Agilent 7697A Static Headspace Sampler

The Agilent 7697A is a static headspace sampler designed for automated sample preparation of volatile organic compounds prior to gas chromatograph analysis. The device is particularly popular in laboratories performing pharmaceutical quality control, environmental monitoring of water and soil, and determining ethanol content in biological fluids. The sampler's design is based on the proven architecture used in Agilent autosamplers and features a completely inert gas path. Passivated internal surfaces prevent adsorption or decomposition of analyzed components, which is critical when working with trace concentrations of substances. The instrument's temperature zones (vial thermostat, valve and dosing loop assembly, and transport line) are independently adjustable in 1°C increments with a resolution of 0.1°C. The analysis process is organized as follows: the sample is placed in a sealed vial and then heated in a thermostat to the set temperature. Volatile components migrate into the gas phase above the sample and accumulate there until equilibrium. The supernatant sample is then directed through a dosing loop into the carrier gas stream and transported to the chromatography column for separation and detection. A key advantage of the 7697A model is its overlapping equilibration algorithm. While one vial is being analyzed on the chromatograph, the device simultaneously heats and mixes up to 12 subsequent samples. This feature reduces the overall analysis time by up to 60% compared to sequential processing of each vial. The instrument is available in two configurations: the basic version accommodates 12 vials with a single heating position, suitable for laboratories with low sample throughput. The extended version is equipped with a 111-vial carousel (three replaceable cartridges with 36 positions each, plus three priority positions) and a 12-position air-filled thermostat, ensuring uniform heating of the entire sample batch. Replaceable cartridges allow loading the next batch of vials without interrupting the current analysis sequence. A built-in automatic leak check system tests each vial before analysis, confirming proper closure and the absence of leaks. This feature eliminates the loss of volatile components and ensures reliable quantitative results without the need for additional calibration. The sampler can be controlled either via the built-in keyboard or remotely via OpenLAB CDS, MassHunter, or ChemStation software. The instrument is also compatible with Waters Empower 2 and Empower 3 data acquisition systems.