Agilent Technologies Inc. introduced a collection of new features to the 7696A Sample Prep Workbench chromatography sample-preparation system. These enhancements will enable laboratories to further minimize bottlenecks associated with sample preparation and maximize automation capabilities to prevent errors associated with manual sample-handling procedures, including weighing, diluting and making derivatives.
“Sample preparation has always been a pain point in laboratory processes,” said Eric Phillips, Agilent’s product marketing manager for gas chromatography. “These enhancements to Workbench that include WeighStation, eliminate many manual steps in the sample-prep process with software upgrades and automation capabilities. Workbench retains key features to minimize human exposure to harmful chemicals and reagents.”
New features include:
WeighStation, whose high-precision weighing capabilities (up to five-decimal-place readability) meet ASTM and EN petrochemical analysis standards.
New LC vial racks that enable direct placement of vials onto the auto-sampler to eliminate the possibility of vial placement and transcription errors
Dilution Wizard, which speeds method development, minimizes mouse clicks and automatically creates a series of standards for calibration curves and other repetitive dilutions
“Many good chemists perform manual sample preparation, but Workbench with WeighStation will now let them spend more time on other, more important tasks in the lab,” Phillips added. “Together, these enhancements provide consistent precision and accuracy, enabling laboratories to reduce costs associated with sample preparation and eliminate mundane steps that hinder productivity.”
Agilent’s Workbench Cost Benefit Calculator provides more information on how the product can reduce costs.
The Agilent 7696A Sample Prep Workbench provides consistent precision and eliminates possible errors associated with manual sample preparation. Workbench with WeighStation provides laboratories with the ability to weigh precise amounts of material directly into the gas or liquid chromatography vial, allowing for highly precise weight calculations required in specific ASTM and EN methods.
Workbench provides savings to the laboratory, eliminating the need for reinjections due to missed steps in sample preparation. It requires only small volumes of chemicals and solvents, produces less waste, and does not require glassware other than sample vials. Automated sample preparation ensures consistent sample processing and eliminates analyst-to-analyst variability. The instrument’s automation capabilities and ability to fit in most fume hoods also reduces human exposure to hazardous chemicals and reagents.