Introducing MANTECH’s AM500 Series Autosamplers
Front-End Task Automation and Analysis
Automate the monotonous front-end tasks such as barcode scanning, splitting samples and more, freeing up analysts’ time for other tasks and reducing physical strains caused by task repetition with MANTECH’s AM500 front-end task automation and analysis systems.
The AM500s utilize robust robotics and smart hardware like the rest of MANTECH’s autosampler systems (AM400s & AM430s). The key difference is that the AM500s have an H-frame design that includes two Z-arms. As a result, the AM500s are capable of performing separate actions on each arm simultaneously.
Capabilities
The AM500s are highly configurable and can perform a variety of tasks all from one system including barcode scanning, bottle capping/uncapping, sample splitting, preparing samples, analyzing, heating and shaking.
Barcode Scanning
A rotating gripper picks up bottles and rotates them for barcode scanning. The scanner correctly identifies the label no matter its orientation on the bottle (vertical, horizontal, sideways). From the barcode, the software knows what parameters to measure or what steps to undergo (sample splitting, auto-dilutions, etc.). If the scanner does not detect a barcode after an initial quick scan, the system performs a slow scan. If the barcode still cannot be detected, users can choose what protocol the system will follow; whether it will notify the user, stop the run, or move onto the next sample. A built-in light also enables the scanner to read barcodes during overnight analysis.
Bottle Capping/Uncapping
Addtionally, the gripper uncaps and caps bottles. This gripper can fit different lid sizes. Options to uncap/cap BOD bottles or incorporate MANTECH’s magnetic caps (Sample Protect) are also available on the AM500s.
Built-in system sensors verify that uncapping or capping has occurred.
Sample Splitting
Using an intelligent dosing or syringe pump, the AM500s can split sample volumes from field (parent) bottles into separate (daughter) racks of sample tubes or cups. A smaller dispense tip even enables aliquoting of microliters of sample into separate tubes. The AM500s can accommodate racks designed for other analyzers that perform tests that MANTECH does not, such as Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), which allows analysts to easily transfer racks to the appropriate analyzer. However, the AM500s are capable of titration and BOD analyses.
Preparing Samples
The AM500s can automate sample preparation which could include auto-dilutions, reagent addition, neutralization and more. Depending on the level of precision required, MANTECH’s intelligent peristaltic, dosing or syringe pumps add water, reagents and/or preservatives to the sample. The system has the capacity to prepare samples within the parent bottles or within the cups or tubes that the sample was split into.
Analyzing
If the analysis is within MANTECH’s expertise, the AM500s can automate the analysis of parameters such as pH, alkalinity, conductivity and BOD. Analysis can be performed within the field bottles, in separate analysis vessels or in separate sample tubes or cups that the sample was split into. The analysis vessels are the same ones used by other MANTECH systems.
Heating and Shaking
Depending on the analysis or sample preparation process, the AM500s can automate heating and shaking with built-in heater and shaker racks. The AM500 system’s software controls the racks. For the heater racks, users can control the temperature, duration of heating and when the heater racks turn on or off. For the shaker racks, users can control the speed, duration of shaking and when the shaker racks turn on or off.
System Add-ons
Users can include additional AM500 accessories to fit their laboratory’s requirements.
Since the AM500s can operate with miminal supervision, a signal light can be a great way for analysts to stay informed of the state of the autosampler. Users can customize what each color and/or flashing color signifies such as analysis in progress, system ready, analyst attention required, etc.
If a barrier is required to protect the samples from the environment or prevent analysts from interacting with the system while it’s in use, an enclosure or shield is available. There is also the option to add a safety interlock to the enclosure or shield as an extra safety feature that ensures the system will not run when it is open.
- Enclosure: Covers the front, sides and top of the system. A hole in the top is an option if the system requires ventilation
- Shield: Covers the front and sides of the system.
MANTECH can provide an accurately sized table with wheels, enabling the system to be moved or transported easily within the laboratory. The table also includes lower shelves for convenient storage.
As an extra precaution to prevent carryover between samples if rinsing and flushing out the sample line with water is insufficient, MANTECH can include unique pipette tips.
