SampleSense for FAST Systems

Detect Loading Issues

SampleSense monitors and logs sample loading issues caused by:

• Empty tubes or positions
• Vials inadvertently left capped
• Empty standard or QC
• Bubbles caused by incomplete loading

Viscous Samples with SampleSense

Sample loading speed is impacted by the viscosity of a given sample. High viscosity samples require additional time for the sample to be transported from the autosampler probe to the sample loop while low viscosity samples require less time. SampleSense automatically detects the arrival of the sample at the valve, eliminating the need to determine the required sample loading time for each sample matrix analyzed. In the experiment below a highly viscous sample (concentrated sulfuric acid) was automatically loaded into a prepFAST system equipped with SampleSense.

Experimental Highlights:

• 1.5 mL sample loop
• Sulfuric acid diluted 50x with prepFAST
• H₂0 loading time 8 seconds; H₂SO₄ loading time 100 seconds
  • SampleSense eliminates sample uptake method development and the associated sample waste.
  • SampleSense optimizes the loading time saving 92 seconds each time the non-viscous sample is introduced.
  • SampleSense also saves significant amount of sample each time the non-viscous sample is introduced.
• Internal standards monitored during 2.5 hour ICPMS analysis

Small Sample Volumes with SampleSense

Samples of limited volume must frequently be introduced for analysis. SampleSense supports these small volume samples by minimizing sample consumption during the sample loading process. Once the sample loop is fully loaded, the sample injection and analysis are triggered automatically. Shown below is an example of FAST with SampleSense utilized to load and inject small sample volumes into an ICP system.

Experimental Highlights:

• FAST with SampleSense valve with 250 µL sample loop
• 750 µL of 1 ppm standard loaded into each position of a 96 well microplate
• Excellent stability demonstrated for 96 replicate analyses