This application note describes an approach for automating the biodiesel standard and sample preparation prior to GC analysis using the enhanced capabilities of the Agilent 7693A Automated Liquid Sampler (ALS).
The document presents an approach to automating the preparation of biodiesel standards and samples prior to gas chromatographic (GC) analysis. It utilizes the enhanced capabilities of the Agilent 7693A Automated Liquid Sampler (ALS) to perform derivatization protocols for silylation of glycerides according to ASTM D6584 and EN14105 methods, as well as adding internal standards for EN14103 fatty acid methyl ester analysis. The resulting automated calibrations and sample runs show excellent comparison to manual preparation methods.
The study details the hardware configuration of an Agilent 7890A GC with two 7693A ALS towers and a sample tray, allowing up to five different GC methods for biodiesel analysis on a single instrument. Specific protocols are provided for scaling standard preparations to fit 2 mL vials and for the automated injection of prepared samples onto the GC column.
| Maximum vial size for ALS | 2 mL |
|---|---|
| Firmware version requirement | A.01.10 or greater |
| Data system requirement | Chemstation rev. B.04.01 or greater |
The hardware configuration allows up to five different GC methods: ASTM D6584, EN14105, EN14103, EN14110, and EN14106.
The procedures are scaled to 10% of the final volume (15 mL) to fit into the maximum 2 mL vials used by the ALS.
Yes, the data shows that the automated sample preparation yields the same chromatographic result as full manual sample preparation.