Multi-tube autosamplers for UNITY 2 TD: Series 2 ULTRA™

ULTRA 2 adds to Markes UNITY 2 TD platform to provide automatic desorption of up to 100 industry standard (3.5-inch) or DAAMS (Depot Area Air Management System as used in some chemical agent test facilities) (4.5-inch) tubes with or without RFID tags.  The peerless analytical performance and key sample protection features of UNITY 2 features are maintained on series 2 ULTRA-UNITY systems.

ULTRA 2 additional features: TubeTAG™: Reading/writing of RFID tube tags is now fully integrated with automated TD operation making it easy to track tube history  Patented DiffLok™ caps provide a uniquely effective tube seal pre- and post-desorption – preserving the integrity of sample and blank tubes. Quantitative sample re-collection (SecureTD-Q) is offered as standard on every series 2 ULTRA-UNITY for repeat analysis of critical samples and method validation. SecureTD-Q can be automated using one or two ULTRA 2 autosamplers. ULTRA-reliability – field-proven, mechanically-simple automation ensures robust operation.  Incorporates the method-compliant leak test of UNITY 2, optional automated dry purging and optional internal standard addition for enhanced analytical quality assurance. Innovative, compact design – minimizes bench space.

TubeTAG: reading/writing for enhanced tube traceability

Series 2 ULTRA autosamplers herald a revolution in automated thermal desorption. Every ULTRA 2 offers the option to read information from RFID tags attached to sorbent tubes and to automatically input this information into the sequence table.

At the end of each analysis, ULTRA 2 can also write to the tube tag e.g. to increment the number of thermal cycles, input any high back-pressure anomalies, change the tube status and clear sample-specific data from the tag ready for the next field monitoring operation.

Markes TubeTAG technology allows error-free tracking of samples from field to laboratory & within a laboratory (transit tagging) and logging of key tube-specific data such as type & date of sorbent packing. In combination with a series 2 ULTRA-UNITY system TubeTAG further enables:

• Automatic logging of the history of a tube throughout its life: Number of thermal cycles, back-pressure anomalies, number of leak test failures, etc.
  
  
• Automatic input of sample-specific information to the ULTRA TD automation sequence table: Tube number, sampled volume, diffusive sampling time, date of sampling, etc.  

Multiple tube sizes

Series 2 ULTRA autosamplers are available preconfigured for either of the following tube sizes:

1. 3.5-inch (89 mm) long x ¼-inch (6.4 mm) OD tubes as specified in international standard methods for atmospheric monitoring (environmental or workplace air). Note that these tubes are available from Markes in stainless steel, glass or inert coated steel.
   
   
2. Two versions of 4.5-inch (114 mm) long DAAMS
   
   1. 6 mm OD, glass (standard flow)
      
   2. 10 mm OD, glass (high flow)

Patented* tube sealing mechanism

DiffLok caps provide an effective tube seal until pressure is applied causing gas to flow. They are used to seal tubes while they are on the ULTRA 2 autosampler. 

• DiffLok caps maintain the integrity of both sampled and cleaned tubes via a unique diffusion limiting design
  
• Tubes sealed with DiffLok caps show negligible ingress of contaminants or loss of components over time
  
• Sampling end cap has an inert coating to prevent breakdown of labile compounds
  
• DiffLok caps remain on the sample tubes throughout the entire desorption sequence - simplifying automation
  

Sample re-collection: SecureTD-Q - quantitative re-collection for repeat analysis & method/data validation

Overcomes the one-shot limitation of traditional TD and can be fully automated (ULTRA 50:50 and AutoSecure TD systems).

Simple, reliable, automated operation

• No cap removal
  
• Minimal mechanical movements
  
• Low maintenance
  

Intuitive control software

• Intuitive control of all TD conditions and automation sequence parameters and resides on the same PC as the GC control software
  
• Unique sequence builder - simplifies sequence construction, assigns specific desorption methods and allows sample tubes to be classified as sample, calibrant or blank
  
• Sequence reporter records all events associated with each analysis i.e. date and time of each tube desorption, any deviations such as tube leak failure etc.
  
• Optional automatic update of sorbent tube RFID tags
  

Unrestricted upgrade path: Plug-and-play TD

All series 2 ULTRA configurations may be readily connected and disconnected to any series 1 or 2 UNITY TD platform. 

ULTRA 2 can also be connected to UNITY (2) in parallel with on-line air monitoring/canister automation technology (Series 2 Air Server or CIA 8 accessory). 

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Series 2 ULTRA options:

ULTRA - Internal Standard/Dry Purge

An ULTRA 2 autosampler pre-fitted with an Internal Standard/Dry Purge accessory (ISDP) is also available from Markes.

It allows fixed volumes of a gas-phase internal standard to be introduced to the sampling end of each sorbent tube prior to desorption. It can also be used to add standard gas to blank tubes without subsequent desorption. In addition to this, the ISDP allows dry purging of tubes in the sampling direction prior to desorption, to remove excess water prior to analysis.

ULTRA 50:50

ULTRA TD autosamplers (with or without ISDP) may be factory-configured with a 50:50 module to provide single autosampler re-collection of analytes from 50 or 100 tubes. The ULTRA 50:50 option also facilitates automatic dry-purging of sorbent tubes in the sampling direction prior to thermal desorption. 

ULTRA 50:50 can be ordered with integrated electronic mass flow controllers for enhanced split and desorb flow control if required. 

 

   

 

For part numbers and pricing please contact your local Markes distributor.

Relevant technical support publications from Markes International can be automatically downloaded from this web site (registration required). Examples include: 

• Brochure - Series 2 UNITY
  
• Brochure - Series 2 ULTRA and variants
  
• Brochure - Series 2 Air Server
  
• Brochure - Validation of Thermal Desorption featuring SecureTD-Q
  
• TDTS 11 - The good, the bad and the ugly (what to look for in a thermal desorber)
  
• TDTS 12 - About thermal desorption - a basic introduction 
  
  

Other thermal desorption instrumentation available from Markes International includes:

UNITY 2 platform thermal desorber for single tubes
ULTRA 50:50
Auto-DAAMS TD system: Robust analytical technology for 4.5-inch sorbent (DAAMS) tubes
Mass Flow Control Accessory
Series 2 Air Server and CIA 8 Systems for on-line automation
TT24-7 near real time monitoring

*UK Patent Number: GB 2337513, US Patent # 7373847