Using AI1310, AS1310 Autosampler in High Throughput Mode

Step 1: Hardware configuration:

• Two AS1310 samplers are mounted on the GC, one over each inlet. A special mounting bracket is used.

• Each sampler is connected to the PC using its own, separate serial cable; do not use the “Y” serial cable in the Gemini kit. Note that this requires either:

• Two available RS-232 ports on the PC, or
• One available RS-232 ports on the PC + the on-board serial port on the back of the GC

• The two samplers should also be connected to each other using the Sync cable

• Finally, the two samplers should be connected to the GC using the Remote Start “Y” cable.

Figure 1: Connection

Step 2: Software Configuration:

• Open the Chromeleon Instrument Configuration Manager

• Create a new instrument, using a name that identifies it as the Front portion of the GC

• Add an AI/AS 1310 Sampler to this instrument and configure it normally. Be sure to specify the communications port of the sampler mounted on the Front Inlet

• Do not add a GC at this time

• Create a second new instrument, using a name that identifies it as the Back portion of the GC

• Add an AI/AS 1310 Sampler to this instrument and configure it normally. Be sure to specify the communications port of the sampler mounted on the Back Inlet

• Do not add a GC at this time

• Ensure the Back Instrument is selected, and add a TRACE 1300 GC.  Specify the IP address and use the ‘Get’ button to ensure a proper configuration
• In the TRACE 1300 GC Configuration dialog, select the ‘Instrument’ tab and change the Front Instrument to the name you previously specified for the Front Instrument
• Verify that the signal/hardware handshake settings match the following:
  • Remote start in: HighToLow
  • End of run out: HighToLow
  • Inhibit ready: None
  • GC ready out: Low
  • Start of run out: HighToLow
  • Prep-run out: Low 
• After pressing OK, your configuration should look similar to the Figure 4.
• Start Chromeleon
• Test communications to ensure the configuration is correct:
  • The GCs of both instruments should be connected and reporting status read-backs  (identical values of course)
  • The autosamplers of both instruments should be connected
  • For each GC, press the F8 button. In the dialog that appears, highlight the ‘Sampler’ in the left pane and select the ‘Command’ tab in the right pane.
  • Click the ‘Wash’ command and ensure that the sampler configured for each GC properly washes.
• Set the GC to Operate in ‘Shared’ Mode:
  • Select the Front GC
  • Press the F8 button. In the dialog that appears, highlight the ‘GC’ in the left pane
  • Find the ‘Dual Operation’ property in the right pane and set the value to ‘Shared’

Figure 2: Instrument Configuration

Figure 3: 'Instrument' Tab

Figure 4: Instrument Configuration

Figure 5: GC Washes

Figure 6: Dual Operation Properties

Step 3: Instrument Method Setup:

Front Instrument Method:

• Create an instrument method for the Front Instrument in the normal way.

• When the wizard completes, select the ‘Script Editor’ tab

• In the {Initial Time} section of the script, right-click and select ‘Insert Command’

• Choose the ‘GC.Sharable’ command, and set the value to ‘On’.

Back Instrument Method:

• Create an instrument method for the Back Instrument in the same way as previously done for the Front Instrument.

• The parameters for the Oven and any other shared components for the two instrument method must be identical.

• Be sure to insert the ‘GC.Sharable’ command, and set the value to ‘On’.

Figure 7: Instrument Method

Step 4 : Sequence Setup

• Create two sequences – one for the Front GC, and one for the Back GC  - as you normally would

• Be sure to use the appropriate instrument method for each sequence

• Important: Before staring the sequences, confirm that the GC is in ‘Shared’ mode

• Start the first sequence

• The sequence state will become ‘Running’, but the GC will remain in Stand-by mode and no injection will occur

• Start the second sequence

• The sequence state will become ‘Running’, and both autosamplers will begin their injection cycle when the GC becomes ready.