What is an Autosampler? Types, Benefits, and Applications

A water and wastewater autosampler is a cornerstone of modern analytical instrumentation. It automates the process of sample collection for introduction into analytical systems. 

Autosamplers perform precise, repetitive sampling operations with consistency that surpasses manual capabilities. Their integration into laboratory workflows, particularly in applications like effluent automatic sampling, has transformed how facilities approach sample analysis. 

An autosampler's fundamental operation centers on automated sample collection. The system typically consists of a sample tray or carousel that holds multiple sample vials, a robotic arm or transfer mechanism, and a precise injection system. This hardware works in concert with sophisticated software that controls sampling parameters, injection volumes, and sequence timing.

Key Components and Operation

Key components include: 

• Sample storage compartments (refrigerated when necessary).
• Precision injection mechanisms.
• Washing stations to prevent cross-contamination.
• Interface connections to analytical instruments.
• Programming systems for method development.​
  

Types of Autosamplers

Several types of autosamplers serve different analytical needs: 

• Sequential Samplers: Collect individual samples at predetermined time intervals or when triggered by specific events, enabling detailed temporal analysis of water quality changes.
• Composite Samplers: Automatically combine multiple samples over extended periods, providing average concentrations of pollutants and reducing analytical costs.
• Portable Samplers: Battery-powered units designed for temporary or mobile applications, ideal for field studies and locations without permanent power access.
• Refrigerated Samplers: Feature built-in refrigeration systems to maintain sample integrity for extended periods, crucial for regulatory compliance and warm climate applications.​
  

Benefits of Automated Sampling

The benefits of automated sampling extend across laboratory operations: 

• Productivity Enhancement: Autosamplers enable unattended operation around the clock, dramatically increasing sample throughput while reducing the need for manual intervention. This automation allows laboratory staff to focus on more complex analytical tasks while the autosampler handles routine sampling operations.
• Quality Improvements: By eliminating human variability in the sampling process, autosamplers deliver exceptional precision and reproducibility. The standardized sampling procedures ensure consistent results regardless of operator, time of day, or sample complexity, while built-in cleaning protocols minimize cross-contamination risks.
• Operational Efficiency: Automated sampling reduces operational costs through decreased labor requirements, minimized sample and reagent waste, and extended instrument lifetimes. The standardized operation provided by autosamplers helps protect valuable analytical instruments while optimizing resource utilization across the laboratory.
  

Industry Appl​​ications

Teledyne ISCO water and wastewater products are used in urban, agricultural and industrial settings, in both private and public applications, to measure flow rates and collect samples of raw wastewater (sewage), recovered (treated) wastewater, and stormwater. In addition, they are used in the collection and treatment of industrial wastewater resulting from production processes. 

Our products include area velocity flowmeters and pertinent accessories to measure the flowrate and quantity of raw and treated wastewater, stormwater and industrial effluent in open channel and partially filled pipe for a variety of purposes, including billing, process control, inflow/infiltration studies, modeling, and permit related reporting. We also provide automatic samplers for a variety of applications for use in permitting and for meeting wastewater-based surveillance requirements.

Wastewater C​ollection Applications

• Billing/Custody Transfer
• Capacity Assessment
• Inflow & Infiltration (I&I)
• Sanitary Sewer Evaluation Studies (SSES)
• Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO)
• Sanitary Sewer Overflow (SSO)
• Wastewater Disease Surveillance​
  

Teledyne ISCO Water

Water issues around the world are quickly evolving, and developing complete solutions to the broad variety of challenges we face is vital. 

Teledyne ISCO Water has been a leader in the innovative design and production of ruggedly built, technologically advanced, accurate and dependable water, wastewater and stormwater autosamplers, flowmeters and supporting technologies for decades. Our data and communications products and services provide information. 

Teledyne Water's combined efforts offer products and services addressing the current and developing needs of the various water industry segments across an entire spectrum of scientific innovation and manufacturing. From flowmeters to water quality analytical instrumentation, automatic samplers, level measurement, and water data management intelligence, Teledyne Water offers a broad range of products and services addressing the diverse needs of the water, wastewater and stormwater markets.  

Based in Lincoln, Nebraska, ISCO is known in the United States, the United Kingdom and around the world for its valued and respected products and services. ISCO markets include water and wastewater collection and treatment, stormwater management, and industrial wastewater applications. 

We take pride in the fact our products are used by our customers to improve the environment and protect the quality of life on Earth. Explore all ISCO has to offer and gain expert solutions to your application needs and challenges by contacting your local ISCO representative or distributor, or by reaching out to the experts at Teledyne ISCO Water directly.

Frequently Aske​​​d Questions

What does a water and wastewater autosam​pler do?

An autosampler automates the process of water, wastewater and stormwater sample collection for introduction into analytical systems. Autosamplers perform precise, repetitive sampling operations with consistency that surpasses manual capabilities.

What is a composite sample for​​ wastewater?

A composite sample contains a collection of samples over an extended period of time in one receptacle, providing average concentrations of pollutants and reducing analytical costs.

What type of sampling i​​s done for wastewater?

"Wastewater" is a catch-all term for industrial waste, sewage and other sources. "Grab sampling," also known as "sequential sampling," collects individual samples at predetermined time intervals or when triggered by specific events, enabling detailed temporal analysis of water quality changes. "Composite sampling" automatically combines multiple samples over extended periods, providing average concentrations of pollutants and reducing analytical costs.