems to work well as long you do the proper PM work on it every year.

I think the AS50 will work with Peaknet 5.x but ask Dionex for certain. If you do get the AS50 you'd be better off upgrading to their Chromeleon platform. I don't always like everything Dionex does but the Chromeleon platform is one thing they did right.

[jmbrewer]

Dionex certainly makes good products and autosamplers. Having worked with multiple vendor IC equipment and multiple suppliers of autosamplers, I would suggest researching the new Metrohm autosamplers, especially the 858. It has the capacity, the low maintenance, the low cost of operation and can be a workhorse in combination with your existing IC and software. I have used multi-party equipment many times quite successfully and at a lower cost of operation. At least consider the alternatives before purchasing and see how it would work for you and your budget.