AQ300 Discrete Analyzer

Our compact and economic discrete analyzer for minimal footprint and high versatility.

Product Overview

The SEAL AQ300 discrete analyzer offers the same benefits as the AQ400 discrete analyzer in a smaller footprint and with lower sample throughput, making it the ideal solution for laboratories with limited space and smaller workloads. The AQ300 is the direct replacement to the AQ1 discrete analyzer, keeping the low profile while offering improved ease-of-maintenance, a dedicated aspiration wash bath, reagent-level detection, increased throughput, and more.

Designed specifically for nutrient analysis on environmental samples, the AQ300 can measure many different parameters from one sample. Samples are read in an optically pure quartz cuvette to ensure the best possible reproducibility and lowest detection limits.

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Why select the AQ400?

Automation

True unattended operation with the ability to run overnight
Automated standard preparation and dilution of over-range samples
True automated sample blanking for background color correction
Automated sample spiking

Compliance

No carryover or cross-contamination
Standard 10 mm quartz cuvette
Lower detection limits
Chemical reaction brought to full completion emulating manual and segmented flow methods

Efficiency

Ultra-low reagent consumption
Ability to add samples after the run has started
Easy maintenance & easy-change syringe
Small footprint saves bench space real estate

Support

Visual manuals and descriptive checklists
Immediate support available from SEAL chemists via email, phone, screenshare, or video call
In-depth training during installation
Guides and webinars available for continued learning

Highlights of the AQ300

Lower Detection Limits & Higher Reproducibility

Cadmium Reduction for Wider Matrix Compatibility

Lower Detection Limits & Higher Reproducibility

An optically pure quartz cuvette provides a 10mm pathlength for maximum sensitivity and lower detection limits. Quartz is superior to styrene for sample analysis, ensuring excellent precision.

Minimal Reagent Usage

SEAL discrete analyzers use just 20 - 400 μL of reagent per test, lowering reagent costs and consumption as well as potential hazardous waste. On-board reagent cooling keeps reagents fresh through long testing periods, and built-in reagent level sensors ensure sufficient volumes for the tests before the run starts. Expiration dates are tracked in the software to remind analysts when it’s time to remake a solution.

Inexpensive Consumables

With detection taking place in a 10 mm flow-through quartz cuvette rather than in reaction wells, consumable costs are significantly lowered as reaction wells are not used in the optical read. Constant heating and a programmable reaction time ensure reactions reach completion before transfer from the reaction well to the cuvette.

Cadmium Reduction for Wider Matrix Compatibility

All SEAL discrete analyzers can run all types of nitrate reduction for colorimetric analysis of nitrate. Our most popular method is cadmium reduction due to the low cost and ability to handle a wide-range of sample types including wastewater, drinking water, industrial, and seawater samples. With cadmium reduction, all hazardous waste is contained in solid form in the cadmium coil for easier, safer disposal, rather than liquid form in other reduction methods. The cadmium coil can be regenerated in-line automatically, saving valuable analyst time.

Eliminate cross-contamination

A feature unique to SEAL discrete analyzers, our probe washer moves with the sample probes wiping the probe clean before moving to a new location, eliminating cross-contamination of samples, reagents, and diluents.

How the AQ300 Works

Samples and reagents are loaded and scheduled

Reaction preparation begins

Incubation and color development

Aspiration and detection

Cleaning of the quartz cuvette

Dilution of over-range samples

Review of data and export to LIMS

Step 1

Samples and reagents are loaded and scheduled

An analyst loads a reagent tray and a sample tray with necessary standards, controls, samples, and reagents for the tests desired. The analyst has the option of importing the test schedule from LIMS, using a handheld barcode scanner, or manually entering sample info and tests into the software to create a test schedule.

Step 2

Reaction preparation begins

Using a sample arm and high-precision syringe, the AQ400 aspirates and dispenses exact volumes of sample and reagent, dispensing into a dedicated reaction well for each sample test. The desired level of mixing occurs in the same reaction well. Any auto-dilutions assigned to samples are performed as the sample is dispensed into the reaction well - no additional sample cups or reaction wells are needed for assigned dilutions to take place.

Step 3

Incubation and color development

The reaction wells are heated to a set temperature, providing the necessary heat for some colorimetric reactions to take place as well as ensuring all reactions are temperature-controlled and equally treated. The reaction solution incubates for the programmed reaction time of the test as the sample arm continues preparing reactions.

Step 4

Aspiration and detection

As soon as the reaction solution completes its programmed reaction time, the aspiration probe transfers the solution out of the reaction well and into a 10 mm flow-through quartz cuvette using a peristaltic pump for steady intake. A lamp set inside of a rotating wavelength filter wheel is used to measure the absorbance of the reaction at the programmed wavelength. The absorbance is read and output to the system’s software where it is recorded and calculated as a concentration value.

Step 5

Cleaning of the quartz cuvette

The aspiration probe submerges in a wash bath and uses high-speed rinses of DI water and air to clean the quartz cuvette in preparation for the next reaction read.

Step 6

Dilution of over-range samples

If programmed, the system will dilute any over-range samples at the end of the run - using either a pre-programmed dilution factor or calculating the best dilution factor based on the sample’s absorbance. Over-range dilution sequences can be programmed to bracket with controls, ensuring quality assurance throughout the entirety of the run.

Step 7

Review of data and export to LIMS

All sample results are displayed and fully observable as soon as the sample is analyzed. The analyst can review the completed data in the AQ software before exporting to LIMS. Export files are fully customizable ensuring integration with any LIMS program.

Samples and reagents are loaded and scheduled

Software designed for chemists

Experience an intuitive software design for analyzer operation and streamlined data-handling. From import/export features for any LIMS, to a tab-based, familiar user-interface; our software is designed in-house for short learning curves, high functionality, and data integrity for regulated laboratories.

Discrete Analyzer Methods

Explore a wide range of our most common methods for environmental, agricultural, industrial, and other markets. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact our team to review our full method options.

EPA Methods

Analyte	Method Detection Limit	Equivalence
Alkalinity	6.5 mg CaCO₃/L (Range: 10 to 100 mg CaCO3/L) 8.0 mg CaCO3/L (Range: 15 to 200 mg CaCO3/L) 16 mg CaCO3/L (Range: 50 to 500 mg CaCO3/L)	EPA 310.2 (1974)
Ammonia (phenate reagent)	0.004 mg N/L (Range: 0.02 - 2.0 mg N/L) 0.04 mg N/L (Range: 0.2 - 10 mg N/L)	EPA 350.1 (1993) SM 4500-NH3 F,G,H
Ammonia (phenate reagent, for brackish waters)	0.07 mg N/L (Range: 0.2 to 5.0 mg N/L)	EPA 350.1 (1993) SM 4500-NH3 F,G,H
Ammonia (salicylate reagent)	0.002 mg N/L (Range: 0.02 - 1.0 mg N/L) 0.005 mg N/L (Range: 0.1 - 5.0 mg N/L) 0.011 mg N/L (Range: 0.2 - 10 mg N/L) 0.18 mg N/L (Range: 1.0 - 100 mg N/L)	EPA 350.1 (1993) SM 4500-NH3 F,G,H
Chloride	0.3 mg N/L (Range: 2.0 - 100 mg Cl/L) 0.4 mg N/L (Range: 5.0 - 200 mg Cl/L)	SM 4500-Cl E
Chromium, Hexavalent	0.0005 mg Cr(VI)/L (Range: 0.003 - 0.5 mg Cr(VI)/L) 0.011 mg Cr(VI)/L (Range: 0.3 - 5.0 mg Cr(VI)/L)	SM 4500-Cr B
Color (480 nm)	2 Color Units (Range: 5 - 150 Color Units)	SM 2120 B,C
Color (450 nm)	2 Color Units (Range: 2 - 150 Color Units)	SM 2120 B,C
Cyanide, Total (Distillation Required)	0.7 μg CN/L (Range: 2.0 – 250 μg CN/L)	EPA 335.4, Rev 1 (1993)SM 4500-CN E,N
Hardness, Total	10 mg CaCO3 /L (Range: 25 – 400 mg CaCO3/L)	EPA 130.1 (1971)
Nitrogen, Total Kjeldahl (TKN, Cu Catalyst or Hg Catalyst Kjeldahl Digestion Required)	0.04 mg N/L (Range: 0.25 – 10 mg N/L) 0.05 mg N/L (Range: 0.5 – 25 mg N/L)	EPA 351.2, Rev 2 (1993) SM 4500-N_org D
Nitrate + Nitrite (Cadmium Reduction, Ammonium Chloride Buffer)	0.003 mg N/L (Range: 0.012 - 2.0 mg N/L) 0.007 mg N/L (Range: 0.04 - 5.0 mg N/L) 0.03 mg N/L (Range: 0.25 - 15 mg N/L)	EPA 353.2, Rev 2 (1993) SM 4500-NO3 E,F,I
Nitrate + Nitrite (Cadmium Reduction, Imidazole Buffer)	0.004 mg N/L (Range: 0.012 - 2.0 mg N/L)	EPA 353.2, Rev 2 (1993) SM 4500-NO3 E,F,I
Nitrate + Nitrite (Hydrazine Reduction)	0.005 mg N/L (Range: 0.02 - 1.5 mg N/L) 0.03 mg N/L (Range: 0.2 - 5.0 mg N/L)	EPA 353.1(1978) SM 4500-NO3 H
Nitrate + Nitrite (Vanadium (III) Chloride Reduction)	0.004 mg N/L (Range: 0.025 - 1.0 mg N/L)	Easy (1-Reagent) Nitrate Method (2011)
Nitrite (with Buffer Addition)	0.0001 mg N/L (Range: 0.0009 - 0.2 mg N/L) 0.0008 mg N/L (Range: 0.015 - 1.5 mg N/L)	EPA 353.2, Rev 2 (1993) SM 4500-NO3 E,F,I
Nitrite (no Buffer Addition)	0.0002 mg N/L (Range: 0.001 - 0.2 mg N/L) 0.0005 mg N/L (Range: 0.015 - 1.5 mg N/L)	SM 4500-NO2 B
Phenolics (Distillation Required)	0.002 mg Phenol/L (Range: 0.005 - 0.25 mg Phenol/L)	EPA 420.1 (1978) EPA 420.4, Rev 1 (1993) SM 5530 D
Phosphate, ortho	0.0004 mg P/L (Range: 0.003 - 0.2 mg P/L) 0.0015 mg P/L (Range: 0.005 - 1.0 mg P/L) 0.005 mg P/L (Range: 0.05 - 5.0 mg P/L) 0.013 mg P/L (Range: 0.125 - 12.5 mg P/L)	EPA 365.1, Rev 2 (1993) EPA 365.3 (1978) SM 4500-P E,F,G,H
Phosphorus, Total (TP, Persulfate Digestion Required)	0.003 mg P/L (Range: 0.01 - 1.0 mg P/L) 0.006 mg P/L (Range: 0.05 - 5.0 mg P/L)	EPA 365.1, Rev 2 (1993) EPA 365.3 (1978) SM 4500-P E,F,G,H
Phosphorus, Total Kjeldahl (TKP, Hg Catalyst Kjeldahl Digestion Required)	0.007 mg P/L (Range: 0.04 - 3.2 mg P/L)	EPA 365.4 (1974)
Phosphorus, Total Kjeldahl (TKP, Cu Catalyst Kjeldahl Digestion Required)	0.009 mg P/L (Range: 0.04 - 3.2 mg P/L)	EPA 365.4 (1974)
Silica (No Reduction)	0.1 mg silica/L (Range: 0.25 - 25 mg silica/L)	SM 4500-SiO2 C
Silica (with ANSA Reduction)	0.0042 mg silica/L (Range: 0.1 - 10 mg silica/L)	SM 4500-SiO2 D,E,F
Sulfate	1.0 mg/L (5.0 - 40 mg/L)	ASTM D516-02,07,11,16
Sulfate (use of gelatin as suspension agent)	0.09 mg/L (5.0 - 40 mg/L)	ASTM D516-02,07,11,16

ISO Methods

Analyte	Method Detection Limit	Equivalence
Ammonia	0.003 mg N/L (Range: 0.01 to 1.0 mg N/L)	ISO 7150-1
Calcium	0.23 mg/L (Range: 4 - 200 mg/L)	ISO 15923-2
Chloride	1.4 mg Cl/L (Range: 5 - 400 mg Cl/L)	ISO 15682
Colour	1 mg Pt/L (Range: 1 - 100 mg Pt/L)	ISO 7887:2011(E)
Fluoride	0.022 mg F/L (Range: 0.08 - 2.5 mg F/L) 0.05 mg F/L (Range: 0.2 - 5.0 mg F/L)	ISO/DTA 15923-2
Magnesium	0.2 mg/L (Range: 0.4 - 20 mg/L)	ISO 15923-2
Nitrate + Nitrite (Cadmium Reduction)	0.01 mg N/L (Range: 0.1 - 6.0 mg N/L)	ISO/DIS 15923-1
Nitrate + Nitrite (Hydrazine Reduction)	0.0012 mg N/L (Range: 0.005 - 0.5 mg N/L) 0.008 mg N/L (Range: 0.1 - 6.0 mg N/L	ISO/DIS 15923-1
Nitrite	0.0003 mg N/L (Range: 0.02 - 1.0 mg N/L)	ISO/DIS 15923-1
Phosphate	0.002 mg P/L (Range: 0.006 - 1.0 mg P/L)	ISO 6878
Silicate	0.016 mg Si/L (Range: 0.05 - 6.0 mg Si/L)	ISO/DIS 15923-1
Sulfate	0.42 mg/L (Range: 4.0 - 200 mg/L)	ISO/DIS 15923-1

Agricultural Methods

Analyte	Extract	Method Detection Limit
Ammonia	2 M KCl	0.021 mg N/L (Range: 0.2 - 10 mg N/L)
Nitrate + Nitrite (Cadmium Reduction)	2 M KCl	0.015 mg N/L (Range: 0.06 - 5.0 mg N/L) 0.022 mg N/L (Range: 0.2 - 10 mg N/L)
Nitrate + Nitrite (Cadmium Reduction)	0.1 M K₂SO₄	0.01 mg N/L (Range: 0.05 - 5.0 mg N/L)
Phosphate, available (P₂O₅)	Lancaster	0.006 mg P/L (Range: 1.0 - 25 mg P/L)
Phosphate, ortho	Bray's P1 or P2, or similar extract	0.015 mg P/L (Range: 0.05 - 5.0 mg P/L)
Phosphate, ortho	DI Water	0.13 mg P₂O₅/L (Range: 7 - 350 mg P₂O₅)
Phosphate, ortho	Modified Morgan's or similar acetate/acetic acid extract	0.01 mg P/L (Range: 0.2 - 8.0 mg P/L)
Phosphate, ortho	Olsen 0.5 M sodium bicarbonate extract	0.01 mg P/L (Range: 0.1 - 5.0 mg P/L)
Phosphate, ortho	2 M KCl	0.04 mg P/L (Range: 0.1 - 5.0 mg P/L)
Phosphorus	Acetic acid	0.5 mg P/L (Range: 10.0 - 1000 mg P/L)
Silica, available	Acetic acid	0.25 mg SiO₂/L (Range: 1.0 - 15 mg SiO₂/L)
Sulfate	KH₂PO₄, or similar extraction	0.75 mg SO₄/L (Range: 5.0 - 40 mg SO₄/L)

Seawater Methods

Analyte	Method Detection Limit	Range	Equivalence
Ammonia	0.42 μM	1.4 - 71 μM	EPA 350.1, Ver 2 (1993), SM 4500-NH3 G
Nitrite	0.023 μM	0.07 - 14 μM	EPA 353.2, Ver 2 (1993), SM 4500-NO2 B
Nitrate + Nitrite (Cadmium Reduction)	0.125 μM	0.71 – 71.4 μM	EPA 353.2, Ver 2 (1993), SM 4500-NO3 E,F,I
Phosphate, ortho	0.015 μM	0.1 – 7.0 μM	EPA 365.1, Ver 2 (1993), SM 4500-P F
Silica (Reactive Silica)	0.011 mg silica/L	0.1 – 10.0 mg silica/L	SM 4500-SiO₂ D

Other models

AQ2 Discrete Analyzer (Legacy System)

Succeeded by the AQ400, the AQ2 was our original discrete analyzer for automated, compact, benchtop colorimetric analysis. Renowned for its durability, ease-of-use, and flexibility for multiple analyses, the AQ2 built the trusted reputation SEAL Analytical has today.

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AQ400 Discrete Analyzer

Our flagship discrete analyzer, the AQ400 is designed for mid-sized laboratories looking to increase their testing capacity and throughputs. Leveraging advanced robotics for fast sample preparation, the AQ400 is ideal for applications where multiple varied tests are needed on different samples in a short period of time.

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AQ700 Discrete Analyzer

The AQ700 is the highest throughput and highest capacity discrete analyzer offered by Seal Analytical. The system has four robotic arms and four sample trays which allow for a long walkaway time and unattended operation for laboratories with the highest testing demands.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Below, we’ve listed a few frequently asked questions that will help you better understand our Discrete Analyzers. If you don’t find the answer you're looking for, please don't hesitate to contact our support team for further assistance.

Why do SEAL discrete analyzers use a dedicated quartz cuvette rather than individual styrene cuvettes?

SEAL Analytical’s AQ analyzers come standard with a 10 mm quartz flow-through cuvette used for all readings on the system. This material ensures the highest optical purity at detection. As the detector is entirely stationary rather than rotating to different wells, there is no added variance from changes in detector alignment. Additionally, each sample is analyzed in the same cuvette rather than individual wells, eliminating a critical variable in analysis conditions.

What benefits does a probe washer bring to a discrete analyzer?

The traveling probe washer, unique to all SEAL discrete analyzers, ensures the sample probe is wiped clean and free of droplets before each sample probe movement. This ensures droplets are not falling off the sample probe into reaction wells, sample cups, reagent containers, etc as the sample probe moves to different locations. Additionally, it provides extra cleaning to the outside of the probe to further eliminate cross-contamination. The traveling probe washer is accompanied by a stationary wash bath for additional sample probe cleaning between crucial reaction steps.

How do SEAL Discrete Analyzers prevent carryover while using the same cuvette for each analysis?

Most carryover in discrete analysis happens during reaction preparation, but SEAL’s dual washing system described above eliminates this risk. At detection, high-speed water flushes alternating with air thoroughly clean the quartz cuvette, inspired by the proven rinsing method of our continuous flow analyzers.

Can AQ discrete analyzers run multiple parameters in a single run?

Yes. Multiple parameters can be defined on the same samples, or different samples during the same run. This is all defined in the accompanying software that allows the analyst to define which parameters are analyzed on which samples.

What is the capacity of your discrete analyzers?

AQ300: up to 97 sample positions; 18 reagent positions; 180 reaction positions

AQ400: up to 120 sample positions; 26 reagent positions; 216 reaction positions

AQ700: up to 424 sample positions, 24 reagent positions; 848 reaction positions

Do AQ discrete analyzers have hardware integrated to analyze for Nitrate+Nitrite by cadmium reduction?

Yes, all AQ discrete analyzers are equipped with the ability to run Nitrate+Nitrite by cadmium reduction, in addition to other common reduction pathways including hydrazine sulfate, vanadium (III) chloride, and enzymatic reduction. A tubular cadmium coil is fitted in a dedicated loop so only sample and buffer pass through the cadmium coil during the reduction step of a Nitrate+Nitrite test. All other tests bypass the cadmium coil so that the cadmium coil can always be installed on the system.

Do AQ Discrete Analyzer offer in-line pre- and post-dilutions?

Yes, all SEAL discrete analyzers offer auto-dilution capabilities. Dilutions can be assigned to samples before the run for the analyzer to dilute the samples immediately before analysis. As an additional option, over-range samples can be flagged by the software for auto-dilution at the end of the run. The software allows for dilution factors and post-run quality control bracketing for dilutions to be customizable by test, ensuring you meet your compliance requirements.

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AQ300 Discrete Analyzer

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