Customization

Looking for a customized CTC PAL3 autosampler?
The IsoJT PAL3 Option expands your PAL3's capabilities, enabling headspace sampling from Isojar®, Isotube®, and bottles..

PAL IsoJT Option: Why We Developed It

One of our clients requested an automated solution for Isotopic Hydrocarbon Analysis, focusing on the light hydrocarbons in gases and liquids from fracking during Oil & Gas exploration.

Samples are collected in specific tubes and jars (originally paint containers). The gases and liquids (clay/water/oil mixtures) are analyzed using GC-IRMS (Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry). Boxes containing 25 isotubes/jars are typically shipped from the extraction site to the lab, but sample extraction and analysis are time-consuming.

Our solution: how it works

Our system automatically transfers gas from Isotubes® and Isojars® to the GC-MS using a special accessory called the IsoJT Tool.

The IsoJT PAL3 Option is a customized solution by ALFATECH S.p.A. for the CTC PAL3 autosampler (RTC model). ISOJAR® and ISOTUBE® are registered trademarks of ISOTECH®.

-Isotubes: These are first pressurized with N₂, allowing the inert gas and sample mixture to be transferred.

– IsoJars: By attaching the TOOL to an injection port, similar to an Isotube, an inert diaphragm pump draws and transfers the jar’s headspace to the GC-MS system.

The system can hold up to 24 jars or 43 tubes per analysis. A sample loop is installed on the GC and is synchronized with the sample transfer timing. Wash cycles are available to prevent carryover, and purging cycles between tubes are also possible.

Market focus & Key Benefits

Oil & Gas
Petroleum Analysis Systems
Storage Systems and Services for the Oil & Gas Industry

Manual analysis is often time-consuming (a GC-IRMS analysis can take up to 45 minutes per sample), and transferring samples from jars (which contain about 10% gas and 90% sludge) can lead to losses, making sample preparation complex.

The Option system can handle up to 43 isotubes and 24 Isojars per program.

Tubes and jars can be loaded without any preliminary preparation, taking approximately 5 minutes.

PSC methods and dedicated models are available. The IsoJT Tool is tested for pressures up to 3 bar. The N2 wash cycle minimizes carryover, and there is the option to select between two different pressure levels.