Series 2 ULTRA™: Multi-tube autosamplers for UNITY 2 TD
ULTRA 2 adds to Markes UNITY 2 TD platform to provide automatic desorption of up to 100 industry standard (3.5-inch) or DAAMS* (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.
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 anomolies, 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:
- 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.
- Two versions of 4.5-inch (114 mm) long DAAMS
a) 6 mm OD, glass (standard flow)
b) 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).
