OPTIC 3 injector: performance and versatility for gas chromatography
The OPTIC 3 is a state-of-the-art GC injector developed by GL Sciences to offer a complete and flexible solution for chemical analysis laboratories. Unlike standard injectors, which are often limited in functionality, the OPTIC 3 incorporates a sophisticated temperature and gas flow control system, allowing total control of the injection process. It is designed to minimise sample discrimination and reduce thermal degradation, while ensuring excellent reproducibility, even with complex or "dirty" samples.
Five configurations are available: OPTIC 3-S (basic model), OPTIC 3-D (with auxiliary gas channel), OPTIC 3-SC and OPTIC 3-DC (with cryotrap), and OPTIC 3-PTV (simplified version without gas channel).
Gas and temperature control
The OPTIC 3 stands out thanks to its electronic gas control system. The S and SC models have a main channel, while the D and DC models add an auxiliary channel. The main channel incorporates a flow sensor, an electronic flow controller and a pressure controller, enabling precise control of the carrier gas flow, split flow and injection pressure. The system uses a GC oven temperature sensor to improve the accuracy of flow calculations.
The auxiliary channel can be configured to control the flow or pressure in a user-selected part of the system, such as the purge septum. This flexibility allows the injector to be adapted to a wide variety of methods and applications.
Compatibility, local and remote control
The OPTIC 3 is compatible with most GC and GC-MS instruments on the market. It can be controlled locally via a multifunction keyboard and LCD screen, or remotely via the Evolution Workstation software. Up to ten methods can be stored in the control unit, and three sequences can be defined locally. The software also allows automatic optimisation sequences to be created and methods to be converted to Expert mode for total control of parameters.
Expert mode allows up to nine segments of temperature, column flow and split, as well as the programming of timed events on seven auxiliary outputs. Negative temperature ramps can also be used and the injector cooling can be configured.
Advanced features and cryotrap
The OPTIC 3 can integrate a solvent sensor in the split line, allowing automatic control of the solvent purge time. It also offers options such as solvent cooling effect, floating end temperature, and cooling valve control.
The SC and DC models include an electronically controlled cryotrap, allowing analytes to be concentrated at the column inlet by rapid cooling, followed by rapid heating for efficient desorption. The cryotrap is compatible with all standard OPTIC 3 methods and improves peak shape and reproducibility.
