Automatic microdilutor and sample preparation unit ends time-consuming task for analytical methods including segmented flow analysis, flow injection analysis, and atomic absorption spectrophotometry
Burkard Scientific has designed and developed an automatic microdilutor and sample preparation unit, the AMD2000, that eliminates daily preparation of sets of calibrants by pipetting a stock standard and making up to volume, and dilution of samples to match the concentration range.
Designed for use with Burkard's series 2000 range of segmented flow and flow injection analysers, the AMD2000 can be operated as a stand alone unit or as an integral part of a more extensive system.
This highly innovative and user friendly instrument can be connected to the 80+ sequential sampler for 'stepping' through the sampling sequence, or be used with Burkard's XYZ random access sampler for analysis and re-dilution.
For manual operation in standalone mode the AMD2000 is equipped with a fully integrated keypad and liquid crystal display, and operated using a menu.
Application as part of a larger system is facilitated by Burkard's MicroStream for Windows software package which operates the dilutor from a PC serial port.
Automatic in-line calibration is achieved from a solitary mixed standard introduced by single loading from a syringe of 1-10ml volume as determined by the flow rate and sampling rate.
The AMD2000 is normally pre-programmed with a template of dilutions and samples from which each run is derived.
Storage in non-volatile memory ensures the data is not lost when power to the unit is switched off.
The wide range of benefits offered by the AMD2000 include: automatic calibration from a single standard; true in-line dilution and on-line operation; over 500 samples processed in a single batch; over 30 dilution ratios for calibrants and samples from a 9:1 calibrant/sample:diluent ratio down to a ratio of 1:1000; no limit on numbers of blanks and washes; three decades of dilution - 100% - 10, 10 - 1 and 1 - 0.1%; time saved on standard and sample preparation; increased sampling capacity; enhanced accuracy.
The AMD2000 offers a novel, innovative and user-friendly bonus for in-tandem use with a wide range of analytic instruments, including continuous flow analysers, injection flow analysers, atomic absorption spectrophotometers, and inductively coupled plasma spectrometers, and can be fitted to most existing systems.
Improved efficiency, precision, and accuracy of chemical analysis for a wide range of industries and disciplines will benefit from this development.
They include plant and soil analysis, potable water, ground water, surface water, river water, sea water, boiler water, sewage, effluents, environmental monitoring, brewing, distilling, soft drinks, dairy, food, and pharmaceuticals.
