03-914642-00:6
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1 Introduction
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Product Description
The Archon Purge and Trap AutoSampler is designed to automate the tedious
sample handling procedures associated with purge and trap analysis for volatile
organic compounds (VOC's) under current EPA methods. The Archon can be
used for drinking water, waste water, soil analysis, and solids. The Archon is
designed as a stand-alone unit for retrofit to purge and trap instruments.
The Archon is a state-of-the art robotic, X-Y-Z axis autosampler. The
AutoSampler utilizes a 51 position sample tray that allows water or soil samples
to be run. The tray can be cooled if an optional chiller kit is installed. The Archon
has a unique "gripper" arm which moves the sample vial to different positions that
will bar code read (optional), identify the vial type, stir the sample, equilibrate to
room temperature, and transfer the sample to the water or soil probe position.
When running soil samples, the Archon automates heated purge and trap. The
soil sample may be placed in the patented SoilVial, or if the Archon is setup for
needle sparging, a standard 40 mL VOC vial. A stirring bar (optional) is added,
the cap with a low bleed septum is replaced, and the entire vial placed in the
sample tray. The robotic arm transfers the vial to the vial identification step, and
then lifts the vial into the heated chamber where water is added, with one or both
standards, the sample is then purged directly onto the trap of the concentrator.
If a water sample is to be run, the sample is placed in a 40 mL VOC vial and a stir
bar (optional) is placed in the vial and the vial is placed in the tray. The Archon
robotic arm moves the vial to the vial ID station and then to the probe location
where it is lifted onto the sample probe, and a programmed volume of water is
transferred to the purge vessel. It is during the transfer that one or both of the
standards are added to the sample. It will also drain and clean the needle, sparge
tube, and transfer lines.
The operating modes of the Archon are the Automatic, Manual, and Flush
modes. Automatic mode allows for complete unattended operation. Manual mode
operation allows for single sample operation of the unit, priority sampling, and
running blanks. The Flush mode performs the flushing with hot water and helium
for the cleanup of the system. All modes perform per their programmed method.
The Archon is easily programmed through its own color-coded keypad.
Programming is menu driven and displayed on an LCD screen. Parameters can
be read and altered and the screen displays the function in progress during the
run.
The Archon interfaces directly with the Tekmar LSC 2000, 3000, OI 4460A, 4560
and other purge and trap units.
