QuAAtro39 AutoAnalyzer

High Performance Microflow Analyzer

Our highest-throughput segmented flow analyzer

The QuAAtro39 is the upright, microflow edition of the latest continuous flow analyzer models evolved from the original world-class Technicon Segmented Flow Analysis (SFA) systems. The system consists of an autosampler, a peristaltic pump, a chemistry manifold, a detector and data acquisition software. Sample and reagents are pumped continuously through the chemistry manifold where air bubbles are introduced at regular intervals forming unique reaction segments which are mixed using glass coils. The glass tubing is ideal, as it is inert, cleans easily, and enables easy visual checks.

In SFA, reactions run to completion and the ratio of sample to reagents in the detector reaches a constant maximum value. This results in ultra-low detection limits and exceptional reproducibility. Variations in reaction time, temperature and sample matrix do not affect the results as they do in other colorimetric techniques, such as flow injection analysis, where the reaction is not brought to completion.

The QuAAtro39 is a microflow SFA system, the internal diameter of all glassware being 1 mm. This reduces reagent consumption and increases throughput, with most methods running at 100 - 120 samples hour. The integrated enclosed manifold and detector are heated to 37° C. Flow stability is ensured as the optimal bubble frequency for each method is programmed by silent air valves.

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Why select the QuAAtro39?

Automation

High-speed analysis with microflow, up to 600 tests per hour on a 5-channel system
Automatic performance checks before, during, and after a run
ASX-series samplers designed by SEAL Analytical for improved segmented flow analysis sampling
Inline sample pretreatment including distillation, gas diffusion, dialysis, dilution, and digestion

Compliance

Segmented reaction stream allows for a complete reaction between reagents and sample for maximum sensitivity
LIMS-compatible software available in standard and GLP versions
Lower detection limits
24-bit high resolution detectors provide ultra-low detection limits and wide dynamic ranges
High-precision detection with bubble-through technology and LED light sources

Efficiency

Ability to add samples during the run
Faster analysis rates with microflow hydraulics capable
Heated chemistry manifolds eliminate need for heating baths
Multitest manifolds enable analysis of multiple parameters on a single channel, requiring only reagent and LED changes between tests
Easily transportable

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 QuAAtro39

Minimal Footprint and Easy Transportation

Inline sample preparation

In addition to analysis, the QuAAtro39 can perform all typical continuous flow sample prep and more, including distillation, digestion, dialysis, and dilution. Eliminate distillation entirely for analyses such as ammonia and cyanide with inline gas diffusion options for further streamlined analysis.

Low Reagent Usage

Utilizing segmented flow analysis and microflow glassware, the QuAAtro39 uses less reagent than other variations of continuous flow analysis. Segmented flow also brings the reaction to reach complete color formation, allowing the signal to reach a steady state for precise measurement.

Ultra-low detection limits

High resolution, dual beam LED digital photometers and unique flowcell engineering bring incredibly low detection limits to the QuAAtro39, making this system well-suited for seawater research and other low-level applications.

Maximum method flexibility

SEAL’s multi-test manifolds allow for a single QuAAtro39 channel to be used for multiple parameters. The same glassware and pump tube configurations remain in place between methods - simply pump rinse solution through the channel and swap out the detector’s LED to the desired wavelength. A single manifold also allows for multiple ranges depending on the current need.

Minimal Footprint and Easy Transportation

The QuAAtro39 has an incredibly small footprint, even at up to 5 channels, due to its upright design. With the pump, manifolds, and detectors all in one compact unit with handles, the QuAAtro is designed for portability between research labs and research ships for seawater analysis.

How the QuAAtro39 Works

Startup and Baselines

Samples are loaded and scheduled

Sampling begins

Reaction underway

Detection takes place

Post-run dilutions and shutdown

Step 1

Startup and Baselines

The system is powered on and wash solution is pumped through the manifold. After the baseline has stabilized, reagents are introduced through the peristaltic pump and into the manifold via flow-rated pump tubes. A stable baseline is achieved before analysis begins.

Step 2

Samples are loaded and scheduled

A sample list or sequence is entered into the software, either imported directly from LIMS or a spreadsheet, or entered manually. If using a syringe diluter, auto-dilution factors are assigned. Samples are loaded onto the sampler.

Step 3

Sampling begins

Once the run is started, the standards and samples are pulled sequentially through the sample probe by the peristaltic pump and flow-rated pump tubes. The sampler returns to the wash bath between samples for cleaning. The sample is split into multiple channels as it approaches the pump for simultaneous analysis of various analytes. As the sample enters the manifold, an air bubble is injected every 2 seconds to provide additional separation between samples.

Step 4

Reaction underway

As the samples pass through the manifold, precise volumes of reagents are injected at specific points, pulled through the peristaltic pump by their own flow-rated pump tubes. The reaction solution passes through a range of apparatuses in a heated chemistry manifold such as mixing coils, dialyzers, gas diffusion blocks, and more to facilitate the colorimetric reaction.

Step 5

Detection takes place

The reaction solution reaches peak color development before passing into the flowcell. Using a dual beam LED digital photometer, constant absorbance readings of the flow are measured and plotted on a chart in the AACE software in real time. As the colored reaction solution enters and leaves the detector, peaks are formed on the chart. Peak height is then measured and compared to the calibration to calculate a concentration value of the sample.

Step 6

Post-run dilutions and shutdown

After the run completes, over-range samples can be automatically diluted using a syringe diluter and reanalyzed if desired. At the end of the run, the pump can be programmed to a slow mode to reduce reagent use after the run is complete.

Powerful AACE Software

All instrument control and data acquisition are managed through powerful and intuitive SEAL AutoAnalyzer Control and Evaluation (AACE) software. Designed in-house at SEAL Analytical, AACE is compatible with Windows 7 - 11 and offers regular updates keeping up with new operating systems. Offering LIMS import and export compatibility and GLP-compliance, AACE is compatible with all laboratories' data-handling needs.

QuAAtro39 AutoAnalyzer Methods

Explore a wide range of our most common multi-test methods for environmental, agricultural, commercial, and other markets. Multi-test manifolds allow for a single channel to be used for any parameter on the same multi-test list, without any pump tubing, glassware, or manifold changes. Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact our team to discuss our full method options, including methods with gas diffusion, UV digestion, fluorometry, and more.

SEAL Analytical has more than 1,000 documented segmented flow analyzer methods, with new applications regularly being developed in our laboratories. USEPA, ASTM, ISO, AOAC, DIN, CORESTA and other international regulatory compliant methods available.

MT1 for Water

Analyte	SEAL Method #	Lowest Range	Highest Range
Alkalinity	Q021	0 - 80 mg/L as CaCO3	0 - 500 mg/L as CaCO3
Ammonia	Q022	0 - 0.3 mg/L as N	0 - 7 mg/L as N
Chloride	Q023	0 - 15 mg/L as Cl	0 - 200 mg/L as Cl
Hardness	Q059	0 - 200 mg/L as CaCO3	0 - 200 mg/L as CaCO3
Nitrate	Q044	0 - 0.15 mg/L as N	0 - 4.5 mg/L as N
Nitrate	Q123	0 - 0.5 mg/L as N	0 - 5 mg/L as N
Nitrate/Nitrite	Q020	0 - 0.2 mg/L as N	0 - 5 mg/L as N
Nitrite	Q019	0 - 0.2 mg/L as N	0 - 4 mg/L as N
Nitrogen, total Kjeldahl	Q024	0 - 0.5 mg/L as N	0 - 7.5 mg/L as N
Phosphate	Q025	0 - 0.4 mg/L as P	0 - 12 mg/L as P
Phosphorus, total Kjeldahl	Q026	0 - 0.5 mg/L as P	0 - 12 mg/L as P
Silicate	Q027	0 - 1.5 mg/L as SiO2	0 - 75 mg/L as SiO2

MT3A for Seawater and Low Level Water

Analyte	SEAL Method #	Lowest Range	Highest Range
Chloride	Q029	0 - 2 mg/L as Cl	0 - 250 mg/L as Cl
Nitrite	Q030	0 - 21 µg/L as N	0 - 2800 µg/L as N
Phosphate	Q031	0 - 62 µg/L as P	0 - 12 mg/L as P
Phosphate	Q125	0 - 2 µmol/L	0 - 32 µmol/L
Phosphorus, total	Q032	0 - 2 µmol/L	0 - 400 µmol/L
Phosphorus, total	Q114	0 - 150 μg/L as P	0 - 8000 μg/L as P
Phosphorus, total	Q134	0 - 500 µg/L as P	0 - 1 mg/L as P
Phosphorus, total Kjeldahl	Q085	0 - 250 µg/L as P	0 - 1000 µg/L as P

MT4 for Cyanide and Phenol with Inline Distillation

Analyte	SEAL Method #	Lowest Range	Highest Range
Cyanide	Q053	0 - 70 µg/L as CN	0 - 550 µg/L as CN
Phenol	Q052	0 - 250 µg/L as Phenol	0 - 7500 µg/L as Phenol

MT9 for Water and Wastewater with Inline Dialysis

Analyte	SEAL Method #	Lowest Range	Highest Range
Alkalinity	Q007	0 - 500 mg/L as CaCO3	0 - 500 mg/L as CaCO3
Ammonia	Q001	0 - 0.25 mg/L as N	0 - 110 mg/L as N
Calcium	Q010	0 - 10 mg/L as Ca	0 - 200 mg/L as Ca
Chloride	Q006	0 - 9 mg/L as Cl	0 - 650 mg/L as Cl
Hardness	Q012	0 - 70 mg/L as CaCO3	0 - 500 mg/L as CaCO3
Nitrate+Nitrite (Hydrazine Reduction)	Q002	0 - 0.25 mg/L as N	0 - 50 mg/L as N
Nitrate+Nitrite (Cadmium Reduction)	Q003	0 - 0.08 mg/L as N	0 - 30 mg/L as N
Nitrite	Q002	0 - 0.08 mg/L as N	0 - 50 mg/L as N
Nitrite	Q003	0 - 0.08 mg/L as N	0 - 30 mg/L as N
Nitrogen, total Kjeldahl	Q016	0 - 0.16 mg/L as N	0 - 45 mg/L as N
Phosphate	Q004	0 - 5 mg/L as P	0 - 100 mg/L as P
Phosphorus, total Kjeldahl	Q017	0 - 0.35 mg/L as P	0 - 165 mg/L as P
Silicate	Q005	0 - 0.5 mg/L as SiO2	0 - 650 mg/L as SiO2

MT10 for Water

Analyte	SEAL Method #	Lowest Range	Highest Range
Alkalinity	Q007	0 - 500 mg/L as CaCO3	0 - 500 mg/L as CaCO3
Ammonia	Q001	0 - 0.25 mg/L as N	0 - 8 mg/L as N
Chloride	Q006	0 - 9 mg/L as Cl	0 - 110 mg/L as Cl
Nitrate+Nitrite (Hydrazine Reduction)	Q002	0 - 0.25 mg/L as N	0 - 3 mg/L as N
Nitrate+Nitrite (Cadmium Reduction)	Q003	0 - 0.08 mg/L as N	0 - 3 mg/L as N
Nitrite	Q002	0 - 0.08 mg/L as N	0 - 3 mg/L as N
Nitrite	Q003	0 - 0.08 mg/L as N	0 - 3 mg/L as N
Nitrogen, total Kjeldahl	Q016	0 - 0.2 mg/L as N	0 - 5.5 mg/L as N
Phosphate	Q004	0 - 0.35 mg/L as P	0 - 6 mg/L as P
Phosphorus, total Kjeldahl	Q017	0 - 0.35 mg/L as P	0 - 10.5 mg/L as P
Silicate	Q005	0 - 0.5 mg/L as SiO2	0 - 60 mg/L as SiO2

MT28 for Water

Analyte	SEAL Method #	Lowest Range	Highest Range
Cyanide, free	Q061	0 - 500 µg/L as CN	0 - 500 µg/L as CN
Fluoride	Q062	0 - 1 mg/L as F	0 - 15 mg/L as F
Phenol	Q060	0 - 200 µg/L	0 - 37500 µg/L

MT31 for Seawater and Low Level Water

Analyte	SEAL Method #	Lowest Range	Highest Range
Ammonia	Q084	0 - 140 µg/L as N	0 - 25 mg/L as N

Other models

AutoAnalyzer II (Legacy System)

Introduced in 1969, the Technicon AutoAnalyzer II was the 20th century's best known and most successful Continuous Flow Automated Analyzer, and the instrument that most EPA methods reference. Predecessor to the SEAL Analytical AA3 and AA500, it laid the groundwork for the widespread popularity of segmented flow analysis.

Learn more

AA3 HR AutoAnalyzer (Legacy System)

Succeeded by the AA500, the AA3 AutoAnalyzer brought segmented flow analysis into the Digital Age. Following the success of the AutoAnalyzer II from Technicon and Bran+Luebbe, the AA3 and AA3 HR became the standard automated analyzer for nutrient analysis in seawater and tobacco analysis, and a key system for water, wastewater, drinking water, fertilizer, soil, and plant analysis.

Learn more

AA100 AutoAnalyzer

The compact, dual-channel AA100 auto analyzer is the ideal chemistry analyzer for laboratories running only 1 or 2 dedicated chemistries. Like the bigger AA500 AutoAnalyzer, it is designed specifically to meet the needs of environmental and industrial testing laboratories.

Learn more

AA500 AutoAnalyzer

The AA500 is the top-of-the-line AutoAnalyzer incorporating the latest innovations to deliver your laboratory the freedom of total automation while achieving very high precision and the lowest detections levels. The AA500 is the AutoAnalyzer you’ve been waiting for- total automation, ultralow detection, multitest chemistries, high throughput.

Learn more

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the throughput of SEAL Analytical’s continuous flow analyzers?

Our continuous flow analyzers can analyze samples at up to 120 samples/hour per channel, for a total of up to 600 tests per hour.

What is the advantage of injecting air bubbles in segmented flow analysis?

Our continuous flow analyzers utilize segmented flow analysis, injecting controlled bubbles at a regular interval which provides several benefits. The bubbles reduce carryover by adding physical separation between sample and wash solution, they improve the mixing of sample and reagent in-between air bubbles, they scrub the inner surface of the glass coils as the move along, and they provide a visual of the flow through the system for easy fluidic checks.

How does segmented flow analysis compare to flow injection analysis?

Segmented flow analysis and flow injection analysis are both types of continuous flow analysis. In segmented flow analysis, a gas bubble is injected into the sample stream at regular intervals (see question above). In flow injection analysis, samples an reagents are pumped into a manifold under pressure without any air bubble injection. Each type of continuous flow analysis uses different methods for analyzing the peaks charted as samples pass through the detector. We discuss these differences in detail here.

What maintenance is involved on a segmented flow analyzer?

With minimal moving parts, segmented flow analysis has an advantage in requiring little routine maintenance. The maintenance involved includes rinsing out the channels after each run using the defined cleaning protocols for the chemistry ran on the instrument, releasing the platen so the pump tubes are not compressed when not in use, changing the flow-rated pump tubes at 200 hours of use, and keeping the pump clean and lubricated. Each SEAL analyzer comes with checklists and visual guides for these easy procedures, and our technical support team is always happy to assist with any questions.