RELIANCE™

HIGH THROUGHPUT AUTOSAMPLER

PHILOSOPHY

WHEN CHOOSING AN AUTOSAMPLER,

PHARMACEUTICAL LAB MANAGERS ASK FOR HIGH THROUGHPUT,

HIGH INJECTION SPEED AND SHORTER PROCESS TIMES.

THESE ARE ONLY A BENEFIT IN COMBINATION WITH A MINIMUM

OF CARRY-OVER AND TROUBLE-FREE OPERATION OF THE INSTRUMENT.

FOR OVER TWO DECADES, SPARK HAS BEEN ACTIVELY ENGAGED IN THE

DEVELOPMENT OF LEADING TECHNOLOGY USED IN AUTOMATION OF

SAMPLE HANDLING AND SAMPLE INTRODUCTION.

TODAY, SPARK INTRODUCES THE FIRST

TRULY TEMPERATURE-CONDITIONED HIGH THROUGHPUT AUTOSAMPLER

THAT WILL CHANGE THE WAY PEOPLE IMPLEMENT AUTOMATED

SAMPLE HANDLING IN THEIR LAB: RELIANCE™.

The introduction of modern fast detection and data acquisition

methods has caused a significant increase in the number

of samples processed in laboratories. In contrast, labor

resources and process time frames are severely under pressure.

Speed, Quality and Reliability of the installed instrumentation

are therefore more important than ever.

5th generation autosampler

The experiences gained from 15,000 installed units formed the input for

our ambition to develop a new autosampler that would satisfy the most

stringent requirements for accurate analytical results in a high throughput

LC-MS environment. The Reliance™ High Throughput conditioned autosam-

pler offers maximum throughput and flexibility in sample introduction. The

highest quality and reliability standards are met.

Reliance™ features include:

• A new high-speed injection mode reducing cycle time by more than

50% for a partial loopfill injection including needle wash. Cycle time

including wash is less than 35 seconds.

• Superior precision and market leading carry-over performance.

• Standard provisions for reducing carry-over of difficult compounds.

• New high-capacity stacker for a maximum of 9,216 samples.

• Integrated cooling in both stacker and autosampler guarantees a

constant temperature for stacked and processed samples.

• User-selectable viscosity levels for optimization of cycle time

and performance.

• Programmed and user-definable templates allow use

of all commercially available (micro) well plates.

• Modular design for easy integration in a customized system.

• Symbiosis™ and XLC-MS ready.

• Improved user interface includes most MS data packages support.

RELIANCE™

High throughput capability is not only determined by the batch

size of the autosampler. It is also influenced by instrument

downtime and the degree of integration with other peripherals

such as LC Pumps and Mass Spectrometers.

Reliable and service-friendly

The Reliance™ is designed to withstand the toughest demands, those of

the contract laboratory, with on-time analytical results as the prevailing rule.

With 24-hour operation all mechanical parts are put to the most severe life

cycle test program. Set up a weekend run and rest assured it will inject,

time and again, reliably. A special service mode enables a service engineer

to check an operations log file. The lifetime records of switching valves,

sample tray, dispenser etc. allow for effective preventive maintenance of the

unit, assuring its trouble-free functioning. Furthermore, the modular design

of electronics and mechanics simplifies replacement and reduces

cost and downtime.

Intelligent master, intelligent slave

For integration with peripheral instruments like LC-pumps and MS detectors,

the Reliance™ control software offers links with all MS data packages. And for

those requiring a true front-end sample prep solution, the Reliance™ fits perfectly

into Spark's novel front-end automated sample handling system Symbiosis™.

HIGH

THROUGHPUT

CAPABILITY

Highly sensitive LC-MS/MS systems and increasingly stringent

FDA directives, make the elimination of carry-over a most

challenging factor in assay development. Spark’s proven injection

concept and thorough needle wash routines are designed to

meet this challenge. Pressure Assisted Sample Aspiration

(PASA™), a dual concentric needle system and inside plus

outside needle wash make the favorable combination of

highest precision and lowest carry-over.

Bio-compatibility and

Multi Wash Solvent Selection

A special Bio-needle is provided for trouble-free

processing of biological samples such as plasma or

urine. In order to create a metal free sampling path,

a PEEK injection valve and PEEK sample needles

are available, making the Reliance™ the perfect

autosampler for bioanalysis. A standard multi-

solvent selection valve allows a choice of up

to 3 different wash solvents.INJECTION

PRECISION

WITH

MINIMAL

CARRY-OVER

The stability of samples is vital for a reliable analytical result, and

loss of sample batches due to degradation frustrate the operator

and lab manager. Many of today’s autosamplers offer sample

cooling options. However, in a high throughput environment with

large numbers of biological samples, cooling and conditioning

performance must meet the highest standards.

The Reliance™ is the first autosampler with a unique storage capacity of

9216 samples in a closed and conditioned stacker, avoiding condensation

and ensuring a constant temperature. A transport feeder automatically picks

up randomly accessible well plates from the stacker for processing

in the autosampler. During processing, a large capacity Peltier cooling unit

maintains internal conditions until the sample is injected.

For fully automated online sample preparation and injection, the Reliance™

is ready to be integrated in Spark’s newly developed XLC (eXtraction Liquid

Chromatography)- MS system: Symbiosis™. Symbiosis™ offers high

throughput autosampling and online extraction with full LC functionality,

truly automating SPE-LC-MS.

COOL

SAMPLE

PREPARATION

CAPABILITIES

Highly versatile reagent addition and mixing routines will automate complex

pre-column derivatizations, dilutions, pH changes, etc. In addition, the

programmable sampling height allows aspiration from two-phase samples

such as liquid-liquid extracts or samples containing a precipitate. With these

capabilities, the Reliance™ is the standard autosampler for Spark's front-end

automated sample handling system Symbiosis™.

Spark’s Reliance™ is offered as a stand-alone unit, but can also be customized

to fit an OEM customer’s HPLC system. For OEM applications, Spark offers

design and software services to transform the autosampler into the desired

system look with a corresponding software interface.

VERSATILITY

AND

CUSTOMIZATION

Conditioned Stacker

Accurate temperature-

conditioned stacker

that holds up to

24 shallow or

12 deep well plates.

Well Plate Waiter

Automatically transports

the required tray to

the autosampler.

HIGH THROUGHPUT AUTOSAMPLER

Integrated

Organizer

Holds LC-solvent

bottles.

SparkLink™ Software

Instrument control

software with integration

for all major MS

data packages.

Closed Environment

Ensures optimal

conditions for storage

and processing.

High speed concen-

tric dual needle

Ensures fast and

reliable sampling.

Reliance™ Autosampler

High Throughput conditioned autosampler offers

maximum throughput and flexibility in sample

introduction. The highest quality and reliability

standards are met.

Autosampler

5th generation high

throughput autosampler

with minimal carry-over.

RELIANCE™ TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Specifications are subject to change without notice.

General specifications

Sample Viscosity 0.3 - 5 cP, user selectable for optimized cycle times.

Sample Capacity 1 plate in autosampler, max. 24 shallow or

12 deep well plates in stacker.

Plate types 48-vial plates, 96 shallow well, 96 deep well,

384 shallow well or user defined well plate.

Vial Dimensions Max. height vials: 47 mm (incl. cap); min. height

vials: 12.5 mm (incl. cap). Note: select plate type

in properties (Sparklink™). Only rigid plate material.

6x8 vials, dimensions base plate

128 x 85.8 mm (optional).

Loop Volume 5-1000 µL.

Plate & Height Detection Missing plate & height detection by vial sensor.

Wash Solvent 3 Solvents selectable on Syringe Dispenser Valve.

Analytical performance

Capped and sealed vials/plates:

Full Loop Injections Reproducibility: RSD ≤ 0.3 %.

Partial Loopfill Injections Reproducibility: RSD ≤ 0.5 %, injection volumes > 5 µL,

with headspace pressure on the vial and 30 µL

pre-flush with air segment.

Zero sample loss Injections

Reproducibility: RSD ≤ 1.0 %, injection volumes > 5 µL,

with headspace pressure on the vial.

Open vials/plates, valid at 1.0 cP:

Full Loop Injections Reproducibility: RSD ≤ 0.3 %.

Partial Loopfill Injections Reproducibility: RSD ≤ 0.5 %; injection volumes > 5 µL,

without headspace pressure on the vial and 30 µL

pre-flush with air segment.

Zero sample loss Injections

Reproducibility: RSD ≤1.0 %; injection volumes > 5 µL.

without headspace pressure on the vial.

Carry-over < 0.01 % with programmable needle wash.

Method programming

Injection Methods • Full loop injections • Partial loopfill injections

• Zero sample loss injections.

Injection Modes • Speed mode • Flex mode.

Injection Volumes

Mode Lower limit (µL) Upper limit (µL)

Full loop Loop volume Loop volume

Partial loop 5 1/2 Loop volume

(max. loopvolume: 200 µL)

Zero sample loss 1.0 200 µL with Bio-needle

Injections per Vial Max. 9 (volumes are programmable for each injection).

Analysis Time Max. 9 hrs. 59 min. 59 sec.

Needle Wash Volume Programmable 700-9999 µL, with 3 solvents.

Options

Temperature Control Built-in Peltier cooling in autosampler and stacker.

Closed conditioned system for guaranteed constant

temperature and humidity suitable for 24-hour

operation. Temperature is software programmable

(Sparklink™) and computer-monitored.

Integrated Column Switching (ISS)

Integrated high pressure stream switching valve.

Biocompatible Option Rheodyne or Valco biocompatible valves, with PEEK

sample needle and PEEK flowpath.

Biocompatible Column Switching Valve ISS

Mistral column oven combined with the Reliance™.

The injection valve and optional column switching

valve fit into the column oven.

Bio-needle Specially designed sample needle for easier sampling

of serum, plasma and urine samples.

0055.0

56-1

0

P. O. BOX 388, 7800 AJ EMMEN, THE NETHERLANDS

PHONE (31) 591 631700, FAX (31) 591 630035

E-MAIL SALES@SPARK.NL, WEBSITE WWW.SPARK.NL

TECHNOLOGY LEADER IN AUTOMATED FRONT END SAMPLE HANDLING

Copyright © 2003 Spark Holland BV All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form by any means, without written permission from Spark Holland BV. Spark Holland BV reserves the right to make changes to the design and specifications of the Reliance™ without prior notice. Reliance™ and Symbiosis™ are trademarks of Spark Holland BV.

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