Agilent Technologies has introduced the LTM Series II gas chromatography system, which is suitable for hydrocarbon processing, environmental analysis, food safety testing and forensics.
The LTM Series II, the second generation of the company's proprietary low thermal-mass technology, increases sample throughput using faster column heating/cooling cycles.
It can utilise standard Agilent chromatography data system software, enabling users to seamlessly integrate the higher throughput of LTM technology into their laboratory workflows.
Shanya Kane, Agilent vice-president of gas chromatography systems and workflow automation, said: 'Many customers are under pressure to increase lab productivity, but they don't want to run multiple instrument software systems to achieve it.
'The new LTM Series II control is integrated with all Agilent data system platforms, including the new Openlab CDS software,' added Kane.
The Agilent LTM Series II system works with the Agilent 7890A GC, which, according to the company, is known for its rugged performance.
Rather than using the 7890A as a conventional GC oven, the columns are wrapped with heating elements and temperature sensors, enabling faster temperature ramp rates and rapid cool-down.
The LTM Series II system uses the same injectors, detectors and fused silica columns as the 7890A GC, all of which are used in existing GC and GC/MS methods.
Agilent Method Translation Software facilitates method changes that can take advantage of faster temperature ramp capabilities for faster chromatographic runs.
Another proprietary Agilent GC technology, Capillary Flow Technology, extends column life by providing a leak-free back-flush function.
This protects the column from contamination and further increases productivity by eliminating the time-consuming bake-out of late eluting compounds.
Capillary Flow Technology can also provide new capabilities in 2D chromatography via simultaneous, independent temperature profiles for each column.
This makes the fast-cycling Agilent LTM Series II system suitable for hydrocarbon processing, environmental analysis, food safety testing, forensics, pharmaceutical QA/QC and food/flavour/fragrance analysis.
LTM hardware consists of a replacement door for the Agilent 7890A GC, containing built-in electronics and slots for up to four LTM column modules.
If desired, the 7890A GC can still be used as a conventional oven-based GC.
